Stair railings play an important role in protecting children from falls and other injuries. One safety feature that is often overlooked is the size of the openings between balusters or railing components. Building safety standards recommend that stair railings have openings small enough to prevent young children from slipping through or becoming trapped. Openings that…

One of the most common questions we hear during home inspections is, “How much longer will the roof last?” It’s an important question, but the answer isn’t always straightforward. Unlike a light bulb, a roofing system doesn’t suddenly stop working on a specific date. There isn’t an official expiration point where a roof must be…

A properly installed dryer vent is essential for both safety and the long-term health of your home. During a recent home inspection, we found an example of an incorrect dryer vent installation after a new roof had been installed. The installer used a flexible metal duct for the dryer vent and combined it with the…

If you’re buying a home in the Sarasota or Manatee area, you’ve probably noticed cracks in the exterior stucco. While they can look alarming, most stucco cracks are a normal part of a home’s settling process and are not a sign of serious structural problems. As a newly constructed home settles into the ground, small…

Buying a home or condo in Sarasota is nothing short of exciting! You are finally carving out your own spot in this wonderful area! However, when purchasing a home, it is smart to take a sober look at the home’s condition. Roof, plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems can all have their own problems. Many of…