Home Guard Inspections

03/20/2025

Did you know that water management is one of the most important factors in maintaining your home’s foundation? I see homes every week with a foundation that has cracked, moved or has deteriorated concrete all from poor water management. Here are some things you can do to keep your foundation healthy.

1. Gutters and downspouts. If your home doesn't have a gutter system, add one! Without gutters, all the water your roof catches will run right next to your foundation. Make sure your gutters are clean and properly graded so that water runs toward the downspouts. Add downspout extensions that move all that water at least 4 feet from your foundation.

2. Grading! Ensure the soil is sloped so water will run away from your foundation. Experts recommend a slope of 1 inch per foot for the first 10 feet. Avoid large planting beds next to your home that require routine watering. If you have a sidewalk next to your home’s foundation, seal that union with a polyurethane product.

3. Window well covers. Egress windows, which are required for below-grade basement bedrooms can act like large pools holding water that soaks the foundation. During the winter, snow falls into those window wells and the heat escaping from your home will continually melt that snow. Window well covers are an important part of foundation health.

If you need a foundation inspection, give me a call!

03/03/2024

https://homeguardnd.com/services/

My services.

Home Guard Inspections offers a variety of inspection services to home buyers and sellers in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, and the surrounding communities. Contact us today at (701) 200-7811!

02/15/2024

Never waive the home inspection!!!

A house is likely your largest purchase, and the home inspection is your opportunity to ensure there are no problems that you may be responsible for down the road.

01/26/2024

Bath fans should not vent into the attic!

01/25/2024

I provide Radon testing! Give me a call if you are curious on the radon levels in your home!

01/17/2024

Missing insulation in your attic! I can do an infrared scan of your home to show you where the leaks are.

10/17/2023

Friendly Reminder to North Dakotans as time slips past us, and a deep freeze will come soon.
1. Detach your hoses from your hose bibs (faucets).
2. Winterize your sprinkler systems. I see costly freeze damage quite often at homes we inspect.
3. Clean out your gutters from fall leaves to allow for proper snow / ice melt off and drainage. This can help prevent expensive repairs caused by ice damning and such.
4. During deep freeze conditions, open up your cabinet doors where plumbing resides. This allows for heat to reach those vulnerable areas.
5. Maintain a slow drip at one of your faucets.
This helps keep water flowing and less susceptible to freeze.
6. Change out your furnace filters. Once a month during the winter months is recommended. This will help keep energy bills lower and keep dust particles to a minimum.
7. Replace battery’s in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Winter is much more fun when prepared.

05/26/2023

In Underwood today! Glen Ullin tomorrow!

04/01/2023

Find out what is involved in dealing with mold in the home and get useful resources in combatting this challenging problem.

05/24/2022

11 years ago!!

04/04/2022

Judge Judy gets an inspection!!! So should you!!!