An Issue of Utility - Honest Home Inspection

Emergency Podcast: Spring Thaw Water Management & Basement Flooding

by TheHonestInspector | March 12, 2019 | Inside The Home, Outside the Home, Podcast Season 1, Safety Topics | 0 Comments

Over the weekend, Central and Southern Minnesota got an additional 6-12" of heavy, wet snow. Now, two days later, it's starting to rain. Temps will be in the 30s with rain for the next 2-3 days. The potential for flooding is extremely high. That's why we've put...

Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, and Chimneys

by TheHonestInspector | March 28, 2019 | Home Systems, Inside The Home, Outside the Home, Podcast Season 1, Safety Topics | 0 Comments

This week we dive into all things fire! Fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys all require regular maintenance in order to function properly and SAFELY! Now that the burning season is more or less over, this is the best time to have the fire-heat system in your home...

Look Ahead to Spring

by TheHonestInspector | February 28, 2019 | Outside the Home, Podcast Season 1 | 0 Comments

In this episode we talk about water management (especially in light of the record snowfall we had this month!) and how to ensure the spring thaw doesn't leave your basement flooded. We also take a look at landscaping. Our listener question is about repairing loose...

All About Ice Dams

by TheHonestInspector | February 15, 2019 | Inside The Home, Outside the Home, Podcast Season 1, Safety Topics | 0 Comments

In this episode we tackle that seasonal foe, ice dams. We describe what causes ice dams, how to prevent and/or remove them safely, and take a look at the role your attic ventilation and insulation plays in the formation of ice dams. We also discuss Zonolite, an...

Don’t Lock People In Your Basement

by TheHonestInspector | March 7, 2019 | Inside The Home, Podcast Season 1, Safety Topics | 0 Comments

This week we address safe means of egress (the means of entering and exiting a location). We were jacked up on cookie dough and exhaustion, so we cover everything from fire safety to serial killers to tapping maples to make syrup! Resources: My Favorite Murder - one...

The Straight Poo About Sewers

by TheHonestInspector | August 16, 2019 | Home Systems, Podcast Season 1 | 0 Comments

Oh, yay! It's time to talk about sewers! Because of Taro Gomi's classic book, we all know that every home needs a way to manage waste. In this episode we talk about all types of sewers, what a sewer scope inspection will find, and talk about many gross and...

Home Owner Repairs vs Contractors

by TheHonestInspector | April 18, 2019 | Listener Questions, Podcast Season 1 | 0 Comments

This week we look at what types of repairs are great for homeowners who want to really get into the work of maintaining their home, versus those instances when a contractor might be the best person for the job. We also discuss how to vet a contractor. W.hat...

Mystery Plants and Garden Planning

by TheHonestInspector | April 4, 2019 | Outside the Home, Podcast Season 1 | 0 Comments

This week we tackle the perennial question: Do I let the landscaping grow in this first year I own my home, or do I change everything out right away? We cover plant identification, landscaping tips, how to remove dangerous/problem thorny interlopers, and garden...

Electricity!

by TheHonestInspector | June 5, 2019 | Home Systems, Podcast Season 1, Safety Topics | 0 Comments

Most of what we cover in this episode is: Electricity can kill you. Never hesitate calling a licensed electrician to handle the work for you. Having said that, we do cover some homeowner DIY basics - swapping out lights, switches, and outlets. We also discuss common...

Before and after cleaning view of an AC unit

Central Air Unit Maintenance

by TheHonestInspector | July 15, 2019 | Home Systems, Inside The Home, Podcast Season 1 | 0 Comments

Hey, guess what? It's hot and humid in Minnesota during the summer! Crazy, right?! Anyway, we know that routine cleaning and maintenance of things that we operate by pushing a magic button on the wall are tasks that slip by us all too easily, so we're here to remind...

Tales From The Field, Episode 1: An Issue of Utility