Dirk's Blog

  Unsafe Practices That Can Cost You Your Home 10/26/2026 Sometimes the biggest problems in a home start with what seemed like a “good enough” idea. In the inspection world, I see it all the time — shortcuts, unsafe repairs, DIY projects gone wrong, and unfortunately, inspections performed by people who simply do not have the experience or training to recognize serious issues. A home can look beautiful on the surface while hiding electrical hazards, structural concerns, moisture intrusion, or unsafe installations behind the walls. One bad idea can turn into thousands of dollars in repairs — or worse, a safety issue for your family. The “Good Enough” Mentality A lot of homeowners mean well. They watch a video online, buy a few materials from the hardware store, and try to tackle projects themselves. Sometimes it works out. Other times, it creates problems that are far more expensive than hiring a professional from the beginning. Some common unsafe practices found in homes include: E...

  Home Buying Tips: What to Look for During Inspections 10/20/2026 By Dirk Houglum, D&P Home Inspection Buying a home is exciting. You start imagining where the furniture will go, family gatherings, and enjoying your new neighborhood. But before you get too comfortable with the floor plan and fresh paint, take time to understand the condition of the home. As a home inspector, I want you to know what you are buying. A good inspection helps you recognize concerns, understand maintenance needs, and make a more informed decision. Here are the areas I encourage buyers to pay attention to. 1. Start With Water and Moisture Water can leave clues long before you see an active leak. Look for ceiling stains, bubbling paint, swollen cabinets, damaged baseboards, and musty odors. Ask your inspector about anything that looks unusual. Outside, pay attention to where rainwater goes. Does the ground slope toward the house? Do downspouts discharge near the foundation? Are there signs of water co...

  Scratching in the attic, droppings in the garage, or raised tunnels across the lawn can leave a homeowner wondering what has moved in. Before reaching for a bag of poison, identify the animal and understand the problem. Mice, rats, and moles behave differently, and the wrong treatment can put pets and wildlife at risk. Mice: Small Animals That Can Cause Big Problems 10/13/2026 House mice seek food and shelter around people. They can squeeze through openings as small as about one-quarter inch, making gaps around doors, pipes, and other penetrations potential entry points. Look for small droppings, chewed food packaging, shredded nesting materials, and a musky odor. Mice can contaminate food and damage materials through gnawing. Chewed electrical wiring is particularly concerning because damaged insulation can create a fire hazard. A small animal can leave behind a costly problem. [1] Rats: Trouble Above and Below Rats are larger rodents, but their location often provides another c...

  Deck Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Longevity 09/14/2026 Deck Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Longevity A properly built and maintained deck can last for decades, while a poorly constructed one may begin showing signs of failure within just a few years. Decks are constantly exposed to sunlight, moisture, temperature swings, insects, and heavy foot traffic, making proper planning, quality materials, and regular maintenance extremely important. Whether building a brand-new deck or maintaining an older one, understanding how all the components work together can help protect your investment for years to come. One of the most important things in deck construction is having a solid plan from the beginning and following it through correctly. Many deck failures happen not because the deck looked bad, but because shortcuts were taken during construction. Proper layout, accurate measurements, correct spacing, and understanding load paths all matter when building a safe and durable struc...

  Rainwater Harvesting Systems: A Forgotten Resource 09/07/2026 Rainwater harvesting is one of the oldest water collection methods known to mankind, yet in today’s modern world many people overlook how valuable it truly can be. Long before city water systems and treatment plants existed, people relied on capturing rainwater from rooftops, hillsides, and storage cisterns to survive. Today, with increasing concerns about drought, water shortages, rising utility costs, and sustainable living, rainwater harvesting systems are once again becoming an important topic for homeowners, farmers, and builders alike. A rainwater harvesting system is exactly what it sounds like — collecting and storing rainwater for later use. Most systems begin with a roof surface where rainwater flows into gutters and downspouts. From there, the water is directed into barrels, tanks, or underground cisterns for storage. Depending on the complexity of the system, the water may be filtered, treated, or pumped th...