Articles
Shorter pieces on inspection findings, maintenance and the practical side of buying and owning a home. Follow by RSS.
Heat pumps, EV chargers and panel capacity
Electrifying an older home often starts with the electrical panel. What inspectors note, and what to ask an electrician before you buy.
Should you attend your home inspection?
Yes, if you can. Here is what you will learn by being there, what to bring, and how to make the most of the last hour.
Buying a home with solar panels
Owned, leased or financed? How to check a solar system, the roof underneath it, and the paperwork that should transfer with the house.
Buying a home with an ADU: what to check
Accessory dwelling units are now common in California. Here is how to inspect one and verify that it is permitted.
A seasonal maintenance calendar for Southern California homes
Southern California seasons are mild but not uniform. This calendar fits home maintenance to Santa Ana winds, winter rain and summer heat.
Your first 30 days in a new home: a maintenance plan
What to do in the first month after closing: shutoffs, locks, alarms, filters, and turning your inspection report into a to-do list.
15 questions to ask the seller before your home inspection
The answers sellers give about age, repairs, permits and past problems help your inspector focus on what matters.
The 12 most common findings in Southern California inspection reports
From missing GFCI outlets to tired tile roof underlayment, these are the findings that show up again and again in Southern California home inspection reports.