B&L Home Inspection

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.

Here are some tips when it comes to resale value that you can do before listing your home:

***Fix what's broken first. Buyers will get an inspection too. A leaky faucet, a tripped GFCI outlet, or a cracked caulk line in the bathroom, a fussy window or door screams "deferred maintenance" louder than new countertops scream "value."

***Fresh paint goes further than you think. Neutral tones, clean trim, and no scuffs make a home feel cared for — and cared-for homes sell faster.

***Update your light fixtures. Swapping outdated brass or builder-grade fixtures is a weekend project that modernizes a space for a few hundred dollars.

***Curb appeal is the first impression. Mulch, power washing the driveway, and a freshly painted front door cost very little but set the tone before buyers even walk in.

***Address moisture and water staining. Nothing spooks a buyer (or their inspector) faster than a water stain on the ceiling or musty smell in the basement.

You don't have to gut your kitchen to get top dollar. You just have to show buyers that the home has been loved. We help sellers too! Just call us and we can schedule a home inspection to get your home ready for the market!

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.

Spring has arrived in MN (hopefully!). Here are some essential spring cleaning tasks to keep your home well-maintained.

***Clean & Inspect Gutters. Fall and Winter debris can clog gutters and cause water damage. To check and unclog:
-Remove leaves and buildup.
-Check for leaks or sagging in your gutters, including the downspouts.
-Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

***Check Your HVAC System. Before the summer heat hits:
-Replace the air filters in your HVAC unit at least quarterly.
-Consider servicing your AC unit (recommend annually in spring).
-Clean vents and registers throughout your home.

***Inspect Roof & Exterior. Look for winter damage:
-Missing or damaged shingles can cause leaks into your home.
-Cracks in siding or foundation should be sealed or replaced.
-Peeling paint should be sanded and touched up so it does further deteriorate the wood and/siding.

***Check Outdoor Systems.
-Turn on and test sprinklers, if you have them.
-Inspect hoses for leaks, particularly the water spigot and hose bib as these can leak into the house and disturb the foundation.

***Pest Prevention. Spring = bugs waking up and gnawing at your foundation.
-Walk around your house and seal entry points to prevent congregation of pests. Ensure vents going out such as dryer, stove and bathrooms, have a screen to prevent pests getting into your home. For openings into your home, use spray foam to seal.
-Clean up standing water to keeps pests away.
-Consider preventative treatments such as sprays and powders.

While the latest MN snowfall is melting, make sure the dryer vent or furnace exhaust/intake pipes are not blocked by snow or other objects. A blocked furnace exhaust can cause carbon monoxide and exhaust gases to not vent properly. A blocked dryer vent can cause moisture and lint build up, increasing fire risk and reducing dryer efficiency.

Signs something might be blocked include the dryer taking much longer to dry clothes, the furnace shuts off unexpectedly, there is unusual furnace error codes, or moist air or lint collecting around the dryer.

To prevent these:
- Clear snow around vents regularly, especially after heavy snowfall. - Leave at least 1–2 feet of clearance around exterior pipes and vents.
- Check after snowplowing or drifting, which can bury low vents quickly.
- Make sure the vent flap moves freely and isn’t frozen shut.

It was pleasure to be a part of your journey into homeownership! Congratulations and cheers to many memories in your own home!

Kimberly Y.'s review of B&L Home Inspection B&L Home Inspection provided great services. Bobby is very thorough and cares about your home just…