Baker Property Inspections

Radon myth I still hear during real estate transactions:

“A home with a crawlspace or slab foundation doesn’t need a radon test.”

❌ This is not accurate.

Radon can enter homes through crawl spaces, slab cracks, sump pits, utility penetrations, and other openings.

Radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. ⚠️☠️

If you're buying or selling a home in Michigan, it's worth reviewing the state's information on radon and testing:

Michigan Indoor Radon Program Overview
https://share.google/48nrvYAeATOLVdHNM

You’ve probably seen outlets with TEST and RESET buttons in kitchens or bathrooms.

But when was the last time you actually tested one?

These are GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters). They shut off power almost instantly if electricity starts flowing somewhere it shouldn’t — helping reduce the risk of electric shock.

They’re typically found in areas where electricity and water may be close together, like:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Garages
• Outdoor outlets

Many older homes were built before GFCIs were required, so they may be missing in places where modern standards call for them. Adding them is a relatively simple upgrade that can improve safety.

One thing many homeowners don’t realize is that GFCIs can fail over time, which is why they should be tested occasionally.

Quick test:
1️⃣ Press TEST (power should shut off)
2️⃣ Press RESET to restore power

👉 Have you ever tested yours?

I do not post things like this very often, but a recent phone call meant a lot to me.

After an inspection, the seller reached out to thank me for being thorough. We found a foundation issue in the crawl space that was not visible from the opening. It required actually getting into the space to see it.

He told me he was genuinely relieved it had been discovered so it would not be unknowingly passed on to another family.

That stuck with me. I know there are good people out there, but this person was the first in about 5000 to thank me for finding a serious defect. Very heartwarming!

There are minimum standards in every industry. In home inspections, those standards do not always require going beyond what is visible from an access point. But if an area is accessible, I believe it deserves to be looked at carefully.

Integrity is not complicated. It is simply doing the work the way you would want it done if it were your own home.

I am grateful for clients, buyers and sellers alike, who recognize and value that.

Jason

We are proud to exceed expectations!

Have you tested your home for radon?
In our homes, we may be inhaling this harmful gas. Radon is odorless, tasteless and colorless and can cause lung cancer.

Learn more about how to test for radon here: https://bit.ly/3LKSoSX.

We often hear, “We found someone cheaper.”

That’s understandable in an unlicensed industry with no standardized training, reporting, or procedures.

Our goal has never been to be the cheapest.

Our goal is to be excellent.

If you lose power during the winter storm and are using a portable generator, run it outside at least 20 feet away from your home. Carbon monoxide deaths spike during power outages.

Never run a generator indoors. One portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. There is not enough ventilation in your garage - even with the big door open.

Selling your home? Make sure the inspection goes smoothly with a little preparation.