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Home Standards: Providing a Higher Standard of Service
Improperly Installed Electrical Outlet
During a recent home inspection, Steve found an electrical outlet in the cabinet above the microwave that was not properly installed. The exposed wiring is both a safety and fire hazard. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy fix by having a new electrical box...
Home Inspector Stung by Hornet
Inspector Aaron spoke too soon when he discovered a hornet nest in an outdoor electrical outlet on a house he was inspecting and said he "was lucky [he] didn't get stung." Unfortunately, he WAS stung by one of the nasty hornets. But, he's fine now and later that...
Energy Saving Device Disconnected from AC
During an inspection of a local property, Inspector Steve discovered the OPPD (Omaha Public Power District) "Cool Smart Program" device's wires were disconnected from the outdoor AC unit. The OPPD Cool Smart Program is a way for homeowners to reduce their energy...
How a Yard Sprinkler Could Kill You
Steve Vacha, President, Home Standards Inspecting a home on a golf course and testing the sprinkler could have been the end of this old inspector. The first few zones operated just fine on this meticulously cared for yard. But, when I went to the back yard, I saw a...
Patio Stair to House Installed on Wrong Side of Door
While performing a home inspection in Iowa recently, Inspector Paul discovered the stair leading out onto the deck was installed on the wrong side of the opening. It is firmly attached to the house. The door does not latch as well. He also found a foyer light with...
Inspecting Basement Structural Elements
Recently Inspector Paul was reviewing the structural elements of a home's basement and found someone in the past had cut the sill plate, only supporting it with a little block of wood. He had noticed a dip in the floor that's pretty bad on the main level of the house....
House Foundation Cracks and Mortar Splitting
While inspecting a tri-level home recently, inspector Aaron discovered settlement cracks have happened and mortar is starting to pop out. We will recommend a basement foundation contractor come out to review further. https://homestandards.com/ HOME STANDARDS...
Bat Mitigation System
Inspector Aaron discovered a bat mitigation system while inspecting the roof of a house recently. 🦇🦇🦇 This is a one-way door device designed to aid in the removal of bats from inside buildings. The tube allows bats to exit the structure at dusk...
Home Inspector discovers broken Hose Bib
During a recent home inspection, inspector Paul discovered a faulty hose bib (probably damaged from freezing during the winter). When shutting off the pressure, it leaks between the siding and the foundation and comes out under the dryer vent. We will recommend they...