Grilling Season Is Here — A Friendly Reminder on BBQ Safety for Your Clients

As we enter the heart of summer, backyard barbecues are in full swing — a favorite pastime for many homeowners. At Carey Home Inspection, we believe that helping your clients enjoy their homes safely is just as important as finding the perfect property. That’s why we’re sharing a timely reminder about grill safety, covering both gas and charcoal units.

Grill Placement: Distance Matters

One of the most common — and preventable — fire hazards we see is improper grill placement. Whether it’s gas or charcoal, grills should be placed at least 10 feet away from the house, garage, deck railings, or overhanging eaves. Even a quick meal can turn dangerous if a flare-up occurs too close to siding or wooden structures. Encourage your clients to create a dedicated grilling area with a solid, non-flammable surface like concrete or pavers.

Gas Grill Tips

Gas grills are convenient, but they come with their own safety checklist:

Check for Leaks: Before the first use each season, inspect hoses and connections for cracks or leaks using a soap and water solution.

Clean Regularly: Grease buildup in the drip tray or burners can cause fires. A quick cleaning after each use goes a long way.

Turn Off Properly: Always shut off the propane tank first before turning off the grill controls to reduce pressure and avoid leaks.

Charcoal Grill Reminders

Charcoal grills bring that classic flavor, but also require careful handling:

Starter Fluid Caution: Only use charcoal starter fluid designed for grills. Never add it to an open flame.

Dispose Ashes Safely: Let ashes cool completely, then place them in a metal container with a lid. Never dump them directly into the trash or yard.

Air Flow: Proper ventilation is critical. Avoid using charcoal grills in enclosed areas like garages or screened porches.

A Positive Experience Starts with Prevention

The goal isn’t to make grilling seem dangerous — just to remind your clients to stay mindful. With just a few precautions, they can enjoy flavorful meals and safe summer evenings with friends and family.

At Carey Home Inspection, we strive to go beyond the checklist. By providing practical advice that helps buyers and homeowners avoid common hazards, we support you in creating long-term satisfaction with every property.

Please feel free to share this message with your clients or include it in your own newsletters. If you ever have a question about home safety issues, we’re just a phone call away.

Wishing you and your clients a safe and happy grilling season!

The Hidden Cost of Waiting for Inspection Reports

In today’s fast-moving real estate market, time is everything. Offers come fast, negotiations evolve quickly, and delays—no matter how small—can make or break a deal. Yet one of the most common sources of frustration in the home-buying process continues to be waiting several days for an inspection report to arrive.

Many inspectors take two, three, or even four days to deliver their reports. For agents and clients alike, that delay can create unnecessary stress, slow down negotiations, and sometimes even jeopardize the transaction. At Carey Home Inspection, we recognize that your time is valuable—and that your clients deserve answers now, not later. That’s why we provide same-day delivery of all inspection reports, without compromising the thoroughness or quality of our work.

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The Problem with Delayed Reports

When an inspection is complete, the client is eager for clarity. Agents need the information to move forward—whether that means negotiating repairs, adjusting offers, or reassuring buyers that their new home is sound.

Waiting days for a report often creates:

• Lost momentum: Buyers can grow anxious, and sellers can lose patience when communication stalls.

• Compressed deadlines: When the report finally arrives late in the contingency period, there’s less time for follow-up or negotiation.

• Added pressure on agents: You become the middleman trying to reassure both sides while waiting on paperwork that should already be in hand.

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The Carey Home Inspection Difference

We understand that a home inspection is not just about identifying issues—it’s about keeping your transaction moving smoothly. That’s why we’ve invested in the technology, training, and reporting systems to ensure our clients receive their inspection report the same day the inspection is performed.

Our process includes:

• On-site digital documentation: Photos, notes, and observations are entered in real time using professional inspection software.

• Comprehensive review before delivery: Every report is carefully reviewed for accuracy and clarity before being sent to you and your client.

• Clear, actionable information: Our reports are detailed yet easy to understand, allowing clients to make informed decisions immediately.

The result? No waiting, no wondering—just clear answers when you need them.

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Supporting Agents, Supporting Clients

As a real estate professional, you know that communication and efficiency build trust. When your inspector delivers a high-quality report the same day, you gain:

• Faster decision-making: You can help your clients act confidently and quickly.

• Stronger client relationships: Prompt, professional reporting reflects positively on you as their trusted advisor.

• Fewer surprises: Our same-day reports reduce last-minute stress and give all parties more time to plan next steps.

At Carey Home Inspection, we work with you—not just for you. We see ourselves as part of your professional team, helping to keep every transaction on schedule and every client informed.

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Experience the Difference

If you’re accustomed to waiting days for reports, it’s time to raise your expectations. With Carey Home Inspection, you’ll receive the same level of care, attention to detail, and professionalism you expect—but without the delay.

Because in real estate, every day counts—and with Carey Home Inspection, you never have to wait to move forward.

Knob-and-Tube Wiring: What Real Estate Professionals Should Know

 

Older homes offer charm and character, but they can also present legacy building systems that today’s buyers need to understand. One of the most common examples is knob-and-tube wiring. While it was a standard electrical method in homes built roughly between 1880 and the 1940s, it is now considered obsolete and may raise safety, insurance, and transaction concerns.

What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring consists of individual hot and neutral conductors run separately through wall and ceiling cavities. Ceramic knobs were used to support wires along framing members, while ceramic tubes protected wires as they passed through wood. At the time, this system worked well for the limited electrical demands of the era.

How to Identify It
Identifying knob-and-tube wiring is not always straightforward. In some cases, it has been partially removed or concealed during renovations. Common indicators include:

• Porcelain knobs attached to exposed framing in basements or attics

• Ceramic tubes where wiring passes through joists or studs

• Cloth-wrapped wiring without a modern outer jacket

• Absence of a grounding conductor

Importantly, knob-and-tube wiring is often hidden behind finished walls or ceilings. Even when it is not visible, certain clues—such as the age of the home, outdated electrical panels, or mixed wiring types—may suggest it is present.

Where Inspectors Commonly Look
Home inspectors typically check accessible areas, including:

• Unfinished basements and crawlspaces

• Attics, especially near attic hatches or junction points

• Electrical panels and visible branch circuits

• Open wall cavities at plumbing or renovation access points

Because much of the wiring may be concealed, inspectors cannot always see the entire system. However, a qualified home inspector can identify visible components and note conditions that strongly indicate hidden knob-and-tube wiring may still exist.

Why It Matters
Knob-and-tube wiring presents several concerns:

• It was not designed for modern electrical loads

• Insulation can become brittle over time, increasing the risk of overheating

• It lacks grounding, which limits protection from electrical faults

• It may have been improperly modified over the years

In addition, many insurance companies restrict or deny coverage for homes with active knob-and-tube wiring, which can impact financing and closing timelines.

Cost to Remove or Rewire
For an average 1,500 square foot home, the cost to remove or rewire knob-and-tube wiring typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, though it can be higher depending on accessibility, wall finishes, and local labor rates. Homes requiring significant wall and ceiling repairs after rewiring may see additional costs. While this is a substantial investment, it often improves safety, insurability, and long-term property value.

The Inspector’s Role
Finding knob-and-tube wiring is not always easy, and it cannot always be fully confirmed without opening walls. That is where a professional home inspection adds value. A home inspector can identify visible components, recognize warning signs, and clearly communicate when knob-and-tube wiring is present or likely present—even if it cannot be fully seen.

For real estate agents and clients alike, understanding knob-and-tube wiring helps set realistic expectations and supports informed decision-making when working with older homes. 

Nine Tips to Get the Best WiFi Performance in Your New Home

 In today’s connected world, reliable Wi-Fi is as essential as running water and electricity. Whether your clients work from home, stream entertainment, or manage smart devices, signal quality directly affects comfort and satisfaction in their new property. While home inspectors don’t evaluate internet systems, we understand how critical connectivity is for homeowners — and a few simple choices can make all the difference.

 

Choosing the Right Router Location

The placement of a Wi-Fi router determines how evenly the signal reaches throughout the home. Encourage your clients to:

• Locate the router centrally. The signal radiates outward, so positioning it near the center of the home (both horizontally and vertically) helps minimize weak spots.
• Keep it elevated. Mounting the router on a shelf or wall, rather than placing it on the floor or behind furniture, improves line-of-sight performance.
• Avoid corners and basements. These areas often have dense walls or concrete that absorb and weaken wireless signals.

 

Avoiding Common Interference Sources

Many homeowners unknowingly place routers near signal-blocking or signal-competing items. Advise them to avoid:

• Metal objects or mirrors. These reflect and scatter signals, reducing strength.
• Microwaves and cordless phones. Older devices operate on similar frequencies (2.4 GHz) and can cause interference.
• Thick materials like brick, stone, or tile. Wi-Fi struggles to pass through dense construction materials; it’s best to place the router near open hallways or central rooms.

 

Planning for Larger Homes or Multiple Levels

For homes over 2,500 sq ft or with multiple floors, even an ideal router location may not provide full coverage. Suggest:

• Mesh networks. These systems use multiple access points that communicate seamlessly, ensuring a uniform signal throughout the property.
• Wi-Fi extenders. While less advanced than mesh systems, they can boost weak areas effectively if placed midway between the router and the dead zone.
• Hard-wired connections where possible. For high-demand uses like home offices or media rooms, connecting via Ethernet provides stability that Wi-Fi can’t match.

 

Safety and Aesthetic Considerations

Modern routers are designed to blend with home décor, but homeowners should still ensure they remain visible and unobstructed. Stashing a router inside a cabinet, behind a television, or near water sources (like aquariums or kitchens) can reduce performance and potentially risk overheating.

Reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Helping your clients understand these basics not only adds value to your service but also prevents unnecessary frustration after move-in.

 

At Carey Home Inspection, we don’t inspect internet systems, but we recognize their importance in every modern home. By offering small, practical tips like these, you can help your clients transition smoothly and enjoy their new property from day one.

Top 5 Causes of Dryer Fires

Improper dryer vent material is one of the most common things we point out at an inspection. Vinyl or foil vent material can trap lint and is often kinked or crushed behind the dryer.    Dryer fires are most often caused by a buildup of highly combustible lint in the dryer's vent and duct system, which can be ignited by the dryer's heating element. To prevent these fires, homeowners should regularly clean the lint filter after every load, check and clean the entire vent system (including behind the dryer and the exterior vent), and use rigid metal venting instead of plastic or foil. Warning signs of a potential fire include a burning smell, clothes taking longer to dry, or clothes feeling hotter than usual. In case of a fire, leave the door closed, turn off the dryer, and call 911 immediately.    What Causes Dryer Fires?   Lint Buildup: The most significant cause, where lint accumulates in the dryer's heating element, exhaust duct, and on the back of the machine, providing fuel for a fire.    Improper Venting: Long, twisted, or restricted vent pipes create more opportunities for lint to collect.    Flammable Venting Materials: Using flimsy plastic or foil-based ductwork is a hazard because it can trap lint and melt when exposed to heat.    Overloading: Packing the dryer with too many clothes can cause it to overheat and take longer to dry, increasing the risk of lint buildup and ignition.    Electrical/Mechanical Issues: Faulty wiring or damaged machine parts can also contribute to dryer fires.

What to look for when buying a house you will share with your pet

 

House Hunters often focus on a home's structural integrity, curb appeal, and neighborhood features when searching for their perfect property. However, for many buyers, their pets are just as much a part of the family as their children. Taking pet safety into consideration during home tours is critical in finding the right home. Here are a few key pet safety factors they should keep in mind:   1. Fencing and Yard Security For clients with dogs, a secure backyard is often a top priority. Look for fencing that is in good repair, with no gaps, loose panels, or areas a pet could dig under or jump over. Pay attention to landscaping as well—some common plants, like azaleas and sago palms, are toxic to pets.   2. Flooring and Interior Surfaces Hardwood and tile floors are pet-friendly for easy cleaning, but also check for loose tiles, slippery surfaces, or steep stairs that could pose risks, especially for older pets. Carpeting in multi-pet households can trap allergens and odors if not properly maintained.   3. Hazards in the Home Layout Open staircases, lofts with low railings, or large gaps in banisters can be dangerous for both pets and small children. Also, homes with tight spaces behind appliances or cabinets may provide tempting hiding spots that could lead to trouble.   4. Nearby Traffic and Noise Homes near busy roads or with minimal yard setbacks may not be ideal for owners of outdoor pets. High-traffic areas can be hazardous and stressful for animals. Additionally, consider proximity to loud businesses or train lines that might frighten sensitive pets.   5. Access to Green Spaces Highlight nearby dog parks, trails, or pet-friendly amenities. Easy access to outdoor recreation can be a major selling point for pet owners looking to maintain an active lifestyle with their companions. By keeping an eye out for these pet-focused details, buyers can be better prepared as they evaluate their next home for every member of the family, with two legs or four.

Oh no, the homeowner is attending the inspection

 Given that a person's home is often their greatest financial asset, it’s not uncommon that homeowners want to attend the inspection. After all, if someone is going to be poking around in all the corners and closets, running water in the bathrooms, and turning the heat on and off, most of us would want to be there too. It’s typically best for homeowners to leave supervision of their home during the inspection to the real estate agent, but some are not satisfied in doing that. So, how do you handle a homeowner at the inspection?

First, never forget it’s their home, and we, the inspector, buyer, and agents, are all guests. While we do have a job to perform, we are visitors in their home and should not forget that. Being respectful of the homeowner's requests, questions, and instructions is important. Second, never forget that the homeowner has an interest in the sale, so buyers should always feel secure in talking privately with their inspector. Just because the homeowner is at the inspection does not make them part of the inspection.

Homeowners should be informed that while the inspection is about their house, the information discovered is for the buyer, and inspectors may not share their thoughts, even if asked. Most inspectors have a set routine to ensure that they look at everything required, so homeowners should not feel a need to show them around the house unless it is an unusual home with hidden areas. Homeowners are often eager to show inspectors the upgrades or improvements they have made over the years, not understanding that the inspector is there to evaluate the house in its current condition, and these conversations can be distracting or even red flags if they were DIY projects. 

After the inspection, many inspectors review or point out some of the issues they found, but while many homeowners may want to be a part of this conversation, they should not. The potential for the owner to become defensive or attempt to explain away a defect is high, and the danger of concessions without time to reflect or investigate can also happen on both sides of the transaction. 

 

It’s usually best for a homeowner to not attend the inspection however, if they do, they should be present but not a participant. Having time to evaluate their potential purchase is something every buyer should have the freedom to do without distraction.