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A Home Inspection Report Should Give You Context, Not Just a Count
A home inspection report shouldn't just list problems. See how severity levels, tags, photos, and a system-by-system breakdown turn 61 findings into a clear plan.
Sean Struckmeyer
16 hours ago7 min read


Property Condition Documentation: The Cheapest Protection Your Rental Will Get
An independent, dated record of a property's condition for Missouri landlords, managers, and investors. See how a move-in/move-out record protects your return.
Sean Struckmeyer
3 days ago5 min read


Keep Your Outdoor A/C Unit Clean: A Simple Fix for Muddy Missouri Rain
A dirty outdoor A/C unit quietly costs you cooling and energy. Here's why Missouri rain is often the cause, and a cheap fix any homeowner can do in an afternoon.
Sean Struckmeyer
5 days ago5 min read


Backflow Preventers on Your Main Water Line: What They Do, and Why the Rules Depend on Your Water Provider
What a main-line backflow preventer does, why it protects the public water supply, and how Missouri backflow requirements come down to your local water provider.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 2814 min read


How Long Does a Radon Test Take During a Home Inspection?
A radon test runs a minimum of 48 hours. Learn how long radon testing takes, how it fits your inspection timeline, and how to prepare for an accurate result.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 269 min read


The First-Year Home Maintenance Blueprint: What to Do After the Inspector Leaves
A first-year home maintenance checklist for new homeowners: move-in tasks, HVAC filters, water heater flushing, gutters, and a season-by-season schedule.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 2112 min read


Is It Mold? How to Read a Surface Sample Lab Report (and the Truth About "Toxic Mold")
What looks like mold can only be confirmed by a lab. See how to read a mold surface sample report, what "toxic mold" really means, and what spore counts tell you.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 1911 min read


What Does "As-Is" Really Mean When Buying a House?
"As-is" doesn't mean skip the inspection. See what as-is really means for Missouri buyers, your inspection rights, and how it ties to your risk tolerance.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 175 min read


How Long Does a Roof Last? Roofing Lifespans and How to Budget for Replacement
A roof is a wear item like car tires. Learn typical asphalt shingle lifespans, the signs of an aging roof, and how to budget for replacement in Missouri.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 1413 min read


The InterNACHI Buy-Back Guarantee: What It Is and Why It Comes With Every Buyer Inspection
The InterNACHI Buy-Back Guarantee: if a participating inspector misses a covered defect, InterNACHI buys the home. How it works, what it covers, and the limits.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 1210 min read


Kickout Flashing: The Small Part That Prevents Water Damage
Kickout flashing diverts roof water into the gutter instead of behind your siding. See what it is, why a missing one causes hidden damage, and a real example.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 76 min read


Before Your Home Inspection, Decide What Would Make You Walk Away
Before your home inspection, decide your deal breakers. Learn the red flags most likely to end a deal and how to set your non-negotiables as a Missouri home buyer.
Sean Struckmeyer
Aug 57 min read


Brick Veneer and Moisture: What's Behind Your Brick, and Why You Should Never Cut Off a Weep
Brick veneer isn't waterproof — it's a drainage wall. See what the WRB and weep holes do, and why cutting off the rope wicks in your brick traps water inside.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 319 min read


Polybutylene Pipe: How to Spot It, Why It Fails, and What It Costs to Replace
Polybutylene pipe can fail without warning. Learn how to tell it from PEX, why it's a concern, what a whole-home repipe costs, and how it affects insurance.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 299 min read


How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? (And What Happens When You Don't)
Change a 1-inch air filter monthly and a 4-inch every 4–6 months — shorter with pets. See what a clogged or missing filter does to your HVAC system.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 2410 min read


Buying a Home With Prior Foundation Repairs? Get the Paperwork and the Warranty: Before You Close
Buying a home with prior foundation repair? Get the repair records, engineer's report, and a transferable warranty before closing. A Missouri buyer's guide.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 227 min read


Which Add-On Home Inspections and Tests Are Actually Worth It?
Radon, sewer scope, termite, well & septic — which home inspection add-ons are worth it? A St. Louis-area inspector breaks down what we test and what we refer.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 178 min read


How Do I Prioritize Home Inspection Defects? Safety, Repairs, Maintenance, and Cosmetic
Not sure what to fix first after your home inspection? Learn to prioritize findings in the right order: safety, repairs, maintenance, then cosmetic.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 1512 min read


How Long Do My Home's Systems Last and What Will They Cost to Replace?
How long do roofs, HVAC, water heaters, siding, and windows last, and what does replacement cost in 2026? Lifespan ranges and ballpark budgets to plan and negotiate.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 1017 min read


Why Your Gutter Downspouts Need to Drain Away From the House
A downspout draining at the foundation is a common, low-cost inspection finding. See why downspouts should drain 4–6 feet from the house and how to fix it cheap.
Sean Struckmeyer
Jul 85 min read
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