Here we answer questions about getting a home inspection, give tips on home maintenance, and share our knowledge about common home issues. We are here to help you. If you can’t find an answer to your questions here, you can always contact us via our contact page.
It’s one of the most common reactions after an inspection report comes in. “Can’t the seller just fix this before closing?” On the surface, it feels reasonable. The issue is documented. There’s time before closing. Why not handle it now and move on? From experience, though, last-minute repairs are one
Most buyers assume that a home inspection is the same everywhere. That if an inspector follows a recognized standard, the results should be interchangeable whether the home is in Memphis, Nashville, Little Rock, or Cape Girardeau. On paper, that sounds reasonable. In practice, it’s wrong. National standards matter. They create
At some point during almost every inspection, a buyer asks a version of the same question: “Okay, but which of these things really matters?” It’s a fair question. Inspection reports can feel dense. Issues are documented individually, often with similar formatting and similar language. To someone new to the process,
Most buyers assume protection comes from spotting defects. That is part of the job, of course, but in practice, the real protection often comes from understanding patterns—how houses behave over time, how problems usually escalate, which issues tend to remain stable, and how local conditions shape the meaning of what
Fiber cement has a reputation for being bulletproof. Rot-proof. Bug-proof. Fire-resistant. Set it and forget it. And then I get down on one knee, look at the bottom edge, and realize it’s been set up to fail. Fiber Cement Doesn’t Rot — But What’s Behind It Does This is the
There is a difference between knowing how houses are supposed to work and understanding how they actually do. That difference only shows up after years of walking through real homes—occupied homes, aging homes, renovated homes, neglected homes, inherited homes, flipped homes, and homes that have been repaired just enough to
Foundation movement is one of those inspection findings that can make buyers nervous quickly. A crack in a basement wall, a sloping floor, a door that will not latch, or separation at trim can make people assume the worst. Sometimes that concern is justified. Other times, the finding needs context
Recommend monitoring” is one of the most misunderstood phrases in an inspection report. Buyers sometimes read it as uncertainty. Sellers may interpret it as an attempt to soften a problem. In reality, monitoring language is one of the most deliberate, experience-based tools an inspector uses. At Upchurch Inspection, we don’t
Multi-unit properties look simple on paper. Repeating floor plans, shared systems, predictable rent rolls. Many investors approach apartment inspections expecting efficiency—walk a few units, scan the roof, review the mechanicals, and move on. That approach misses where the real risk lives. At Upchurch Inspection, multi-unit inspections are less about counting
Medical and dental offices are some of the most deceptively complex commercial spaces to inspect. On the surface, they often look clean, modern, and well-maintained. Finishes are typically upgraded, equipment appears orderly, and tenants are highly invested in presentation. What makes these properties risky isn’t what you see—it’s what the
Industrial and warehouse properties tend to inspire confidence. High ceilings, wide-open floor space, heavy construction, and minimal finishes create the impression of durability. Buyers often assume these buildings are simple—fewer systems, fewer problems. In reality, industrial inspections demand some of the most careful judgment an inspector can apply. The risks
Step-Downs Aren’t a Defect — Until They Are A step-down foundation isn’t unusual. Anytime a house is built on a slope, you’re going to see changes in elevation. The foundation follows the grade, stepping down in sections instead of cutting and filling the entire lot flat. On paper, that’s efficient
