Conrad Professional Inspection Services

Conrad Professional Inspection Services "Making your home a safer place to live."

🚽 Is your bathroom exhaust fan actually working? 🚽 Just because you can hear it running doesn’t mean it’s doing its job....
08/31/2026

🚽 Is your bathroom exhaust fan actually working? 🚽

Just because you can hear it running doesn’t mean it’s doing its job.

During a recent inspection, the homeowner told me their bathroom exhaust fan had been running for a couple of hours after showering. The fan sounded like it was working, and the ducting we could see in the attic appeared to be properly routed.

But the humidity readings told a different story.

Even after running for hours, the bathroom humidity was still well above acceptable levels, and that excess moisture was contributing to mold growth on the ceiling.

Bathroom exhaust fans have one important job: remove warm, humid air from the bathroom and exhaust it outside. If humidity stays elevated long after a shower, something isn’t working properly, even if the fan sounds perfectly normal.

This is why we don’t just look and listen during an inspection. We measure.

High humidity + time = the perfect environment for mold growth.

If your bathroom stays humid, mirrors remain fogged up, or surfaces stay damp long after showering, your exhaust fan may need some attention.

I saw some of the heaviest efflorescence I’ve ever encountered on a basement foundation wall during a home inspection to...
08/28/2026

I saw some of the heaviest efflorescence I’ve ever encountered on a basement foundation wall during a home inspection today. In some areas, the buildup was so significant that it had formed thick, almost crystal-like deposits.

So what is efflorescence?

Efflorescence occurs when moisture moves through masonry materials such as concrete, block, or brick. As that moisture travels through the foundation, it carries dissolved mineral salts with it. When the water reaches the interior surface and evaporates, the moisture disappears, but the salts are left behind.

Over time, repeated moisture movement can create the white, chalky, or even crystalline buildup you see on foundation walls.

Efflorescence itself isn’t mold, but it can be an important indicator of moisture intrusion through a foundation. When it’s this extensive, it’s a pretty clear sign that this basement has experienced significant and repeated moisture movement.

Basements tell a story. You just have to know what you’re looking at.

Some attic spaces are a tight squeeze, but if we can safely get in, we will! Attics are far too important to simply skip...
08/27/2026

Some attic spaces are a tight squeeze, but if we can safely get in, we will! Attics are far too important to simply skip during a home inspection.

At Conrad Professional Inspection Services, we make every effort to inspect the areas that matter.

08/25/2026

During a home inspection today, we came across the cutest water spigot in Michigan!

In my comfort zone!!
08/24/2026

In my comfort zone!!

🐝 One of the cooler finds from a recent home inspection!I spotted this impressive wasp nest tucked away on the property....
08/23/2026

🐝 One of the cooler finds from a recent home inspection!

I spotted this impressive wasp nest tucked away on the property. Nature is pretty incredible, even when it builds something you definitely don’t want too close to your house!

Take a close look at the closeup photo and see if you can spot the wasp flying right into the nest. 👀

Just another reminder that you never know what you’re going to find during a thorough home inspection!

🏠 Buying a Home? Don’t Forget to Check the Bathroom Exhaust Fans!When buying a home, it’s important to make sure the bat...
08/17/2026

🏠 Buying a Home? Don’t Forget to Check the Bathroom Exhaust Fans!

When buying a home, it’s important to make sure the bathroom exhaust fans are actually venting to the outdoors—not terminating inside the attic. This is something we commonly find during home inspections, and while it may seem minor, it can create significant moisture problems over time.

Warm, humid air from showers can enter the attic and condense on the cold roof decking and framing. This can contribute to staining, damaged insulation, wood deterioration, and mold growth—especially during our cold Michigan winters.

A properly installed bathroom exhaust fan should be ducted all the way to the exterior. It’s one of the many details worth checking before purchasing a home because sometimes the small defects can lead to much bigger problems down the road.

💡 They don’t make them like they used to…During today’s home inspection I found an original Westinghouse Turtle-Lite 100...
07/27/2026

💡 They don’t make them like they used to…

During today’s home inspection I found an original Westinghouse Turtle-Lite 100-watt incandescent bulb that was still burning bright!

These bulbs were marketed as long-life bulbs and were rated for 2,500 hours—about 2½ times longer than a typical incandescent of the time. The turtle on the bulb wasn’t just for looks; it represented durability and longevity.

It’s always fun finding little pieces of history still doing the job they were built to do decades ago. This is one of the reasons I enjoy inspecting older homes!

Commercial inspection day! 🏢🔎Today we’re inspecting a commercial property, evaluating everything from electrical panels ...
07/22/2026

Commercial inspection day! 🏢🔎

Today we’re inspecting a commercial property, evaluating everything from electrical panels and water heaters to warehouse systems and mechanical equipment. Every inspection is an opportunity to help our clients better understand the condition of their investment.

Conrad Professional Inspection Services proudly provides comprehensive commercial property inspections throughout Southwest Michigan. We’re having a great time doing what we love!

🏠 “How do you inspect roofs this steep?”This is one of the questions I get asked the most.Not every roof can be safely i...
07/21/2026

🏠 “How do you inspect roofs this steep?”

This is one of the questions I get asked the most.

Not every roof can be safely inspected by simply walking up a ladder. When I encounter a steep roof like this one, I use specialized roof access equipment designed to provide a much safer way to transition from the ladder onto the roof ridge.

Safety is always the priority. Before stepping onto any roof, I’m evaluating:
• Roof pitch
• Shingle condition
• Moisture
• Structural integrity
• Weather conditions
• Whether it’s safe to walk at all

If the roof can’t be inspected safely, I won’t force it. There are times when binoculars, drones, or viewing from the attic are the safer and more appropriate option.

Today, though, the conditions were right, and this setup allowed me to complete a thorough, hands-on inspection while minimizing risk.

A good home inspection isn’t just about finding defects—it’s about having the right training, experience, and equipment to inspect the home safely and completely.

Conrad Professional Inspection Services
Inspecting homes thoroughly. Doing it safely.

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Battle Creek, MI
49014

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 12pm

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