Author name: Kloc Curtis

Week 29 – The Post I Almost Didn’t Write This week, I almost skipped the blog entirely: Not because I didn’t care. Not because I didn’t have time. But because I didn’t feel like I had something clean to say. I wasn’t sure if I was making progress—or just circling. The truth is, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to run a business… versus just doing a job. It hit me mid-drive, audiobook playing in my ear—The E-Myth Revisited. Curt had mentioned it, and I figured I’d give it a shot. Fifteen minutes in, I was pausing every five seconds to process a truth bomb. The core idea? Just because you’re good at the work doesn’t mean you know how to run the business that delivers it. Oof. Owning a job vs. building a business: Right now, I’m a good inspector. I do the work. I answer the phone. I meet Realtors. I give good reports. But am I building something that can function without me? Something I could sell one day? Something that grows beyond my calendar capacity? If I’m honest? Not yet. But that’s starting to change. The mental shift I’m wrestling with: With a franchise like Inspections Over Coffee, a lot of the “work on the business” stuff is already built. Systems. Templates. Tools. Messaging. I’m not guessing. But that doesn’t mean I’ve implemented all of it with intention. It doesn’t mean I’ve personalized it, scaled it, or handed it off. My version of working on the business right now? It’s showing up at inspections I’m not doing. It’s training the way I want future inspectors to observe and communicate. It’s leading coffee meetings and real estate presentations, so I can build brand equity that outlives me. The conversation with Curt that snapped me back into motion: He asked me, “If you stopped inspecting today, what parts of your business would keep running?” My answer? Not enough. So now, I’m starting to identify what needs to run *without me*. That’s real CEO thinking. And honestly, it’s intimidating—but exciting too. What I’m going to focus on next: Pick one system per week. Implement it. Not just turn it on—make it *mine*. Maybe it’s a training checklist. Maybe it’s the new agent welcome kit. Maybe it’s a sales script for admin help. But if I do this right, I’ll end this year with a business—not just a calendar full of work. Why I wrote this post anyway: Because growth isn’t just milestones and revenue jumps. It’s questions. It’s discomfort. It’s the quiet moments in your car where you realize you’ve been building the wrong muscle. This blog is about the real story, and this week? This is what was real. → Next up: Week 30: I Tried Delegating and Totally Fumbled It ← Catch how I learned to adapt to all types of Realtors: Week 28: Three Types of Realtors (and How I Learned to Talk to All of Them) Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 28 – Three Types of Realtors (and How I Learned to Talk to All of Them) The week I was asked to speak at a real estate office—and realized this job is part psychology: This week I stood in front of a dozen Realtors to talk about inspections—what we look for, how we report, and what we do differently at Inspections Over Coffee. It was a huge milestone moment, and an even bigger lesson in communication. Because these agents? They weren’t all the same. Not even close. Realtor Type #1: “The Sky is Falling” Everything is a deal-breaker. Minor moisture at the water heater? “It’s about to explode.” Slight dip in a sidewalk? “Trip hazard lawsuit waiting to happen.” These agents can get spooked easily, and worse, they can accidentally pass that anxiety to the buyer. With them, I’ve learned to be calm and data-driven. I show the photos. I explain what we saw and didn’t see. I talk about scale and solutions, not just symptoms. I’m not dismissive—but I don’t fuel the fear, either. Because buyers need clarity, not chaos. Realtor Type #2: “No Big Deal” These agents brush everything off. “That’s normal.” “They all do that.” “It’s fine.” Sometimes they mean well—trying to keep the deal alive—but that can lead to unrealistic expectations about what should or shouldn’t be addressed. With this group, I respectfully stand firm. I remind them (and the client) that small things can add up. I explain why we document certain issues—not to alarm, but to empower. I stay calm and friendly, but I never understate risk just to keep the vibe chill. That’s not what we’re paid for. Realtor Type #3: “Right Down the Middle” These agents are gold. They understand the balance: advocate for the client, stay professional, keep perspective. They ask good questions. They listen to the answers. They prep their clients well. Honestly, they make my job a joy. But even here, I stay on script. I don’t match their tone—I match the standard. I stay objective. I assume the seller, the buyer, both Realtors, and a contractor are all in the room when I’m speaking. Because they kind of are. The big lesson this week: We can’t mimic personalities. We can’t swing our tone based on who’s most vocal. What we *can* do is speak clearly, fairly, and in a way that respects *everyone* involved—including the house. That’s been my mental model lately: “Be the voice of the house.” Describe what it’s doing, what it’s showing, and what it needs. No spin. No panic. Just truth, respectfully delivered. The franchise training that helped with this: Curt and the IOC team didn’t just train me on systems and tools—they trained me on tone. How to walk through a summary with empathy. How to frame findings in plain language. How to use consistency to build trust. And that training? It saved me from being yanked into emotional whiplash by every Realtor’s reaction. What I’ll do moving forward: Speak as if everyone’s in the room. Keep my delivery calm, clear, and human. And never forget that behind every inspection is not just a system—but a decision. I don’t take that lightly, and I don’t take sides. → Coming up next: Week 29: Dealing With Unexpected Cancellations and No-Shows ← Catch how I hit my first revenue goal: Week 27: I Hit My Monthly Revenue Goal. Here’s How. Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 27 – I Hit My Monthly Revenue Goal. Here’s How. The moment the numbers confirmed the hustle: This week, I crossed a major line: my first $15,000 revenue month. And I’ll be honest—part of me was surprised. Not because I didn’t think it was possible, but because I wasn’t exactly sprinting to the finish line this time. The work felt steady. The phone rang. The schedule filled. And that was the moment I realized: *the system is working.* Looking back, this wasn’t overnight—it was compounding: In the last six months, I’ve had more coffee meetings than I can count. Realtor happy hours. Office drop-ins. Text follow-ups. It felt slow at first. Like planting seeds in frozen dirt. But now, those meetings are turning into real referrals. And those referrals? They’re turning into *repeat* business. I used to wonder how I’d ever hit $15k in one month. Now, I see how it happens: one relationship at a time, multiplied by consistency. The big difference this month? Consistency finally paid off: I didn’t do anything radically different. But now, instead of chasing every single job, I’ve got Realtors calling me directly. I’ve got a few who default to me for every buyer. And that’s not luck—it’s the result of showing up over and over with the same clear message about what makes Inspections Over Coffee different. What’s working now that didn’t work before: Realtor Relationships: I’ve earned trust. That’s why the calls come in without me begging for them. Scheduling Rhythm: My CRM helps me space jobs, manage days, and stay sane. I don’t overschedule, and I don’t leave holes. Marketing Focus: I’m not spraying and praying—I’m doubling down on what works: personal outreach, quality events, and warm follow-up. The lesson that really sunk in: There’s a lag between effort and outcome. For weeks, those Realtor meetings didn’t seem to “pay off.” But now? The flywheel is moving. And I see how the second half of this year could move even faster—because I’m not starting from zero anymore. I’ve got momentum. The franchise support that helped me cross the line: When I felt like things were moving too slowly, Curt reminded me: “You’re stacking bricks. Keep stacking.” And now that the wall’s getting taller? I’m so glad I didn’t try to shortcut the process or chase gimmicks. The brand, the message, the rhythm—it works. You just have to keep working it. Next goal: consistency, not just a one-time win One $15k month is awesome. But now the goal is to repeat it—and eventually grow it. That means even tighter systems, better time management, and maybe… finally… that first hire on the admin side. What I’ll repeat every single month from here out: Stick with the Realtor outreach. Track it. Follow up. Deliver five-star experiences. Ask for the review. And do it all again. Because this month felt good—but I know the next one can be even better. → Next up: Week 28: I Got Asked to Speak at a Real Estate Office ← Catch my 6-month reflection here: Week 26: Halfway Point — Wins, Mistakes, and What’s Next Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 26 – Halfway In: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next Six months in, here’s what I know for sure: I’ve got some wins under my belt. I’ve got a few bruises. I’ve got a little money in the bank—and more clarity than I’ve ever had about what it takes to build a real business from scratch. This week felt like a natural pause. A halftime huddle. A chance to look up from the daily grind and ask: What’s working? What’s not? And where do we go from here? What’s working (and working *really* well): Messaging: Realtors are repeating my pitch *back* to me—thermal imaging, warranties, drone footage, videos in reports. That tells me the brand is landing. Reputation: I’ve got reviews stacking up, and they’re not just “good”—they’re specific. People mention how thorough, professional, and calm I was. That’s the goal. Referrals: I’ve now gotten multiple clients through past clients and past Realtors. That’s the beginning of real momentum. Cash Flow: I’ve paid myself, covered my expenses, and even built a small emergency fund. It’s not “retire early” money, but it’s real and growing. Where I’ve stumbled (and where I still need work): Consistency in outreach: I know I need 42 Realtor meetings a month. Some weeks I crush it. Some I coast. Coasting = no pipeline. Follow-ups: I’ve left a few warm leads hanging. Not because I forgot, but because I let busy days become a reason to delay. Time blocking: I’m still too reactive with my calendar. If I don’t block time for outreach, admin, and even thinking—I end up feeling behind. Where to spend marketing dollars (and where not to): What’s worth it: Realtor events & happy hours: Small sponsorships = face time + visibility. Targeted print materials: Leave-behinds that actually reflect the brand (not clip art junk). Website SEO help: Not flashy, but long-term gold. I’m finally showing up for “[my city] home inspector.” What’s not: Lead-gen services that promise the moon: They drain money and give me mismatched clients. Generic digital ads: Without targeting or strategy, they’re a black hole. The biggest lesson so far: Doing the work isn’t enough. You have to *direct* the work. That means knowing what matters most and protecting time for it. Systems help. So does coaching. But ultimately, it’s on me to stay focused when the distractions pile up. The franchise edge I feel most grateful for right now: I’ve been spared 100+ painful mistakes because I had someone to call before guessing. Pricing guidance, messaging help, tool recommendations—it’s all added up to momentum I never could’ve built alone this fast. What’s next: structure and scale My goal for the next 26 weeks: lock in structure. Sharpen my daily/weekly rhythm. Build consistency in outreach, delivery, and systems. Then? Look at scaling. First hire. Bigger reach. And maybe—finally—some margin in the calendar to think like a CEO. What I’ll keep doing (without question): Build slowly. Market clearly. Deliver thoroughly. And never pretend I’ve got it all figured out. Because the truth is—I’m halfway in, and just getting warmed up. → Next up: Week 27: I Hit My Monthly Revenue Goal. Here’s How. ← Catch the resource that saved me dozens of mistakes: Week 25: The Most Valuable Franchise Resource So Far Thinking about starting your own business? Check out this franchise opportunity.

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Plumbing Walkthrough — How We Test Every Sink, Toilet, and Drain This is where I roll up my sleeves (literally) and run some water. Every sink, every tub, every toilet—yes, even the jetted ones. The goal isn’t to check if the tile grout matches the backsplash. I’m here to see if water goes where it’s supposed to, how fast it drains, and whether there’s any hidden damage just waiting to show up. Here’s How I Inspect Plumbing Fixtures My standard walkthrough includes: Running water at every sink – kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, utility. Filling and draining tubs/showers – If accessible and safe to do so. Flushing every toilet – Looking for slow fill, leaks, rocking bases. Checking water flow and drainage – I check how long water takes to heat, flow rate at each fixture, and whether drains back up or gurgle. Hose bib pressure test – I use a gauge to read static pressure from exterior faucets. Low pressure can point to supply line or valve issues. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: active leaks, signs of previous water damage, slow drains, low or uneven pressure, cross-connections, and visible pipe condition under sinks or near the water heater. ❌ I’m not looking to: inspect inside walls or underground lines, determine pipe sizing, or test water quality. That’s for licensed plumbers or environmental testers. Video Documentation = Protection for Everyone Every time I test a sink, toilet, tub, or shower, I’m filming it. This protects both the buyer and the seller. If something goes wrong later, there’s clear documentation showing that it was working—or not—on the day of the inspection. I also record how long it takes for hot water to arrive and how well fixtures drain. This Comes Before Thermal Imaging for a Reason All this water testing happens before I run the thermal scan. Why? Because thermal cameras are fantastic at spotting water leaks—but only if there’s moisture to detect. If I just turned on every fixture in the house, the camera may catch a hidden leak or damp spot that would otherwise go unnoticed. Common Red Flags I See Slow draining sinks – Often due to partial clogs or venting issues. Wobbly toilets – A rocking base can mean a broken flange or past leak. Under-sink corrosion – Especially on older copper or galvanized lines. Pressure spikes – High pressure (above 80 PSI) can damage appliances or valves. I document it if found at the hose bib. FAQs: Plumbing Function Testing Do you test every fixture? Yes. I operate all accessible sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. I also check for functional drainage and pressure issues at each. Do you test exterior plumbing? Yes. I test exterior hose bibs for water flow and measure pressure with a gauge. Leaks or poor pressure are noted in the report. Do you check for pipe leaks behind the wall? No, but if I suspect a leak or see signs of one, I’ll use a thermal camera to investigate. I report anything suspicious for further review. Can you tell if the pipes are up to code? I don’t do code enforcement. I look at function, safety, and red flags. A licensed plumber should be called if installation quality is in question. → Next up: Post 22: Signs of Plumbing Trouble — What an Inspector Looks For ← Previously: Post 20: Water Heaters — What We Inspect (and What We Don’t) Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Water Heaters — What We Inspect (and What We Don’t) Water heaters are one of those systems that can quietly fail over time—until one day you’ve got cold showers and a garage full of water. That’s why I always take a careful look. I’m not here to drain tanks or diagnose burner valves—but I am here to make sure your water heater is safe, functional, and up to the task of daily life. Types of Water Heaters I See (and How I Inspect Them) Gas tank-style water heaters – Most common. I look at venting, gas supply, TPR valve, and visible signs of rust, scorching, or leaks. Electric tank-style units – No gas line or flue. I verify electrical connections, look for scorching, and confirm hot water at fixtures. Tankless (on-demand) units – Usually wall-mounted. I look for installation quality, confirm function by testing hot water, and check for visible errors or leaks. I also note location (garage, closet, attic), physical protection (drip pans, seismic straps), and label data for age and manufacturer recall checks. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: safe installation, TPR discharge line, rust/corrosion, scorch marks, moisture or leaks, unstrapped units, and confirmed hot water from fixtures. ❌ I’m not looking to: open access panels, flush tanks, test burner or element function, or determine hot water recovery rate. Those are HVAC or plumbing tasks. How I Use RecallChek on Your Water Heater Every time I inspect a home, I photograph the model and serial number of the water heater and submit it to our RecallChek system. This cross-checks the unit against federal safety recall databases—and not just today. If a recall is issued next year, you’ll be notified. If you replace your water heater down the line, you can enter the new unit to stay protected. Common Issues I See Missing or improperly installed TPR valve drain line – A major safety hazard. Scorch marks or soot around burner access – Often indicates combustion or ventilation problems. No thermal expansion tank (where required by code) – I document it but don’t require one unless it’s in local scope. Leaking or rusting tank bottom – Time for replacement. That leak’s not getting better. FAQs: What to Expect From a Water Heater Inspection Do you test if the water heater is working? Yes. I run hot water at multiple fixtures to confirm the system is heating water properly and check temperature with a thermometer. Do you open or drain the water heater? No. That’s outside the scope of a visual home inspection. I inspect what’s visible and accessible only. What is RecallChek and how does it help? RecallChek uses model and serial numbers to identify if a water heater (or other appliance) has a safety recall—now or in the future. You stay in the loop even after moving in. Can you tell me how old the water heater is? Usually. Most manufacturers code the year into the serial number, and I note that in your report. Age matters when budgeting replacements. → Next up: Post 21: Plumbing Walkthrough — How We Test Every Sink, Toilet, and Drain ← Previously: Post 19: Ducts & Vents — The Forgotten System That Impacts Your Comfort Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Ducts & Vents — The Forgotten System That Impacts Your Comfort Ask a homeowner why one room is always freezing or sweltering, and they’ll usually blame the furnace or the A/C. But more often than not, the problem is in the ducts. Crushed, disconnected, undersized, or just plain missing — ducts are one of the biggest sources of inefficiency in any home. And I always take a look. I Check That Every Room Has a Source of Heating or Cooling During every inspection, I walk every room, closet, and converted garage looking for one thing: a supply register. There should be at least one heat or cooling source in every room that’s considered “habitable space.” If there isn’t? That’s a big deal. The room may not heat or cool evenly—or may not be compliant for its intended use (like a bedroom or office). Thermal Cameras Help Spot Hidden Problems I love using my thermal camera when checking ducted systems. If the HVAC is running, the camera can show me which vents are putting out air—and which aren’t. Sometimes the difference is obvious: one room is ice cold, the other is lukewarm. That usually means a disconnected or leaking duct, even if the attic or crawlspace hides it well. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: missing supply vents, airflow consistency, disconnected or damaged ducts, obvious airflow restriction, poor attic/crawl insulation on ductwork. ❌ I’m not looking to: cut open ceilings, pressure test the system, or run CFM airflow diagnostics. That’s for ducting specialists or HVAC techs. Common Duct Red Flags I See All the Time Disconnected ducts – Usually found in attics or crawlspaces. Air ends up in the wrong place (like your attic). Crushed or compressed flex ducts – Poor installation or too much storage weight can restrict airflow. No return air path – Without a way for air to get back to the HVAC system, airflow suffers, and pressure builds. Dirty or moldy vents – Not just gross—can indicate a filter issue, moisture problem, or lack of cleaning. How This Affects Comfort & Utility Bills If your ducts are inefficient, everything else suffers. Your HVAC system works harder. Your rooms stay uneven. And your bills go up. That’s why I include duct issues in my report. Even if the system itself works fine, poor distribution undermines the whole setup. FAQs: Ducts, Vents & Airflow Should every room have a vent? Yes. Every habitable room should have a source of heating or cooling. Missing vents can affect comfort, resale value, and compliance. Can you tell if a duct is leaking? Sometimes. If there’s no airflow at a vent and no visible damage, I may use a thermal camera to look for signs of heat or cooling loss behind the wall or ceiling. For exact location or pressure testing, you’d need an HVAC pro. Do you check ductwork in the attic or crawlspace? Yes—if safely accessible. I look for disconnected runs, insulation issues, or physical damage. I don’t open sealed or inaccessible spaces. Do you test airflow pressure? No. That requires specialized duct testing tools. I use visual inspection and thermal imaging to document performance concerns. → Next up: Post 20: Water Heaters — What We Inspect (and What We Don’t) ← Previously: Post 18: Cooling Systems — Testing, Limitations, and What’s in Scope Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Cooling Systems — Testing, Limitations, and What’s in Scope The first thing most people ask in summer: “Does the A/C work?” And fair enough—if you’re touring homes in July, that cool blast of air matters. So during the inspection, I absolutely test the cooling system. But here’s the truth: I’m not an HVAC tech. I’m here to verify operation, not rebuild the compressor in your driveway. Cooling Systems I Commonly Inspect Here’s what I’m trained to inspect—and how I approach it: Central air conditioning – I activate it using the thermostat (if weather permits), confirm the system runs, and check for cold airflow at supply vents. I also inspect the exterior condenser unit visually. Heat pumps (in cooling mode) – Same process as central A/C. These may also serve as your heating system, depending on setup. Mini-split systems (ductless) – I test each head unit (wall-mounted unit) for operation and cool airflow. Wall A/C units – Tested for operation and airflow, if accessible and plugged in. Swamp coolers / evaporative coolers – These are common in dry climates. I confirm they turn on and blow air, but I don’t test pad condition, water flow, or drain systems. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: systems that activate with the thermostat, air that feels cool at vents, unusual noises, water discharge from condensate lines, and condenser unit condition. ❌ I’m not looking to: measure refrigerant pressure, dismantle the unit, remove panels, verify SEER ratings, or confirm BTU performance. That’s a job for an HVAC tech. Weather and Safety Limitations If it’s cold outside, I won’t run the A/C. Why? Running cooling systems below ~60°F can damage the compressor. In that case, I’ll note the limitation and recommend that the buyer test the system as soon as outdoor temperatures allow. How I Use Thermal Imaging to Verify Cooling I often use a thermal camera or laser thermometer to compare return and supply temperatures. This helps verify that the system is actually cooling—not just making noise. A 15–20°F difference between return and supply is typically a good sign. About Swamp Coolers (Evaporative Coolers) If you’re from a humid climate, you might not have seen one before. Evaporative coolers are common in dry regions. They work by blowing air across a wet pad to cool the space. They’re not true A/C—they don’t use refrigerant, and they struggle in humid conditions. I’ll confirm operation if the unit is on and accessible, but I won’t test water flow, pad condition, or duct routing. Those systems are quirky, and they require specific maintenance that’s outside the scope of a general home inspection. FAQs: Cooling System Inspection Do you test the air conditioner? Yes—if weather and access allow. I activate the system using normal controls and check for cool airflow from vents or wall units. Can you tell if the A/C is low on refrigerant? No. That requires specialized gauges and training. If the system runs but doesn’t cool properly, I’ll recommend an HVAC evaluation. Why won’t you test the A/C when it’s cold outside? Running an A/C system in cold weather can damage the compressor. If it’s below 60°F, I’ll document the limitation and explain next steps. Do you test swamp coolers? I test basic function—turning it on and verifying airflow. But I don’t assess water distribution, pad condition, or deeper system mechanics. → Next up: Post 19: Ducts & Vents — The Forgotten System That Impacts Your Comfort ← Previously: Post 17: Heating Systems — From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Heating Systems — From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters It’s always funny to me how many different ways there are to heat a house—and how few of them actually work when I show up. From forced air to boilers to radiant floors, I’ve seen it all. Some are modern marvels, some are 40 years old and just praying for retirement. My job? Test it safely and report what I find. That’s it. I’m not tuning it, I’m not repairing it, and I’m definitely not voiding your warranty by poking where I shouldn’t. The Systems I Commonly Inspect Here’s a short list of what I’ve tested, activated, or called out over the years: Gas furnaces – Most common. I check the thermostat, run the system, inspect flame visibility, venting, and filter access. Electric furnaces – Quieter, but I still test for function, heat output, and safe wiring. Heat pumps – These reverse depending on the season. If it’s cold out, I can only test heating, and vice versa. Boilers and hydronic systems – I check for heat at radiators, look for leaks, rust, signs of pressure issues. I don’t test expansion tanks or bleed radiators. Radiant floor heat – Electric or water-based. If it’s working, my thermal camera helps confirm. If it’s not accessible or off, I report limitations. Wall and baseboard heaters – Electric or gas. I test for function and clearance but don’t disassemble. Wood stoves, pellet stoves – Visually inspected only. I don’t light fires or confirm chimney sweep maintenance. Solar thermal systems – Extremely rare, but I’ve seen them. Usually tied to radiant floors or water. Inspected visually only; I don’t test pumps or storage tanks. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: operation, heat output, strange smells, burner flame condition, rust, corrosion, soot, venting issues, dirty filters, and safety hazards. ❌ I’m not looking to: service burners, adjust gas pressure, inspect internal exchanger coils, or confirm installation specs. That’s for HVAC pros. Why You Might Need a Specialist If I can’t get the system to turn on—or it runs poorly, smells off, or shows signs of damage—I’ll let you know. And you’ll want to call in a licensed HVAC contractor. They can scope the heat exchanger, run diagnostics, or tell you if the blower motor is about to die. I don’t guess. I document. My Thermal Camera Helps Spot Hidden Heat (Or the Lack of It) One of my favorite tools for heating systems is my thermal camera. I use it to verify warm airflow from registers, spot radiant floor patterns, and check for cold zones. It’s especially useful when floor heating is claimed but the seller “forgot” to leave it turned on. If it’s running, I’ll know. If it’s cold, you will too. Access and Weather Limitations If the thermostat is locked, the unit is shut off at the breaker, or it’s 100°F outside and the system is in cooling mode only, I document that and explain the limitation. I don’t override owner settings or force systems into operation that aren’t meant to be running. Heating system safety matters. FAQs: What to Expect From the Heating System Inspection Do you test every heating system? I test every accessible, safe-to-operate system using normal controls. If it’s off, locked, or weather-restricted, I’ll explain why it wasn’t tested in the report. Can you tell me how old the furnace is? Yes—usually by decoding the serial number on the unit. Age helps indicate expected lifespan and upgrade timing. Do you open up the furnace or boiler? No. I remove the front service panel if it’s safe, but I don’t dismantle units or access sealed components. That’s HVAC territory. What if the system doesn’t work? I’ll report that clearly—and recommend a licensed HVAC technician evaluate the system. Heating repairs or replacements can be costly, and you need expert advice. → Next up: Post 18: Cooling Systems — Testing, Limitations, and What’s in Scope ← Previously: Post 16: Electrical Red Flags — Panels and Wiring That Worry Inspectors Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Electrical Red Flags — Panels and Wiring That Worry Inspectors This is the part of the job where my eyes narrow, my flashlight gets brighter, and sometimes, I quietly mutter “uh-oh.” Because once you’ve opened enough panels, you learn exactly what to be worried about—and some of it’s hidden behind clean drywall and a fresh paint job. The Panels That Make Inspectors Sweat Let’s start with the big names in bad reputations: Federal Pacific (FPE), Zinsco/Sylvania, Challenger, and certain older Pushmatic panels. These are known for not tripping when they should, loose breaker fit, and in some cases, real-world fire history. If I see one of these, I don’t sugarcoat it. Even if it “seems to work,” it may not trip under overload—which defeats the whole purpose of having breakers in the first place. Hot Spots, Loose Wires & Burning Smells Sometimes, I find a scorched breaker or a melted wire jacket. Other times, the panel looks perfect—until I scan it with a thermal camera. That’s when I find a breaker glowing like a stovetop burner, while all the others are cool. That’s an immediate safety concern. Overheating can mean a loose connection, wrong-sized wire, or a breaker on its last leg. I use thermal imaging to detect: Loose outlets or receptacles with overheated terminals Overloaded or improperly sized breakers Arcing behind walls or in light fixtures (when detectable) And no, I don’t “scan everything” with the thermal camera. Just where it makes sense—especially panels, suspect breakers, and old wiring. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: known hazardous panels, scorched or melting wiring, buzzing fixtures, loose or hot outlets, open splices, and signs of amateur repairs. ❌ I’m not looking to: test every breaker under load, open sealed junctions, rewire unsafe panels, or bypass safety devices. Wiring Mistakes That Get Noticed I’ve seen a lot. Wires jammed through unprotected knockouts, grounds missing entirely, romex pinched under panel covers, breakers with the wrong wire gauge, and homemade “fixes” involving duct tape and hope. I’ll call those out—every time. Aluminum, Still a Problem? Yep. Especially single-strand aluminum wiring. It’s prone to loosening, oxidizing, and overheating when paired with standard switches and outlets. If I find it in a panel—or branching off to a bedroom—I’ll flag it and recommend a licensed electrician check it out. FAQs: Electrical Hazards & Panel Red Flags Do you use thermal imaging on the panel? Yes, especially if breakers look suspect or feel warm. A thermal camera can spot overheating that isn’t visible to the eye—and that’s a big deal. What panel brands are considered dangerous? Federal Pacific, Zinsco/Sylvania, Challenger, and older Pushmatic panels are known for failure to trip, overheating, and outdated design. Replacement is often recommended. Can you tell if an outlet is overheating? If accessible, yes. I test for polarity, grounding, and signs of overheating. Thermal cameras help reveal hot terminals—even if the faceplate looks fine. Will you test every breaker? No. Breakers are visually inspected and evaluated for signs of damage or heat. I don’t trip-test them unless there’s an obvious issue or it’s part of an AFCI/GFCI combo test. → Next up: Post 17: Heating Systems — From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters ← Previously: Post 15: Electrical System Overview — What We Inspect and Why It Matters Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?