This week on Thoughts from the Crawlspace, Jamie breaks down the essential elements of a home inspection, especially the exterior features that deserve a closer look. He walks through what’s typically covered in an inspection and what’s not, including common exclusions like swimming pools and spas.

You’ll also learn the key differences between a home inspection and an appraisal, and why it’s important not to confuse the two. While appraisals estimate market value, inspections focus strictly on the condition of the property.

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Episode Highlights

• What’s Actually Inspected – A breakdown of the key exterior elements examined during a standard home inspection.
• Common Exclusions – Why features like swimming pools and spas are typically not included in a routine inspection—and what to do about it.
• Inspection vs. Appraisal – A clear explanation of how these two processes differ and why that matters for buyers and sellers alike.
• How to Be Prepared – Tips for homeowners, buyers, and agents to approach inspections with the right expectations and questions.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

03:11 - Understanding Home Inspections: The Exterior

07:27 - Inspecting Roof Shingles: Key Indicators

09:35 - Inspecting the Exterior: Foundations and Pests

13:49 - Home Inspection Safety

This week on Thoughts from the Crawlspace, Jamie unpacks the often-overlooked details of home inspections, answering common questions from both past and future clients. He shines a light on hidden issues inside a home, especially the frequent but hard-to-spot problem of water damage. From mold and moisture to concerns about structural integrity, Jamie covers the most common challenges and explains why a thorough inspection is critical to protecting your investment.

Whether you're a homeowner, real estate agent, or investor, our goal is to equip you with practical knowledge to better understand and care for your property!

Connect with Gold Key Inspection Services!

Episode Highlights

• Uncovering Hidden Water Damage: Learn how water issues often go unnoticed and the signs to watch for during a home inspection.
• Common Interior Problems Explained: We break down recurring concerns like mold, moisture, and structural weaknesses found in many homes.
• Why Thorough Inspections Matter: Understand the risks of skipping detailed evaluations and how inspections protect your property investment.
• Empowering Buyers and Owners: Gain practical insights to make informed, proactive decisions as a homeowner, agent, or investor.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

02:21 - Common Hidden Water Damage in Homes

05:55 - Essential Checks and Considerations

09:18 - Inspecting Electrical Systems in Homes

12:55 - Home Inspection Protocols and Responsibilities