About Your Home Inspector

The Best Cordless Tool Brand For You (Quiz)

Juan Jimenez June 25, 2021 No Comments

Which Cordless Tool Brand Is Right for You - Quiz Picking a cordless power tools brand is a huge commitment. There are so many different brands, and product lines that…

What is Shrink Swell Soil?

Juan Jimenez June 24, 2021 No Comments

What is Shrink Swell Soil Here in Chesterfield, VA, we have an area with known shrink-swell soil issues. Specifically, the Brandermill neighborhood has many homes with structural problems - many…

Prime Day Home Maintenance Deals 2025

Juan Jimenez June 21, 2021 No Comments

Prime Day Home Maintenance Deals 2025 The best Prime Day Home Maintenance Deals in One Place Juan Jimenez June 21st, 2021 Home Maintenance Prime Day DealsPrime day is usually around…

How Should The Dishwasher Connect to Drain Pipe?

Juan Jimenez June 18, 2021 No Comments

How Should The Dishwasher Connect to the Drain? This house is only a few years old so the video is great reminder that all homes need to be inspected regardless…

How to Tell Bat Poop From Mouse Poop

Juan Jimenez June 16, 2021 No Comments

How to Tell Bat Poop From Mouse Poop Some days I think I should have been featured on an episode of Mike Rowes Dirty Jobs. During our home inspections, it is…

[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kpxaui14' admin_preview_bg=''] How to Install a USB Outlet [/av_textblock] [av_textblock size='8' av-medium-font-size='8' av-small-font-size='8' av-mini-font-size='8' font_color='custom' color='#606060' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kpxc7mfw' admin_preview_bg=''] As…

If Your AC Quits, Try This Before Calling an HVAC Company

Juan Jimenez June 13, 2021 No Comments

[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kpvfdvc0' admin_preview_bg=''] If Your AC Quits, Try This Before Calling an HVAC Company [/av_textblock] [av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color=''…

What is a Pre Drywall Inspection, and Do You Need One?

Juan Jimenez June 13, 2021 No Comments

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Three Tools Realtors Should Carry With Them

Juan Jimenez June 8, 2021 No Comments

[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kpoag8u4' admin_preview_bg=''] Three Tools Realtors Should Carry With Them [/av_textblock] [av_textblock size='8' av-medium-font-size='8' av-small-font-size='8' av-mini-font-size='8' font_color='custom' color='#777777' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-4ekeph' admin_preview_bg='']…

Types of Foundation Cracks

Juan Jimenez June 8, 2021 No Comments

[av_textblock textblock_styling_align='' textblock_styling='' textblock_styling_gap='' textblock_styling_mobile='' size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' template_class='' av_uid='av-kpofpe45' sc_version='1.0' admin_preview_bg=''] Types of Foundation Cracks [/av_textblock] [av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id=''…

3 Summer Crawlspace Tips

Juan Jimenez June 4, 2021 No Comments

If your home has a crawlspace, there’s a good chance you’ve never been in it. It’s just this mysterious, narrow grotto underneath you, that avoid or even forget about until…

7 Fathers Day Gifts for the Ultimate DIY Dads

Juan Jimenez May 27, 2021 No Comments

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Which HVAC Filter to Use and Two Ways to Not Forget to Change Them

Juan Jimenez May 20, 2021 No Comments

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How to Look for Termites in Your Crawlspace

Juan Jimenez May 18, 2021 No Comments

The last thing any homeowner wants to hear is that they have termites. Just the word "termite" invokes a sense of dread. That is not surprising considering that termites cause…

May is Deck Safety Month

Juan Jimenez May 13, 2021 No Comments

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8 Must Have Tools For a New Homeowner

Juan Jimenez May 10, 2021 No Comments

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases You found the house of your dreams, put in the offer, fought through the negotiations, endured the nerve wracking home…

Lead Water Lines In Richmond

Juan Jimenez December 3, 2018 No Comments

Lead Water Lines In Richmond During our inspections in Richmond, it is not uncommon for us to find that the main water lines are lead. While home inspectors aren't required…

Funny Defect in Brand New Home

Juan Jimenez October 1, 2018 No Comments

Home Inspection Defect in Brand New Home Many home buyers are conflicted about whether, or not, they should pay for a home inspection on a brand new home. I…

What Happens When an Inspector Can’t Walk the Roof?

Juan Jimenez October 1, 2018 No Comments

[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-ktw6b7m3' admin_preview_bg=''] In Virginia, and most if not all states, home inspectors are not required to walk on roofs. We are…

3 Ways For Realtors to Cash in on Blogging

Juan Jimenez August 1, 2018 No Comments

Blogging Tips For Realtors Blogging is a necessity for many companies trying to brand themselves, establish themselves as experts, and keep engaged with their clients. For us, blogging has brought…

6 Tax Free Weekend Buys for the Home

Juan Jimenez July 31, 2017 No Comments

From the Home Inspector Perspective The unbearable heat wave of July is over. This morning was actually cool, crisp, and refreshing. All I could think about was fall, the kids…

Two Electricians Said it’s Fine

Juan Jimenez July 14, 2017 No Comments

Mismatched Breaker Brands? Sometimes being a home inspector feels I'm part of a boxing match. The buyer VS. seller is the main event. The seller has an electrician in his…

Is a Foggy Window a Defect?

Juan Jimenez February 1, 2017 No Comments

The Home Inspector Perspective One of the most interesting, and sometimes difficult question that I get asked when presenting an issue is “is that a defect?” It’s a legitimate question.…

Millions of Crystal Balls Recalled

Juan Jimenez January 17, 2017 No Comments

[av_textblock textblock_styling_align='' textblock_styling='' textblock_styling_gap='' textblock_styling_mobile='' size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' template_class='' av_uid='av-l2t4i5wx' sc_version='1.0' admin_preview_bg=''] Home Inspector Crystal Balls Recalled Recalls are a big deal right now, and…

Richmond Home Inspector Cleared in Killing….

Juan Jimenez January 11, 2017 No Comments

After a thorough investigation, local authorities say a local Richmond home inspector, initially the leading suspect for killing a real estate deal, has been cleared. The home inspector was dubbed…

10 Industry Myths in Your Home Inspection Report

Juan Jimenez December 6, 2016 No Comments

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3 Reasons to Get Your Brand New Home Inspected

Juan Jimenez December 6, 2016 No Comments

We often talk with potential clients who wonder if they even need to have their brand new home inspected. I totally understand the temptation to skip it. You trust the…

Are Breakers One Size Fits All?

Juan Jimenez February 2, 2016 No Comments

Being a home inspector isn't easy. I'm scolded on a regular basis by listing agents convinced I've reported a non-defect. Our most recent transgression? Writing up mismatched breakers. This is…

Why You Need to Flush Your Water Heater

Juan Jimenez January 31, 2016 No Comments

Watch this 2 minute video and I'm sure you will want to flush your water heater right after. Are you grossed out? If your water heater is more than a…

double lugged neutrals are not up to code

Is a Double Lugged Neutral Wire “Up to Code?”

Juan Jimenez January 13, 2016 10,054 Comments

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4 Reasons Homeowners Hate Home Warranties

Juan Jimenez February 15, 2015 No Comments

Owning a home is still considered by many as the pinnacle of prosperity, and the culmination of the American dream. Still, it isn't with out challenges. With crooked window salesman,…

Why We Love Bats (And Hate them)

Juan Jimenez December 29, 2014 No Comments

Did you know that a single little brown bat can catch up to 600 mosquitoes in one hour? Falling creek in Richmond is in my backyard so I wouldn't mind a…

A Fire Rated Wall May Save Your Life

Juan Jimenez September 28, 2014 No Comments

If you live in a town home, you may have noticed that the roofs have different heights, or that they have brick walls above the roof line that may seem…

What is an MWBC?

Juan Jimenez July 8, 2014 No Comments

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Should You Install an Attic Fan?

Juan Jimenez June 5, 2014 No Comments

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richmond home inspector explains plumbing

6.5 things You Probably Didn’t Know about Your Plumbing

Juan Jimenez May 10, 2014 No Comments

[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kr3uv909' admin_preview_bg=''] 6 and a Half things You Probably Didn't Know About Your Plumbing System 1. The trap beneath the…

Grounded Home Inspectors Raise Concerns

Juan Jimenez April 5, 2014 No Comments

Grounded Home Inspectors Raise Concerns We had a saying in my aviation squadron that "there is always enough time to do it right the second time." Cutting corners was not…

4 Secrets Window Salesmen Don’t Want You to Know

Juan Jimenez March 13, 2014 No Comments

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five things to stop buying at home depot

5 Things to Stop Buying at Home Depot Right Now

Juan Jimenez March 4, 2014 No Comments

[av_heading heading='Five Things to Stop Buying at Home Depot Right Now' tag='h1' style='' subheading_active='' show_icon='' icon='ue800' font='' size='' av-medium-font-size-title='' av-small-font-size-title='' av-mini-font-size-title='' subheading_size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' icon_size='' av-medium-font-size-1='' av-small-font-size-1='' av-mini-font-size-1='' color=''…

Flexible Metal B-Vents

Juan Jimenez February 4, 2014 No Comments

In order to better understand this article, take a minute to look closely at photos "A" and "B" below. Based on the photos, try and determine which metal vent is…

Termite Protection in New Construction

Juan Jimenez January 25, 2014 No Comments

[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kzyagjj2' admin_preview_bg=''] Termite Protection in New Construction Having a new home built is part of the American dream, and customizing the…

What is a Bootleg Ground and Why is it Dangerous?

Juan Jimenez January 24, 2014 No Comments

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Richmond Inspector Explains Splits in Shake Roofs

Juan Jimenez January 13, 2014 No Comments

When installing wood roofs, it is very important to ensure that the joints in adjacent rows do not align. Sidelap is the distance from one joint, to the joint…

Is there Radon in Richmond?

Juan Jimenez January 7, 2014 No Comments

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Is There Radon in Chesterfield?

Juan Jimenez January 7, 2014 No Comments

Is there Radon in Chesterfield? The Radon concentration level at which the EPA recommends mitigating for is 4 pCi/L and above. Results from airchek.com estimate that around 28% of homes…

Most Memorable Inspection Defects of 2013

Juan Jimenez January 4, 2014 No Comments

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Chimney Crickets Explained

Juan Jimenez January 4, 2014 No Comments

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a double tap but with three wires - a triple tap

What Is a Double Tapped Breaker?-And How to Fix It

Juan Jimenez January 4, 2014 No Comments

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Effing Effervescence!

Juan Jimenez January 1, 2014 No Comments

I have had it! My ability to remain collected, and composed in the face of absurdity has, for the present moment, left me. Why? I am sick of hearing, and seeing…

Double Keyed Deadbolts

Juan Jimenez December 27, 2013 No Comments

In a prior life, when I worked on aircraft, we used to say that the maintenance manuals were written in blood. In my opinion, this applies to many building codes as well.…

Using an Old Inspection Report

Juan Jimenez December 18, 2013 No Comments

The bane of every home inspector's business is the unethical distribution of our reports to subsequent potential buyers. Many inspectors see it is as a scourge that plagues their ability to…

We Use Soapy Water to Save Lives

Juan Jimenez November 20, 2013 No Comments

Home inspectors carry an array of different tools in order to provide thorough and accurate inspections. One of the most important tools that we carry, is a spray bottle of…

Setting the Trap

Juan Jimenez October 18, 2013 No Comments

It is not uncommon for me to find a gas line sediment trap that has been installed wrong. This is usually the first thing I look at when approaching a…

mouse builds home in crawlspace and gets eaten by snake

A Great Battle Took Place Here

Juan Jimenez October 9, 2013 No Comments

Call me crazy, but I absolutely love my job. I get to observe the craziest, funniest, scariest and most peculiar things that can be in a persons home. I was…

Are Circuit Breakers Interchangeable

Juan Jimenez September 20, 2013 No Comments

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FSBO’s Suck

Juan Jimenez September 12, 2013 No Comments

From an Inspectors Perspective: FSBO's Suck Perspective of: Juan Jimenez I think I get stuck with every FSBO inspection in Richmond, VA. Sometimes, I will have multiple inspections a week…

How to Replace an Improper TPRV Discharge Pipe

Juan Jimenez September 2, 2013 No Comments

[av_textblock textblock_styling_align='' textblock_styling='' textblock_styling_gap='' textblock_styling_mobile='' size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' template_class='' av_uid='av-kr553jzk' sc_version='1.0' admin_preview_bg=''] How to Replace an Improper TPRV Discharge Pipe [/av_textblock] [av_textblock textblock_styling_align='' textblock_styling='' textblock_styling_gap=''…

Year 11 of your “20 Year Roof”

Juan Jimenez August 29, 2013 No Comments

As any good home inspector does, there I was explaining to my client that his particular roof style typically lasts 15-20 years. As the old adage goes, no good deed…

Failure is Imminent

Juan Jimenez August 26, 2013 No Comments

Dry stack, or groutless stone veneers are becoming very popular. However, I often seem them installed poorly, and not according to the manufactuers recommendations. In the photo on the left…

Should I test my home for mold?

Juan Jimenez August 17, 2013 No Comments

As a home inspector, it is not uncommon for me to get asked if I will sample the home for mold. I was taught early on in my career that…

What is a GFCI?

Juan Jimenez February 14, 2013 No Comments

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Author: Juan Jimenez

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