Barry Stone
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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.
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Opinions clash on water heater relief valveFeb 04, 2025 12:41 am - When a water heater overheats, it could explode if not for the relief valve. At issue for this homeowner is where the overflow pipe delivers that excess steaming hot water, outside the building or to the garage floor.
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Home inspector missed cracked furnaceJan 29, 2025 6:15 am - A new homebuyer discovers the furnace had a cracked heat exchanger, allowing carbon monoxide into the home. The home inspection months earlier didn’t uncover this defect. Who is liable?
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Selling a home with a bad foundationJan 22, 2025 1:15 pm - A seller with suspected foundation problems wonders whether to try to fix it or leave it for the buyers. A seasoned home inspector offers advice.
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Buyer was ignored during home inspectionJan 15, 2025 6:20 pm - A buyer was basically shut out of the home inspection process and now is facing several problems. Who’s at fault here?
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Asbestos insulation not disclosed to buyersJan 06, 2025 10:09 pm - New owners are dismayed to discover asbestos insulation on the air ducts. They’re worried about their health and want to know if the home inspector or sellers are liable for nondisclosure.
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Are home inspectors picking your pockets?Dec 30, 2024 6:29 pm - Can buyers and sellers just do their own home inspections and save the extra costs of the inspection, one reader asks. Find out the pitfalls they might fall into.