Buying an Older Twin Cities Home? Here’s Why You Should Consider a Sewer Scope
Older homes give the Twin Cities much of its character. From historic neighborhoods in St. Paul and Minneapolis to established first-ring suburbs, these properties may feature craftsmanship, mature trees, and architectural details that are difficult to reproduce today. They may also have underground systems with a long...
Five Sewer Line Problems That May Be Hidden Beneath a Twin Cities Home
A home can look well maintained, its plumbing fixtures can appear to drain properly, and a problem may still be developing inside the underground sewer service line. That is what makes the line difficult for homebuyers to evaluate. Most of it is buried, concealed, and outside...
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection? A Twin Cities Homebuyer’s Guide
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection—and Does Every Twin Cities Homebuyer Need One? When purchasing a home, it is natural to focus on what you can see: the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing fixtures, furnace, and interior finishes. But one of the property’s most important—and potentially costly—components is...
Christmas Tree Safety Tips for Minnesota Homeowners
If you are purchasing an artificial tree, look for the “Fire-Resistant “label. If you are purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.
Should I trim my tree branches before it snows?
No, you should not trim tree branches before it snows: Avoid extreme weather - Avoid pruning trees when there is snow or ice on the branches, or when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. Drastic temperature changes can stress plants. Consider the time of year - Late winter...
How can a Drone be beneficial to a home inspector or a homeowner?
1. Non-Invasive and Safe Inspection Method Thermal drones provide a non-invasive way to inspect rooftops without the need for inspectors to climb onto potentially slippery, snow-covered surfaces. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and makes inspections safer, particularly in winter conditions. 2. Quick and Efficient Coverage Thermal...
What is a 4 – Point Inspection? Do I need one? Do most insurance companies require?
A 4 - Point Inspection is not the same as a General Home Inspection. A 4 - Point Inspection consists of a review of the home's electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing systems. A General Home Inspection is where the inspector will do a comprehensive review of the entire...
To inspect your chimney, you can check for the following issues:
Chimney cap: Make sure the chimney cap is present and in good repair. The chimney cap prevents hot embers from landing on your roof and keeps out weather elements and animals. Damper: Check that the damper opens and closes easily. You can use a dollar bill to test if the damper creates...
A power outage plan can include:
Supplies Gather a disaster supply kit with nonperishable food, water, medicine, flashlights, batteries, and cash. You can also keep a thermos of hot water for drinks or to fill a hot water bottle. Backup power Identify which devices and appliances you need to keep powered and plan how to...
What is the best way to inspect my roof?
To best inspect your roof, first visually check it from the ground using binoculars to identify any major damage, discoloration, or missing shingles. The second thing is to then access your attic to look for signs of water damage like stains or moisture, and finally, if comfortable, carefully...
Why is it important to cover my patio furniture in the winter?
Covering your patio furniture in the winter is important because it protects your furniture from harsh weather elements like rain, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, which can cause damage like rust, rot, fading, and structural deterioration, ultimately extending the lifespan of your outdoor furniture and keeping it looking good...
How should I check my windows and doors for Minnesota Winter’s?
To inspect your windows and doors in Minnesota, thoroughly check for cracks in the glass, gaps around the frame, damaged weather stripping, signs of rot or warping in the wood, proper functioning of locks and handles, and ensure seals are intact, paying particular attention to areas where extreme weather...