Barry Stone
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Exhausted over faulty clothes dryer ventApr 15, 2025 10:34 pm - A dryer vent was installed improperly in a new custom build three years ago. Because it doesn’t meet building codes, the builder may still be liable for the defect.
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Buyers unhappy with agent’s home inspectorApr 08, 2025 7:32 pm - Reliance on an agent’s home inspector referral can be good or bad, depending on the agent. Many Realtors endorse the best home inspectors, while others recommend those with lesser qualifications and abilities.
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Roof inspection in the rainApr 02, 2025 12:28 am - Because of rainy conditions at inspection, a flat roof was “inspected” from the ground with binoculars. After closing was discovered to have a leak. Who is responsible?
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Losing sleep over nuisance neighborMar 25, 2025 11:49 pm - Longtime renters are being tormented by the loud music at all hours from a new neighbor. The quiet renters are losing sleep. The landlady hasn’t helped. How can an exhausted lessee get some help?
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Are home inspectors really liable?Mar 18, 2025 9:46 pm - A recent homebuyer with a complaint against a home inspector finds the cost of arbitration more than the home repair costs in question. So what liability should home inspectors have?
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‘Deal killer’ hopes to enlighten agentsMar 12, 2025 2:34 pm - A thorough home inspector is tired of being called a “deal killer” by real estate agents. How can he get agents to see that he’s keeping them from being sued as well as helping homebuyers?
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Builder won’t repair faulty drainageMar 05, 2025 3:39 am - A new homeowner discovers that water from a rainfall flows into the garage, under the garage door, because of the slant of the driveway. His builder won’t take responsibility. What recourse does the owner have?
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Getting to the root of sewer line problemsFeb 25, 2025 9:30 pm - Old clay sewer pipes are often plagued by invasive tree roots, causing repeated visits from a plumber to clear the line. Replacing the lines can be expensive, but there is a cost-savings solution.
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Should sellers replace polybutylene pipe?Feb 19, 2025 6:09 pm - Housing from the 1970s and 1980s may have been built with polybutylene water piping, which is now considered substandard and must be disclosed by sellers listing their property. What should a seller do if they discover this in the home they’re listing?
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Revisiting the inspecting of new homesFeb 12, 2025 1:40 pm - Buyers of new homes would be wise to hire an independent home inspector rather than rely on a city inspector’s approval. The reason is that municipal inspections have a different purpose and scope and may not discover the defects that a professional home inspector will find.