[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-why-i-start-every-inspection-with-a-recallchek\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-why-i-start-every-inspection-with-a-recallchek\/","headline":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Why I Start Every Inspection with a RecallChek","name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Why I Start Every Inspection with a RecallChek","description":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Why I Start Every Inspection with a RecallChek The reason I start nearly every inspection by uploading model and serial numbers into RecallChek is because your appliances could literally be ticking time bombs. It\u2019s not fearmongering\u2014it\u2019s just reality. There are thousands of active recalls on household systems, and most homeowners have no idea they\u2019re living with a known hazard. What Is a RecallChek, and Why Do I Use It? Think of it like a VIN check for your appliances. I collect the model and serial numbers for major systems\u2014furnace, A\/C, dishwasher, oven, water heater, microwave\u2014and run them through a national safety database. If there\u2019s a recall, the report will show it. And just like your car, manufacturers are legally required to fix it for free. But here\u2019s the best part: it doesn\u2019t just tell you what\u2019s wrong *right now*. You\u2019ll also get monthly updates moving forward. If a recall is issued two years from now, you\u2019ll be notified. If you replace your fridge next month? You can add the new unit to your report. It\u2019s not just a snapshot\u2014it\u2019s a living safety tracker. Why This Comes First (Even Before the Roof) Starting with RecallChek gives me more than just safety data. It shows me where all the key systems are, what condition they\u2019re in, and whether anything looks off from the jump. I\u2019ll often spot a mismatched HVAC unit, an undersized water heater, or a duct-taped microwave install before I\u2019ve even gotten to the attic. Plus, getting these data plates early means I\u2019m not scrambling at the end or accidentally skipping something because it was hidden behind laundry baskets. What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: clearly readable model and serial numbers on appliances and systems, correct installation dates, and whether they match the general condition of the property. \u274c I\u2019m not looking for: cosmetic scratches, off-brand labels, or whether you \u201clike\u201d the appliances. Also, I don\u2019t inspect portable or plug-in devices like countertop blenders or toasters. I also don\u2019t verify whether the recalled parts have already been replaced. I\u2019ll flag the issue\u2014but it\u2019s up to the homeowner or buyer to follow through with the manufacturer. My job is to provide the info, not chase warranty repairs. Why This Matters Long After I Leave Even if everything in your home is working perfectly right now, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s safe. Some appliance recalls take years to surface. Others go unnoticed because manufacturers don\u2019t always contact homeowners directly. When you get a RecallChek through us, you\u2019re looped into an alert system that keeps working long after the inspection report is filed away. All of our inspectors start with RecallChek because it\u2019s low-effort, high-value, and potentially life-saving. And if you don\u2019t know the safety status of your own appliances... who does? FAQs: The Truth About Appliance Recalls How does RecallChek work during a home inspection? I take photos of the data plate (the tag with the model and serial number) for every built-in or major appliance\u2014like the furnace, A\/C, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and water heater. Those numbers are uploaded to RecallChek\u2019s national database to check for manufacturer-issued recalls or defects. What happens if something I own is recalled? You\u2019ll get a report showing any active recalls. Manufacturers are legally obligated to correct safety issues, typically at no cost to the homeowner. You can contact them with the report to schedule repairs or replacements. Is this just a one-time scan, or does it keep updating? It keeps updating. You\u2019ll get monthly updates if a new recall is issued. If you replace appliances later, you can log into the portal and add them to your RecallChek list to keep the protection going. Do you test the appliances for functionality too? Yes, where it\u2019s safe and allowed. I test appliances using normal operating controls. But if something\u2019s shut down, disconnected, or unsafe to operate (like a gas oven with no visible shutoff), I won\u2019t activate it. My job is to observe and report, not to damage or repair anything. \u2192 Next up: Post 4: Why Elevation Photos Matter in Your Home Inspection Report \u2190 Previously: Post 2: How I Prepare for a Home Inspection the Right Way Curious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?","datePublished":"2025-06-30","dateModified":"2025-06-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/#Person","name":"Kloc Curtis","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/","identifier":6,"description":"Curtis Kloc is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in business development, inspections, and technical systems. He has built and sold multiple six- and seven-figure home inspection and environmental services companies, including HERO Inspections & Environmental and Elite Analysis. Curtis is the founder of Inspections Over Coffee, a nationally expanding franchise known for its white-glove service, inspector training systems, and streamlined operational workflows.\r\n\r\nWith deep roots in nuclear engineering from his time as a Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, Curtis brings unmatched precision and discipline to every business he runs. He is certified and licensed in home inspection, mold assessment, asbestos inspection, and environmental testing, and is a member of NACHI since 2006. Curtis now leads AI automation initiatives through Nexation.ai, helping businesses eliminate busywork and refocus on what matters most\u2014client relationships, growth, and results.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Curtis Kloc","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","width":512,"height":512}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-blog-3.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-blog-3.png","height":736,"width":1312},"url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-why-i-start-every-inspection-with-a-recallchek\/","about":["Uncategorized"],"wordCount":756,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Why I Start Every Inspection with a RecallChekThe reason I start nearly every inspection by uploading model and serial numbers into RecallChek is because your appliances could literally be ticking time bombs. It\u2019s not fearmongering\u2014it\u2019s just reality. There are thousands of active recalls on household systems, and most homeowners have no idea they\u2019re living with a known hazard.What Is a RecallChek, and Why Do I Use It?Think of it like a VIN check for your appliances. I collect the model and serial numbers for major systems\u2014furnace, A\/C, dishwasher, oven, water heater, microwave\u2014and run them through a national safety database. If there\u2019s a recall, the report will show it. And just like your car, manufacturers are legally required to fix it for free.But here\u2019s the best part: it doesn\u2019t just tell you what\u2019s wrong *right now*. You\u2019ll also get monthly updates moving forward. If a recall is issued two years from now, you\u2019ll be notified. If you replace your fridge next month? You can add the new unit to your report. It\u2019s not just a snapshot\u2014it\u2019s a living safety tracker.Why This Comes First (Even Before the Roof)Starting with RecallChek gives me more than just safety data. It shows me where all the key systems are, what condition they\u2019re in, and whether anything looks off from the jump. I\u2019ll often spot a mismatched HVAC unit, an undersized water heater, or a duct-taped microwave install before I\u2019ve even gotten to the attic.Plus, getting these data plates early means I\u2019m not scrambling at the end or accidentally skipping something because it was hidden behind laundry baskets.What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not  \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: clearly readable model and serial numbers on appliances and systems, correct installation dates, and whether they match the general condition of the property.  \u274c I\u2019m not looking for: cosmetic scratches, off-brand labels, or whether you \u201clike\u201d the appliances. Also, I don\u2019t inspect portable or plug-in devices like countertop blenders or toasters.I also don\u2019t verify whether the recalled parts have already been replaced. I\u2019ll flag the issue\u2014but it\u2019s up to the homeowner or buyer to follow through with the manufacturer. My job is to provide the info, not chase warranty repairs.Why This Matters Long After I LeaveEven if everything in your home is working perfectly right now, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s safe. Some appliance recalls take years to surface. Others go unnoticed because manufacturers don\u2019t always contact homeowners directly. When you get a RecallChek through us, you\u2019re looped into an alert system that keeps working long after the inspection report is filed away.All of our inspectors start with RecallChek because it\u2019s low-effort, high-value, and potentially life-saving. And if you don\u2019t know the safety status of your own appliances... who does?FAQs: The Truth About Appliance RecallsHow does RecallChek work during a home inspection?I take photos of the data plate (the tag with the model and serial number) for every built-in or major appliance\u2014like the furnace, A\/C, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and water heater. Those numbers are uploaded to RecallChek\u2019s national database to check for manufacturer-issued recalls or defects.What happens if something I own is recalled?You\u2019ll get a report showing any active recalls. Manufacturers are legally obligated to correct safety issues, typically at no cost to the homeowner. You can contact them with the report to schedule repairs or replacements.Is this just a one-time scan, or does it keep updating?It keeps updating. You\u2019ll get monthly updates if a new recall is issued. If you replace appliances later, you can log into the portal and add them to your RecallChek list to keep the protection going.Do you test the appliances for functionality too?Yes, where it\u2019s safe and allowed. I test appliances using normal operating controls. But if something\u2019s shut down, disconnected, or unsafe to operate (like a gas oven with no visible shutoff), I won\u2019t activate it. My job is to observe and report, not to damage or repair anything.\u2192 Next up: Post 4: Why Elevation Photos Matter in Your Home Inspection Report\u2190 Previously: Post 2: How I Prepare for a Home Inspection the Right WayCurious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Why I Start Every Inspection with a RecallChek","item":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-why-i-start-every-inspection-with-a-recallchek\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]