MSP Inspections

As the weather warms up and snow begins to melt across Minnesota, homeowners should be on high alert for potential water intrusion. Melting snow can seep into basements, crawl spaces, and other areas of your home, leading to moisture issues that can cause long-term damage if left unchecked.
Signs of Water Intrusion in Your Home
Not sure if your home has water intrusion? Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
✔ Standing or Visible Water – Puddles in your basement or around your foundation are clear indicators of water intrusion.
✔ Cracks in the Walls – New or widening cracks in your foundation or walls can signal water damage and shifting structures.
✔ Bowing & Buckling Walls – Walls that appear to bulge inward may react to excessive moisture in the foundation.
✔ Issues with Wall Finish – Peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, or drywall stains could result from hidden moisture.
✔ Changes in the Flooring – Warped, soft, or discolored flooring can indicate water damage beneath the surface.
When Should You Test for Mold?
If you’ve recently had water intrusion or suspect mold, timing is key when it comes to testing. Testing too early may not provide an accurate picture of the mold situation in your home. Mold spores need time to grow to detectable levels, so it's best to wait at least 72 hours after water exposure before conducting a mold test.
Need Expert Help?
If you’re concerned about water intrusion, mold growth, or indoor air quality, MSP Inspections LLC is here to help! We offer free phone consultations for all your home inspection and air quality testing needs.
📞 Call us today at 612-816-2363 to schedule an inspection and ensure your home is safe and dry this season.
To schedule online: https://app.spectora.com/home-inspectors/my-inspection-company-de10de8acd/schedule

Another 5-star home inspection in Columbia Heights, MN…
And you won’t believe it — not a single hair lost today!
That means the house was cooperating… or maybe I’m finally getting faster.
(But let’s not push our luck.)
https://mspinspections.com/columbia-heights/

Our thanks go out to our client for selecting MSP Inspections LLC for their 5-star home inspection, as always, today in Hastings, MN — and thankfully, not a single hair was lost on this one.
https://mspinspections.com/hastings/

Every time I find a serious issue, I lose another hair — that’s how you know I’ve seen it all.
The good news? I’ve seen almost everything that can go wrong in a Minnesota home. That means my clients don’t lose sleep over unexpected surprises.

Spring Thaw in Minnesota: It's Time to Check for Water Intrusion

As the weather warms up and snow begins to melt across Minnesota, homeowners should be on high alert for potential water intrusion. Melting snow can seep into basements, crawl spaces, and other areas of your home, leading to moisture issues that can cause long-term damage if left unchecked.
Signs of Water Intrusion in Your Home
Not sure if your home has water intrusion? Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
✔ Standing or Visible Water – Puddles in your basement or around your foundation are clear indicators of water intrusion.
✔ Cracks in the Walls – New or widening cracks in your foundation or walls can signal water damage and shifting structures.
✔ Bowing & Buckling Walls – Walls that appear to bulge inward may react to excessive moisture in the foundation.
✔ Issues with Wall Finish – Peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, or drywall stains could result from hidden moisture.
✔ Changes in the Flooring – Warped, soft, or discolored flooring can indicate water damage beneath the surface.
When Should You Test for Mold?
If you’ve recently had water intrusion or suspect mold, timing is key when it comes to testing. Testing too early may not provide an accurate picture of the mold situation in your home. Mold spores need time to grow to detectable levels, so it's best to wait at least 72 hours after water exposure before conducting a mold test.
Need Expert Help?
If you’re concerned about water intrusion, mold growth, or indoor air quality, MSP Inspections LLC is here to help! We offer free phone consultations for all your home inspection and air quality testing needs.
📞 Call us today at 612-816-2363 to schedule an inspection and ensure your home is safe and dry this season.

Home Inspector’s Two Cents: What Every Townhouse Buyer Should Do Before Closing!

As a townhome buyer, thoroughly review HOA documentation before closing to understand what the HOA is responsible for, such as maintaining, repairing, and replacing common areas and exterior elements. Typically, HOA insurance covers shared spaces or the exterior. Clarify what is covered versus what will be your responsibility.
Requesting a full home inspection is highly recommended, as standard townhome inspections exclude the exterior, roof, cladding, and common areas.
Recently, a client faced unexpected HOA assessment fees for a planned roof replacement, 2 months after the closing, emphasizing the importance of due diligence.
Key Questions to Ask a Homeowners Association (HOA) Before Buying a Townhome
When buying a townhome, the homeowners association (HOA) plays a crucial role in your living experience. Here are important questions to ask the HOA before making your purchase:
1. What are the monthly HOA fees, and what do they cover?
Understand what services and amenities are included, such as maintenance, landscaping, insurance, or utilities.
2. Are there any upcoming fee increases or special assessments?
Check for planned increases or one-time charges for repairs or improvements.
3. What are the community rules and restrictions?
Review policies on parking, pets, renovations, and use of shared spaces to ensure they align with your lifestyle.
4. What is the financial health of the HOA?
Ask for financial statements, reserves, and a history of assessments to evaluate how well the HOA manages its budget.
5. How are disputes handled?
Learn how the HOA addresses conflicts between residents or issues with the association itself.
6. Are there any ongoing legal disputes?
Ongoing litigation could indicate potential problems and lead to financial instability.
7. What’s the process for making modifications to your home?
Understand how strict the HOA is about changes like painting, landscaping, or structural improvements.
8. Who manages the HOA, and how often do they communicate?
Is it managed by residents or a professional company? Ensure they provide clear and regular updates.
9. What’s the community culture?
Attend an HOA meeting or speak with residents to understand the atmosphere and level of involvement.
10. Is the HOA insured?
Verify that the HOA carries sufficient insurance, including coverage for liability and property damage.
By addressing these questions, you can avoid surprises and determine whether the HOA aligns with your expectations for your future home.