B&L Home Inspection

Summer is a popular time for home maintenance and improvement projects. While we often try the DIY route, some projects require the hiring of a contractor. The MN Department of Labor and Industry has a helpful tip sheet for hiring and working with a contractor, including a link to check their licensing status.

Tips for hiring a contractor | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Verify a contractor license The Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Residential Building Contractor explains how to select a contractor, how to solicit bids, what to include in a contract, how to understand a mechanic's lien and how to file a complaint against a contractor.

Use a cleaning solution to scrub and wash your siding then rinse with a pressure washer, preferably, but your water hose is fine.

Summer is on the horizon! We're sharing a summer home maintenance checklist because there is no break from home ownership!

June
• Clean and inspect air conditioning units
• Wash windows and screens
• Inspect driveway and walkways for cracks
July
• Check deck and patio for wear
• Inspect fencing and gates to be in good working order
• Deep clean garage and storage areas
August
• Prepare for fall weather
• Clean gutters before leaves begin falling
• Inspect attic ventilation and insulation

While summer is a popular time for vacations, enjoy your home when you're in town. Make sure it's safe and cared for many years to come.

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams." - Carolyn Riker

Just three weeks left on our extended “New Year” special: schedule a home inspection by May 31, 2026 and receive $25 off! The inspection can take place after May 31st.

Learn more here: www.bandlhomeinspection.com

Welcome, new friends, to our page! We are so excited to have you join us. B&L Home Inspection provides thorough and informational reviews of homes to ensure homeowners and homebuyers can make informed decisions based on the condition of their home.

Our founder and principal inspector, Cher Lee (Bobby), comes with decades of experience in quality control and logistics supervision and has completed his training through the American Home Inspectors Training program. He is a homeowner and brings that perspective when he's engaging with customers.

For the month of May, we extended our new year's promo and are offering $25 off any home inspections completed by May 31st. We are also providing gift cards to local businesses for referrals as a token of appreciation for supporting our business.

You can learn more about us at www.bandlhomeinspection.com.

This episode of 9-1-1 on ABC demonstrates the value of a home inspection prior to purchase so the owners know the condition of their home.

Earlier in the episode, an electrical contractor states the challenge of his work since the owners did not do a home inspection and do not know the scope of work needed for the contractor, which turns out to be beyond his abilities.

Hope you’ll watch and see the potential consequences of not knowing your home’s condition.

Watch 9-1-1 Season 9 Episode 14 D.I.Y. Online 9-1-1 full episode recap: Buck tries to manage the trauma following his kidnapping.

Severe weather season is on the horizon! Damage to homes from storms can become costly if not fixed promptly and adequately. Here are things to check after severe weather, especially when hail is present:

Roof: Look for shingles that are dented, torn, or missing. Check for "bruises" (soft spots) on asphalt shingles, which may appear dark.

Gutters & Downspouts: Inspect for dents, leaks, or if they have been knocked loose.

Windows & Siding: Check for cracked glass, broken panes, and damaged window frames or screens. Look for small, fresh dings or punctures on siding, especially metal or vinyl.

Exterior Features: Look for dented HVAC units, damaged patio covers, broken fence posts, or damaged exterior lights.

Interior: Check the attic for water leaks and inspect ceilings for water stains. Mm

What to do if you suspect damage:
1. Safety First: Check for downed power lines, damaged trees, and broken glass before walking around your property.
2. Document Everything: Take photos of any damage, including on vehicles, and note the date of the storm.
3. Secure the Property: Cover broken windows or roof holes with tarps to prevent further damage, but do not risk your safety.
4. Contact Professionals: Hire a reputable, local contractor for a professional inspection.
5. Contact Insurance: Notify your insurance company immediately if you discover significant damage.

www.bandlhomeinspection.com

Buying a home is a big decision. There are so many things we look for: # of bathrooms, # of bedrooms, size & layout of kitchen, location, lot size, layout of the house, etc.

Yet, we often overlook the critical elements impacting the structural and mechanical soundness of the home. That’s where home inspectors come in to assess the condition of your home so you can make an informed decision.

Here are the key condition factors homebuyers should look for beyond size and aesthetics that we can help to assess:

Structural & Foundation
• Cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings
• Signs of settling or uneven floors
• Roof age and condition (typically 20–30 year lifespan)

Systems & Mechanicals
• Age and condition of HVAC, water heater, electrical panel, and plumbing
• Whether systems are up to code (knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized pipes, etc.)
• Presence of a sump pump and its condition

Water & Moisture
• Evidence of past or current leaks (staining, efflorescence, musty smell)
• Basement or crawl space moisture
• Grading around the foundation (does water drain away from the house?)

Environmental Hazards
• Asbestos (common in homes built before 1980)
• Lead paint (pre-1978 homes)
• Radon levels (especially in the Midwest and Northeast)
• Mold — visible or hidden behind walls

Energy Efficiency
• Insulation quality and attic ventilation
• Window age and type (single-pane vs. double/triple)
• Air sealing — affects both comfort and utility costs

Deferred Maintenance
• Signs that routine upkeep has been neglected (peeling caulk, rotting wood trim, clogged gutters) — these often signal bigger hidden issues

General rule: cosmetic issues are cheap to fix; systems and structural problems are expensive. Prioritize understanding those first.

Happy House Hunting and hope to see you on your journey to homeownership!

www.bandlhomeinspection.com

April showers bring May flowers. This is the time to make sure your sump pump is in working order as we enter the rainy season in Minnesota.

A sump pump is an electrical device installed in a pit at the lowest point of a basement or crawlspace to prevent flooding. It automatically detects rising groundwater or rainwater, pumping it away from the foundation through a discharge pipe to keep the home dry and prevent mold. Testing its functionality takes just a few minutes.

1. Pour a bucket of water into the pit. It should turn on, pump out, and shut off normally.
2. Watch the discharge outlet. This can be a pipe or hose or other structure that discharges the water outside. Go outside while it’s running to make sure water is actually flowing out. Confirm it’s draining away from your foundation.
3. Check for clogs or blockage. If the water trickles or backs up, there is a possible clog. Look for the source of that clog, possibly in the pit or hose.
4. Listen & observe. If there is a smooth hum, that’s a good sign. However, loud grinding or vibrating can signify a potential issue.
5. After it stops, water should not flow back into the pit. If it does, the valve might be failing.

Here are some common problems to catch early:
• Pump doesn’t turn on → float stuck or motor issue
• Runs but no discharge → clogged or frozen pipe
• Short cycling → float or water level issue
• Outlet too close to house → water comes right back in

If you feel anything requires a professional opinion, contact a licensed plumber. If you experience flooding unrelated to the sump pump, contact a waterproofing contractor. And for electrical issues affecting your sump pump, contact an electrician.

Excess water in your home and around your foundation can lead to mold, foundation issues, water damage to your floors, walls and carpets, and more. Take a few minutes to test your sump pump soon!

We are excited to announce that with the warmer weather and request for services, we are extending our promo! Completed home inspections by May 31st will receive a $25 discount.

Expert Home Inspections for Buyers and Sellers | B&L Home Inspection B&L Home Inspection offers comprehensive home inspections for buyers and sellers, ensuring peace of mind. We also provide four-point inspections for insurance purposes, helping you make informed decisions about your property. Trust our experienced team for reliable and thorough inspections.