THE BAKER BLOG
Explore inspection insights, home care, and practical details from the Baker Inspection Group archive.
102 articles · Newest firstBefore you close on a Modesto home, learn the questions that shape a useful whole-property inspection, from roof access and drainage to electrical panels, crawlspaces, and a report you can use.
Read articleA thorough home inspection includes a comprehensive assessment of the roof, a critical component of any property. Home inspectors meticulously examine various aspects of the roof to ensure its structural integrity,…
Read articleMaintaining a swimming pool isn't just about keeping the water clean; it's also about ensuring a safe and healthy environment for swimmers. Achieving the right balance of chemicals in your pool is crucial for water…
Read articleConcrete driveways are a popular choice for homeowners, offering durability, versatility, and a clean aesthetic. However, like any home improvement decision, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider…
Read articleRoofs come in various shapes and styles, each with its own unique aesthetic appeal and functional characteristics. Understanding the names of different roof shapes can help you identify and appreciate the architectural…
Read articleElectric panel breakers, often referred to as circuit breakers, are crucial components of your home's electrical system. They play a vital role in protecting your electrical devices and preventing electrical hazards.…
Read articleWhen it comes to one of the most significant investments in your life—buying a home—ensuring a thorough and reliable inspection is essential. Hiring a Certified Master Inspector (CMI) for your home inspection brings a…
Read articleLarge windows can add a touch of elegance and openness to any home, providing stunning views and ample natural light. However, maintaining these expansive windows requires special attention to ensure they remain…
Read articleWhen it comes to purchasing a home with a swimming pool, a thorough pool inspection is crucial. One of the key aspects of this inspection is evaluating the pool filtration system. The filtration system plays a vital…
Read articleIn the realm of home inspections, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked areas is the crawlspace. This hidden space beneath your home can harbor numerous issues that may go unnoticed without proper inspection.…
Read articleIn the realm of home inspections, the mark of excellence is defined not just by certifications or experience but by a blend of expertise, dedication, and a commitment to unparalleled service. Within this landscape of…
Read articleThe allure of a new construction home, fresh and promising, often captivates with its pristine facade and modern amenities. Yet, within the gleaming walls of these seemingly flawless structures, lie potential pitfalls…
Read articleBeneath the veil of a home lies a hidden realm, often overlooked yet integral to its integrity—the crawlspace. This concealed space, while seldom visited, can harbor a multitude of issues that might elude the untrained…
Read articleAmidst the excitement and anticipation of buying a new home, it's easy to get caught up in the aesthetics and curb appeal. However, there's a silent hero in the home-buying process—the home inspector. In this blog post,…
Read articleIn the competitive world of real estate, sellers often find themselves in the driver's seat during a seller's market. With buyers scrambling to secure their dream homes, one might wonder if a pre-listing inspection is…
Read articleWhen it comes to one of the most significant investments of your life – your home – ensuring a comprehensive and reliable inspection is paramount. While many home inspectors offer their services, hiring a Certified…
Read articleBuying a home is an exciting and significant investment, and ensuring that the property is in good condition is crucial. One essential step in the home buying process is the home inspection. By thoroughly preparing for…
Read articleLiving in an earthquake-prone region comes with its fair share of concerns, particularly when it comes to the safety and integrity of our homes. Fortunately, advancements in engineering and construction techniques have…
Read articleWhen it comes to a comprehensive home inspection, many homeowners tend to focus on the visible aspects, such as the roof, foundation, and electrical systems. However, there's one crucial area that often gets overlooked…
Read articleHumid air, condensation, and lack of ventilation cause fungus to grow and could be the start of a mold infestation . Mold infestations can pose serious health hazards for homeowners. It can also be expensive to have…
Read articleA thorough Home Inspection is important before buying a house. It will reveal the actual state of a property and ensure that the home you choose is worth the asking price. Here’s a list of common issues that should stop…
Read articleThe second-highest expense for homeowners after the mortgage is the energy utility bill. For that reason, homeowners are always looking for a way to lower their energy bills. But is there a way to lower energy costs?…
Read articleHave you ever had mold in your home? It is one of the worst enemies of a homeowner, and it could cause many health issues, some of them quite serious. Sometimes, you might not be able to identify mold easily, but you…
Read articleWith electricity prices as high as they are, finding cheap alternatives is always interesting to a homeowner. You have probably noticed that more and more homes will have solar panels on their roof or sitting on the…
Read articleDo you and your family live in an older-style house? If you do, there is the possibility that you still have asbestos in parts of your house, such as the walls, window trim, etc. How can you protect yourself and your…
Read articleYou might not think about this when you go to the bathroom, but the flushing toilet has made life a lot easier. Just imagine having to go outside every time you needed to go to the bathroom, no matter what the weather…
Read articleYour thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system. By it, you control the temperature that your air conditioning and heating will be trying to achieve. If your thermostat works properly, you probably don’t give…
Read articleTurning your home into a smart home has become cheaper and easier than ever. Many appreciate the convenience and ease of use that comes with a properly set up smart home, and your options are almost unlimited. While…
Read articleWhen the wind blows, how does your home fare? In some areas where there are large open areas, the wind can pick up quite a bit of speed and make it uncomfortable to be outside in the yard. It could even get so bad that…
Read articleHow do you feel about interruptions? Interruptions to a conversation, to your train of thought, or to your planned activities can be annoying and frustrating. There is a type of interruption, though, that can not only…
Read articleAs a homeowner, there are plenty of things you should know about protecting your electronic devices from power surges and spikes. Here are a few of them: Power surges aren't just the result of lightning storms. Even…
Read articleIn many communities here in Florida, it's not uncommon to see clay tile roofing. Clay roofing has a distinctively southwestern look, which has been a very popular design style through the years. Even beyond its' unique…
Read articleHaving a clutter-free place of business can be just as important - or even more important! - than having a clutter-free home. As we talked about in our last post, people form impressions very easily. Nowhere is this…
Read articleKeeping things neat and clean can be an important way to promote physical and emotional health. In addition, if you're trying to sell your home, presenting it in the best possible light means cleaning up the clutter in…
Read articleIf you're looking into buying a home that has a deck, or you're interested in adding a deck onto your home, or even if you've had a deck for a while, it's important to take into consideration its' maximum weight load.…
Read articlePersonal protective equipment, or PPE, is not just for construction workers, doctors and nurses, or preventing COVID-19 transmission. There are dozens of different activities that every homeowner does around their house…
Read article"What am I looking at?" Have you ever heard that question before? Usually, it's preceded by the person seeing complicated or detailed information that doesn't make sense to most people. You might find yourself asking…
Read articleOwners of rental properties - regardless of whether they're short-term or long-term rentals - bear a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their tenants. Even beyond any moral implications,…
Read articleHere in Florida, it seems - at least to a certain extent - that there are only two seasons. The first season is Summer. The second season is marked by all the leaves on the trees instantly dying and covering the ground…
Read articleMany of us use pesticides to control either weeds, insects, or mold. Even though these are common items in most households, they do require you to exercise care in the handling and storage of them, since exposure can be…
Read articleA thermal imaging camera in the hands of a professional home inspector can be a very powerful tool. There are a lot of things in an average home that can cause problems for a homeowner, and many of them can be invisible…
Read articleThere's certainly no lack of sunshine here in beautiful Florida! Have you been thinking about ways that you might be able to harness the power of the sun to your own benefit? A lot of people have invested in solar…
Read articleThere are few places in the United States where air conditioning is as important in the summertime as it is here in Florida. A good HVAC system can mean the difference between a happy summer and a nightmare summer, and…
Read articleIn our last blog, we talked about the average lifecycle of a home's water heater. We are going to continue with the same theme for this blog by talking about when it is the right time to stop paying for repairs on your…
Read articleWater heaters play a crucial role in the efficient running of the home, which is why we like to pay particular attention to them during our home inspections. As is true of any appliance, though, a water heater will have…
Read articleIf you are looking for an alternative to traditional drywall then paperless drywall may be a good choice. In this blog, we are going to take a brief look at what paperless drywall is comprised of and what areas of the…
Read articleWhen creating a landscape for your outdoor area, should aesthetics be the only thing you think about? Did you know that a carefully thought-out landscape can, not only be very enjoyable to look at but could also save…
Read articleSome of the outlets in your home might have 3 holes, while others have 2. You might know that this means they are grounded or ungrounded, but do you know why it matters? Do you know for a fact that those grounded…
Read articleMany homeowners wonder whether a tree (or trees) situated very close to the home itself should be a reason for worry. In this month’s blog, we are going to address this subject by discussing some of the potential…
Read articleHaving the right levels of humidity in the home is important for a comfortable indoor environment. While too much humidity can produce various problems, air that is too dry also has its share of disadvantages and can…
Read articleDo you remember the last time you had your home inspected? Like many homeowners, it was probably when you bought the property. If you have lived at the same address for a long time, this means that your home may be long…
Read articleConservation is an important way to help protect the environment and many homeowners have this in mind when renovating or constructing their homes. For example, one water-saving feature that is becoming more common is a…
Read articleAll of us are well aware that water is an essential part of our life, however, when it comes to the home water can also be something very destructive. If a home becomes water damaged this can result in all kinds of…
Read articleIf you are about to put your home on the market it’s only natural that you will be looking to get the most money for it. To increase the value of their home many homeowners feel that a renovation is a way to go. While…
Read articleA lot of the time a home inspection is associated with an older property, one that’s had time to develop the potential for problems. If that is the case, does that mean there is no need for a home inspection on a newly…
Read articleWooden siding is a material that has been used for decades on home exteriors, but were you aware that there are different kinds of wooden siding? If you are looking to redo the exterior of your home or are having a…
Read articleDust mites can be found in large numbers in most homes and, although they are usually regarded as harmless, for some they can cause misery by triggering allergic reactions. If you want to lower the number of dust mites…
Read articleAre you thinking about starting your own compost pile? If you are new to gardening, you may be discovering the benefits of doing so but, in order to compost successfully it’s important to know how to handle it safely,…
Read articleCeramic tile is a popular choice for flooring as it is durable, hard-wearing, and easy to clean. However, over time, ceramic tiles can start to need maintenance and repairs. So, what types of problems do we often see…
Read articleHiring the right person to work on your home may seem like a difficult challenge, especially if you’ve just relocated to a new area. How can you find out whether they will be honest and dependable or not? Here are a few…
Read articleIf we are fortunate enough to have an at-home gym or some type of exercise equipment at home, we may well be using it a whole lot more lately. As is the case with any type of machinery, however, there can be safety…
Read articleIf you are looking at properties to buy, you may have come across some that have a history of fire damage. The question you may ask yourself is whether a fire-damaged home is a wise investment or not. To help you to…
Read articleEven though we do all we can to keep our homes a safe space to live in, accidents still happen from time to time. One common cause of many home-related accidents is tipping furniture, this is especially dangerous for…
Read articleMoving to a new house can be a very stressful process especially if you are downsizing from a large home that you have lived in for years to a smaller home. What are some ways you can plan for moving day and eliminate…
Read articleWe have all come to rely very heavily on electricity so, if we experience a power outage for any reason, our lives can be turned into complete chaos. For some, though, it’s much more serious and can become a health and…
Read articleFor any appliance to work well it should only be used for its intended purpose and will function at its best when it is well maintained. The tumble dryer is no exception to this rule so, let’s look at one essential…
Read articleMany people want to deter rodents and insects from coming into their homes but don’t necessarily want to do them harm. One solution to this is ultrasonic pest control devices. However, do they work? First, let's…
Read articleTaking care of even the smallest jobs in a home will do a lot to prevent large, costly repair jobs later on. The bathroom extraction fan is one such example, although it may not seem to do much, if it is not working…
Read articleFor most homeowners, getting their homes ready to sell requires a lot of work. Perhaps you have put a lot of time and effort into taking care of needed repairs, painting and decorating and clearing clutter and mess, all…
Read articleStubborn odors in a home can be very irritating, particularly if they are not of your making. Tobacco odor is one of those smells that hangs around for a very long time because smoke particles are very small and…
Read articleA home should always be built to harmonize with the environment its located in. To do this, certain adaptions are made to the structure. What about places where the temperature is high for longer periods in the year?…
Read articlePerhaps you’re wondering; why should I work to improve my credit report? Well, while poor credit might not affect your everyday life necessarily, it can become a real issue when you decide to buy your own home and apply…
Read articleBaker Inspection Group - Always Contributing to the Industry! We are always contributing to the home inspection and real estate industry. We utilize our knowledge and experience to deliver the best information possible.…
Read articleIt’s a sad fact these days but, with so many natural disasters this country has been experiencing in recent years, its very important that we are as prepared as we can be in advance for one. Knowing what to do in an…
Read articleWe are all trying to be a bit more conscious of how much waste goes into waste management facilities and landfills these days. While there are many alternate ways of reducing waste, we may not always think of the…
Read articleAnyone renting their home has the option to choose renters insurance. This type of insurance is designed to provide the tenant with coverage for any unexpected disasters that might occur in the home. Some of the basic…
Read articleSinkholes are something we’re hearing more and more about these days. They can either be formed naturally or are human induced, but the one thing they have in common is their ability to cause great amounts of…
Read articleHave you ever had sewer gas leaking into your home? You would likely recognize it from its horrible odor. There are a number of common causes for this but, whatever the cause, its wise to get the problem looked at. Why…
Read articleIf you have scheduled a home inspection for your home, what are some things you can do to help your home inspector perform a thorough inspection and get the most for your money? Although a good home inspector will be as…
Read articleIt can sometimes happen that while an inspection is taking place something gets damaged or broken. Its rational to conclude that this is the home inspectors’ fault and that they should pay for the damage. However, is…
Read articleWe seem to be experiencing more and more devastating wildfires each year. Although it is often out of our control to prevent the start of a wildfire, are there ways we can help to control one and hinder its spreading? A…
Read articleAre you thinking about putting your home on the market and moving to a new home? Perhaps you are a first-time buyer and have begun the search for the perfect home, one that will suit your entire household. Whatever the…
Read articleNothing feels better on a hot day than to take a dip in a swimming pool. In the summer months children enjoy spending hours at the pool. If you are someone who has a swimming pool in your backyard, you will be aware…
Read articleCeramic tile is a popular choice of flooring and is practical for many rooms of the home. It is easy to keep clean and is hard wearing by nature. While it is one of the more durable types of flooring, over time, it can…
Read articlePurchasing a home is a huge investment, especially if you are a first-time buyer. You might have many questions about the various kinds of property to choose from. For example, would you prefer a home you can fix up…
Read articleSome individuals choose to sell their home “as is”. Reasons for this can be that the seller would rather not spend a lot of money to fix up the property or, perhaps, become liable for any defects. But, does this mean…
Read articleThe term Greywater is used to refer to the waste water that is produce from doing everyday chores like washing, laundry and bathing etc. The waste water is then reused for other things such as irrigation and toilet…
Read articleAre you thinking about changing the flooring in your home? There are so many options to choose from these days, but what about laminate flooring? Is this a good option? As with any decision, its wise to look at the pros…
Read articleAre you looking to buy a new home in 2018? We know what a stressful process it can be, especially if your trying to sell your current home. When it comes to finding the right home to buy, there may be so many factors to…
Read articlePlanning for a time when age may make you less active is not a pleasant prospect, but if you are approaching retirement age, planning for a time when this might happen is a wise thing to do. What kind of things can you…
Read articleTrampolines are a enjoyable addition to a yard. They can also be a great way to exercise. Although children are often the ones who get the most use out of them, adults have fun with them too. But how do we make sure…
Read articleIt can feel a little overwhelming to say the least, especially if this is your first time selling. This video will give you a good idea of what to begin with in order to get the most for your home.
Read articleIn the last blog, we focused on some of the causes of pollutants in the air of our homes. This blog will focus on doing something about it. Minimizing the hazards, how? Newer furniture and soft furnishings can contain…
Read articleMore and more people nowadays are being affected by pollutants in the air, and as we know, here in California is no exception. These can cause many different allergies and respiratory ailments. It's important then, to…
Read articleIf you have considered installing new windows in your home you may have come across one type of window that is on the market called "low-E windows". A first look at these windows may seem like buying or installing them…
Read articleWe are all to aware here in California that earthquakes arrive without notice and bring with them a lot of destruction. How can you make sure your chimney would be safe in an earthquake? Did you know that your chimney…
Read articleSo you had a home inspection and now you have moved into your new home - congratulations! This is an exciting time. But during the transaction, you likely had a lot of guidance. You had agents, home inspectors, and…
Read articleAn archived media-only post.
Read articleA sump pump is an important part of a home inspection. It is the first line of defense against moisture in a basement or crawlspace. So what are some important things to inspect on a sump pump? Check Valve - With the…
Read articleMany people have drilled wells, and they are common to see on a home inspection. But how do they work and what are some things to look out for? With a drilled well, they will normally go between 100-400 feet into the…
Read articleHow much amperage does your home need? That is a question that many home inspection clients ask us. But unfortunately it is a question that only you can answer. There are rules of thumb, speculative family usage, and…
Read articleWelcome to our new website! Stay tuned for great information and future posts right here on our blog!
Read article102 of 102 articles
