Here we answer questions about getting a home or commercial inspection, give tips on home maintenance, and share our knowledge about common home and commercial property 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.
This is one of those components nobody thinks about until it’s missing — and then it’s a problem you can’t unsee. Anti-siphon valves aren’t flashy. They don’t make noise. They don’t leak when they fail. Most of the time, they just quietly do their job. When they’re not there, though,
From the street, stucco and EIFS can look identical. Same texture. Same color. Same clean lines. From an inspection standpoint, though, they live in completely different risk categories — and confusing the two is how moisture problems turn into structural ones. Stucco and EIFS Are Not the Same Thing Traditional
Commercial buildings in Central Arkansas—especially around Little Rock and the surrounding growth corridors—tend to look straightforward at first glance. Many are relatively modest in scale, sit on seemingly flat sites, and don’t show the dramatic distress buyers associate with “problem” properties. That surface calm can be misleading. At Upchurch Inspection,
The Short Answer (Here’s the Risk) Yes—rapid suburban development in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon has changed how water moves, and many newer homes now deal with yard ponding that didn’t exist when the first houses were built.This isn’t bad luck. It’s a side effect of growth. In ZIPs like 37122
The Short Answer (Here’s the Risk) Yes—on lakefront properties in Hendersonville and Old Hickory, the retaining wall often matters more than the house.I’ve inspected plenty of beautiful homes near Old Hickory Lake where the structure was fine—but the land it sat on was quietly failing. When a retaining wall goes,
The Short Answer (Here’s the Risk) Yes—many large homes built in the 1990s in Collierville and Germantown have hidden moisture damage behind synthetic stucco (EIFS), even when the exterior looks perfect.The problem isn’t the stucco itself. It’s that water gets in and has nowhere to go. I see this most
The Short Answer (Here’s the Truth) Homes in Chenal Valley don’t usually sink — they heave.In West Little Rock, particularly around 72223, non-porous clay soils behave like a bowl, trapping water under slab foundations. When that clay gets wet, it expands and pushes the house up. That movement cracks drywall, tweaks doors, and
The Short Answer (Here’s the Problem) Yes—many “tall & skinny” homes in East Nashville are at real risk of crawlspace flooding and foundation damage, even when the house itself is brand new.The issue isn’t bad construction so much as bad spacing. In ZIPs like 37206, homes are built so close
Cracks are one of the most common—and most misunderstood—findings during a home inspection. For many buyers, the presence of any crack immediately raises concerns about structural failure. In reality, not all cracks are created equal, and many are a normal part of how homes age and respond to their environment.
Your roof and gutter system are the unsung heroes of your home — constantly working to protect everything underneath from the elements. But even the strongest roof won’t last long without proper maintenance, and gutters that don’t do their job can quietly cause thousands of dollars in damage. In Oakland,
A solid foundation is only as strong as the ground and water management around it. In Somerville, Tennessee, where heavy rains and clay-rich soils are the norm, proper grading and drainage aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential. Even the best-built home can experience cracking, shifting, or moisture intrusion
Keep Your Deck Safe: Tips from Upchurch Inspection Decks are a wonderful addition to any home, providing the perfect space to relax, entertain, or enjoy the outdoors. However, they need regular upkeep and attention to ensure they remain safe and secure for everyone. At Upchurch Inspection, we prioritize deck safety
