Best home inspectors near Romulus, MI

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

While a hygrometer is the most accurate tool for measuring humidity, you can gauge the levels in your home using simpler methods that provide rough estimations. One way is to observe physical clues. Signs of high humidity include mold growth, condensation on windows, or feeling sticky and clammy indoors. Conversely, dry skin or dry furniture can indicate that the humidity is too low. You can also try DIY tests, such as the ice cube test, using two different thermometers, or the “hair method,” which involves placing a few strands of human hair in a closed container with salt for several hours—if the hair becomes limp, humidity is likely high.

Craftsman-style homes are predominantly found in the Western United States, specifically in Southern California, where the style originated. Since the climate was mild and there was access to plenty of natural resources, Southern California became a hub for this style at its inception. That being said, if you consult with an architect near you, you can have a Craftsman-style home anywhere.