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Home Inspector suggestions for Home Appliance Lifespan.

Modern appliances don’t seem to hold up like they used to. As a home inspector when I check the home appliances I often see things that can be done to double or triple how long they last. 1. Your Refrigerator (average life: 13–17 yrs → 20+ yrs) Clean those coils (back or underneath) every 6 months with a vacuum brush. Dusty coils make the compressor work 30 % harder. Make sure there is space for air flow. Don’t overload it, airflow is critical. Leave 1–2 inches around items

inspectorbellonzi

2 days ago3 min read

Do you need an Electrician?

As part of a home inspection, I am looking for issues that need attention. Many times I do recommend a specialist such as an electrician, because of safety, installation or operational issues that I report as defects. However, if you find something is not working doing these steps often fixes the problem immediately and saves you $150–$300 just for a “trip charge.” Vince. www.austinpropertydoctors.com 1. Identify exactly what’s wrong - One outlet dead? Half the kitchen lights

inspectorbellonzi

Nov 103 min read

Homeowner’s Essential Guide to Water Heaters (2025 Edition)

inspectorbellonzi

Nov 43 min read

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

What’s in your Home? When we do a home inspection the system is located, identified by type and zones of coverage and then if possible, the system is tested for proper function. It is valuable information for the homeowner. Vince, www.austinpropertydoctors.com Outdoor Condenser Type How It Works Common in Forced Air (Furnace + AC) Air blown through ducts Most U.S. homes Heat Pump Moves heat in/out Mild climates, newer homes Boiler + Radiators Hot water/steam in pipes Olde

inspectorbellonzi

Oct 293 min read

Pipes and Drains, your Home

Know your plumbing? What type of plumbing do you have in your home? The type of plumbing—such as copper, PEX, PVC, galvanized steel, clay, or cast iron—affects maintenance, repairs, safety, and long-term costs. Here’s why this knowledge is important: Maintenance and Repairs : Different materials require specific care. For example, copper pipes are durable but can corrode in certain water conditions, while galvanized steel pipes may rust and clog over time. Knowing the materi

inspectorbellonzi

Oct 242 min read

Wasps Love Electrical panels.

The Electrical main service panel for your home is often located outside. Here in Texas it is a favorite home for the Red Paper Wasp and Mud Dauber Wasps. When Inspecting the homes Electrical system as a Home Inspector I usually open these panels up to inspect the condition of breakers and wires. I am looking for safety issues and potential problems like water intrusion. First of all approaching these panels you have to practice safety for yourself, especially ensuring that t

inspectorbellonzi

Oct 201 min read

Water Leaks

During a home inspection I was running water in a shower, sinks and toilet. I reported some issues that were simple maintenance. Then I went outside for another walk around the home. This area was dry at first look. The longer I ran the shower, the more a water leak was apparent. This was water leaking at the shower drain to the outside. Leaks allow water to seep into the floor, walls, or subfloor, leading to rot, warping, or deterioration of materials like wood, drywall, or

inspectorbellonzi

Oct 181 min read

Flexible Drains can be a nightmare

I usually call these out when I do a home inspection. A flexible drain pipe for a sink is a bendable, expandable plumbing component used under kitchen or bathroom sinks to connect the sink's tailpipe to the wall drain or trap arm. These can sag, kink or leak. They clog faster since the ridges trap hair, debris and food. In some plumbing codes they are not even allowed. Ridges in corrugated (accordion-style) pipes trap hair, soap scum, food particles, and grease, slowing water

inspectorbellonzi

Oct 151 min read

Timber Pier Foundation

Using raw tree sections as piers in a pier and beam foundation is a traditional, low-cost construction method, often referred to as using log piers, tree trunk piers, or stump piers. This technique involves utilizing sections of tree trunks—typically from durable, rot-resistant species like cedar, cypress, or locust—as the vertical supports (piers) that elevate and stabilize the horizontal beams of the foundation. This is usually found in more rural locations or off grid cons

inspectorbellonzi

Oct 131 min read