Building code is a floor, not a finish line. See how code minimum and best practice differ, using window head flashing, and why home inspectors inspect beyond code.

Home inspection vs. appraisal: one checks the home's condition, the other its value. See who requires which, who pays, and why most Missouri buyers need both.

Foundation cracks aren't all equal. See what vertical, horizontal, and stair-step cracks mean, when to worry, and when to get a pro's evaluation in Missouri.

Your home inspection found a major problem? Don't panic. Here's a step-by-step buyer's guide: understand the finding, get estimates, negotiate, and decide.

Your garage firewall needs drywall, not OSB, and every box that penetrates it must be sealed. See the code standards and two real defects we found in the attic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not sure what to fix first after your home inspection? Learn to prioritize findings in the right order: safety, repairs, maintenance, then cosmetic.

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.

The St. Louis area has termites, even in the city. Learn the warning signs, how to prevent them, who can inspect in Missouri, and VA loan inspection rules.

Attic ventilation done right protects your roof and prevents mold. See passive vent types, IRC standards, the best combo, and a short-circuiting mistake we found.

Buying an older home? GFCI outlets reveal a lot about its safety. Here's what they do, why they trip, and what a home inspector checks before you close.

What should homeowners know about hard coat stucco? From proper ground clearances to cracking and efflorescence, Tech Inspect Home Services breaks it all down in plain language