Kurtz Residential

06/05/2025

There’s a lot that goes into a monolithic slab before concrete is ever poured—soil, footings, plumbing, v***r barriers, and reinforcement all play a role. Once it’s covered, it’s hard to revisit. This post walks through why a footing inspection can be a worthwhile pause before moving forward.

Serving Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro, Fuquay, Wendell, and surrounding areas.

🔗 To the blog:

Before a monolithic slab is poured, there’s a lot worth double-checking—things like soil firmness, footing layout, and how the plumbing is routed. These details can be hard to correct later. A footing inspection gives you a chance to catch issues early and move forward with more clarity. Serving...

05/21/2025

How much ventilation does a bathroom actually require? This blog post examines how to determine appropriate exhaust rates based on square footage, ceiling height, and air changes per hour, drawing on ASHRAE standards and mechanical engineering best practices.

It also discusses duct sizing, makeup air considerations, fan noise levels (sones), and specific requirements in the North Carolina Building Code.

If you’ve noticed persistent moisture or water on your bathroom walls after showering, this post explores practical solutions to help manage ventilation effectively.

Read more here:

Wondering how much CFM your bathroom fan really needs? Learn how square footage, ceiling height, duct size, makeup air, and NC building codes all factor into proper ventilation. Discover real-world examples, noise level tips, and solutions for large or enclosed bathrooms. A must-read for better air

02/11/2025

Why Tall Crawlspace Piers Can Be a Hidden Risk for Homebuyers

In Wake County’s new construction market, tall masonry piers are often used in crawlspaces on sloped lots. But if not properly designed, they can lead to serious foundation issues over time. A pre-drywall inspection helps ensure that the right questions are being asked about tall masonry piers—catching potential problems before they turn into costly repairs.

🔗Read here to find out more:
https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/tall-piers

📍 Buying a new home in Apex, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Wendell, or nearby? Consider hiring Kurtz Residential as your home inspector!

Learn why tall masonry piers in crawlspaces can threaten your foundation in central North Carolina. In areas around Raleigh, Cary, and beyond, proper soil bearing capacity and masonry design are vital for lasting home stability.

12/19/2024

What Lies Beneath: Understanding Soil Bearing Capacity and Your Home's Foundation

When buying a home in Wake County, NC, the ground beneath your feet plays a critical role in the home's stability. Soil bearing capacity testing, conducted by geotechnical engineers, ensures that the earth can support your future home. If the soil can't handle the weight, it can lead to costly issues down the line. Learn how soil testing works, why it's essential, and what to do if the soil fails.

Check out my latest blog for an in-depth look at soil bearing capacity and how it affects your home.

To the blog: https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/soil-bearing

Learn how soil bearing capacity impacts your home's foundation. Discover the role of geotechnical testing, potential challenges with soil consolidation, and insights into North Carolina's unique soil conditions. Whether you're building or buying, understand the factors that ensure long-term stabilit

12/13/2024

Is modern lumber changing the way homes are built?

In my latest blog, I break down how today’s building materials compare to those from decades ago and what that means for homeowners in North Carolina. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, understanding the materials behind your home is key.

Curious? Read more now!
https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/new-lumber

Residential

How do today’s homes stack up against those built decades ago? Dive into the details and discover surprising insights about materials, design, and what it all means for homeowners. A fresh perspective for anyone curious about how homes are built now versus then.

12/05/2024

Pre-drywall inspections can save homebuyers from costly mistakes, but here’s a valuable tip: always bring the building plans. 📄

During a recent inspection, having access to the plans revealed 16 additional concerns compared to a neighboring inspection where plans weren’t provided. From truss layouts to nailing patterns, these documents provide critical details that inspectors can’t verify otherwise. It’s not just about what’s built—it’s about ensuring it aligns with the design intent.

Building in the Triangle? Ensure your inspection goes above and beyond.
🔗 Read the full blog to discover why documentation makes all the difference!

https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/blueprints-and-beyond

In Wake County's booming construction market, pre-drywall inspections are vital. Learn how having building plans can uncover important structural details, identify potential issues, and prevent costly mistakes. Find out what documents to request from your builder to maximize your inspection. If you'

11/25/2024

Building a Home? Beware These Tiny 'Time Bombs' in Your Foundation!

Every detail in home construction matters—especially how your walls connect to your foundation. Wedge anchors, often misused, can damage your foundation.

If you're building in Raleigh, Cary, or the greater Triangle area, don’t let these hidden risks go unnoticed. In my latest blog, I explain:
🔍 What wedge anchors are and where they go wrong
⚠️ How improper placement can weaken your foundation
✅ Smarter alternatives to ensure long-term durability

Stay informed and confident during your home build—read the blog now!

To the blog: https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/wedge-anchors

Discover the hidden risks of wedge anchors in residential construction. Learn why these fasteners, commonly misused in growing areas like Raleigh, Cary, Wendell, and Fuquay-Varina, can compromise your home’s foundation. Explore proper alternatives and see how a pre-drywall inspection can protect y...

11/21/2024

Why a 48-Hour Test Might Be Misleading When Buying a Home

When it comes to radon testing, a quick 48-hour test might not tell you the full story. Radon levels can shift based on weather, your HVAC, and even the season—meaning that snapshot test could miss dangerous peaks.

In our latest blog, we explore why short-term tests can be misleading and how continuous monitoring gives a much clearer picture of your home’s radon risk.

📖 Learn more about what you should really know before buying a home: https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/radon-testing

Residential

Wondering if you should test for radon when buying a home in Wake County? Learn why a 48-hour test may not provide the full picture, and what steps to take for a more accurate reading.

09/26/2024

Create a Quieter Home: Economical Sound Dampening Tips

Struggling with noisy neighbors, a loud laundry room, or distractions while working from home? Our latest blog dives into economical sound dampening solutions. Discover practical tips to reduce noise and create a more comfortable environment for relaxation and productivity.

To the blog: https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/sound-dampening

Discover affordable, practical solutions to reduce noise in your home or office. Learn how to minimize sound transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings with simple techniques like adding mass, sealing air gaps, using insulation, and specialty products like Green Glue. Understand key principles

09/20/2024

Why Vented Crawlspaces Might Be Failing Your Home

Is your home equipped with a vented crawlspace? Discover why these setups are often insufficient in humid environments like North Carolina. Our latest blog explores the drawbacks of vented crawlspaces and how they can negatively impact your structure, health, and energy efficiency.

💡 Learn best practices for maintaining a safe and dry space:
https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/vented-crawlspaces

09/12/2024

Feeling an unusual amount of humidity in your new home? With tighter, more energy-efficient construction, your HVAC system might struggle to keep up with moisture control.

Discover how modern design impacts indoor humidity and learn practical tips to manage it effectively—from spot ventilation to dehumidification. Our latest blog offers solutions to keep your home comfortable and healthy.

To the blog: www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/modern-home-modern-problem

Struggling with persistent humidity issues? Visit www.kurtzresidential.com for expert inspection services and get your home back to its best!

New home but facing unusual humidity problems? Discover why your modern construction might be experiencing excess moisture and what you can do about it. This guide explains the common causes and offers practical solutions to ensure your home stays comfortable and healthy.

08/28/2024

🌫️ Understanding V***r Barriers in Mixed-Humid Climates 🌡️

Ever wondered how v***r barriers work and why they’re important? Our latest blog breaks down their importance for controlling moisture and maintaining a healthy home environment. Discover how the right v***r barrier can protect your home from humidity-related issues.

🔗 Read more at https://www.kurtzresidential.com/blog/v***r-barriers

Building a new home and want to ensure top-notch waterproofing? Visit www.kurtzresidential.com to book a thorough inspection and get peace of mind!

Explore the importance of air barriers and v***r barriers in mixed-humid climates like Raleigh. Learn how to manage moisture effectively in your home’s walls with best practices for air barrier placement and permeability. Ensure your wall assembly breathes, protects against moisture, and enhances ...