Modular Wall Panels in New Construction: What Homebuyers Should Know

July 17, 2025 | Home Construction

As a home inspector, I’ve noticed a growing trend in residential construction: instead of building homes entirely on-site using traditional framing methods, some builders are now assembling homes from pre-fabricated wall panels. These segments are built off-site in a factory setting and then shipped to the construction site where they’re connected—much like giant building blocks.This technique is becoming common among high-volume builders such as Ryan Homes, NV Homes, and others. It allows for faster build times and lower labor costs. But what does this mean for the homeowner?Let’s explore the potential concerns.1. It’s a Departure from Time-Tested Framing PracticesTraditionally, builders frame homes on-site using techniques outlined in the International Residential Code (IRC). One such practice is the use of continuous double top plates—horizontal framing members that run along the tops of walls and overlap at joints. This overlap (staggered at least 4 feet) provides crucial structural integrity and ties walls … Continued

Lead in Water

May 16, 2025 | Uncategorized

This is a publication by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection regarding lead in drinking water. It is based on the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply.Pennsylvania Lead Ban in Water

Well Certification and Water Quality: Ensuring Safe and Clean Water for Your Home

December 10, 2024 | Environmental Services

At Chester County Home Inspections, one of our core services is Well Certification. This essential service certifies whether your well and its equipment are in good working condition and capable of supplying the water needed to sustain your household. We evaluate critical factors such as water yield, flow rate, pressure, and the overall condition of related water delivery components to give homeowners peace of mind.Understanding Common ContaminantsIn addition to inspecting and testing the well water delivery system, we assess the status of installed water treatment systems to determine their effectiveness in addressing potential water contaminants. Here are the most common contaminants found in well water:Sediment: Soil particles carried by groundwater into the well. The amount depends on the soil type in the area.Microorganisms: Bacteria, such as coliform and E. coli, can render water unsafe to drink.Iron: Present in two forms – Ferric (solid) and Ferrous (dissolved). Iron is a nuisance … Continued

Understanding Roof Ridge Sagging

January 26, 2024 | Home Construction

Many homes have sagging roof ridges, such as this bar room of a local winery we had the privilege to inspect. This article explain some of the causes of sag in rafter roof structures.The Basics of a Rafter RoofThe basic structure is the triangle formed by the rafters which attach to the ridge board at the top and to the ceiling joists at the bottom. Triangles are the building blocks of all roof structures. To limit the rafters bending from the load on them, collar ties are added. They form a smaller triangle within the larger one. Collar ties are in the upper third of the rafter span, and are 1″x4″ lumber.Not shown in these diagrams, but there can also be rafter ties which are the same concept. Those go in the lower third of the rafter span and are 2″x4″ lumber. There is also a practical limit to the span … Continued

Radon Basics

October 5, 2023 | Environmental Services

This is a publication by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection regarding radon in homes. It explains the essence of radon gas, how radon gets into your home, and radon mitigation methods. We are required to send you this publication when we performed a radon gas test on your home or prospective home.Pennsylvania_Citizens_Guide_To_Radon.pdf

Home Framing Basics

June 5, 2023 | Home Construction

The is a schematic of the basic framing components of a residential structure. This diagram is referenced in our Pre-drywall construction inspection reports, and in regular home inspections where we found structural modifications.

A panel wired with multiwire branch circuits

Don’t panic if your house has Multiwire Branch Circuits

January 17, 2023 | Buyer Inspections

Understanding Multiwire Branch Circuits in Home Electrical SystemsMultiwire branch circuits are an uncommon but intriguing wiring technique in home electrical systems. To the untrained eye, a panel wired with this technique may look typical, but a knowledgeable inspector should be able to spot and explain the key differences.Setting the Stage: Key Electrical ConceptsBefore diving into multiwire branch circuits, let’s review some basics:Conductor, Wire, and CableConductor: The metal (usually copper or aluminum) that carries electricity.Wire: A conductor that may be bare or covered with a plastic insulator.Cable: Two or more wires bundled together in a protective sheathing or jacket.In most homes, electrical systems use single-strand insulated copper wires bundled into 2-, 3-, or 4-wire cables. For this discussion, we’ll focus on the use of 3-wire cables.Typical Uses of 3-Wire CablesThree-wire cables are most commonly used in the following scenarios:1. 240-Volt OutletsFor appliances like stoves or dryers.The two hot wires connect to … Continued

Why Do Home Inspectors Reference the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?

October 31, 2022 | Buyer Inspections

Why Do Home Inspectors Reference the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?Why don’t home inspectors simply say something “is not to code” when we encounter issues during an inspection? The answer lies in the complexity of building codes and the role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Let’s break it down.Code modelsThe International Building Code (IBC) serves as the foundational model for building regulations, providing minimum standards for all structures. This model is designed to be adaptable to specific regional laws and practices. For instance, while a Florida building must withstand storm surges, a California building must endure seismic activity. Both rely on the IBC but are tailored to meet local needs. Similarly, the International Residential Code (IRC) is derived from the IBC specifically for residential buildings, forming the basis for home construction standards across all states.Beyond the IBC and IRC, there are specialized code models for other building systems. The National … Continued

Air Quality Dangers Most Landlords Don’t Know

August 18, 2022 | Environmental Services

Keeping your rental property in good condition is one of the most important tasks of being a landlord. For most property owners, this task might mean staying on top of electrical and plumbing repairs or scheduling inspections for their appliances. However, a crucial component most landlords overlook is the air their tenants breathe. Poor air can be detrimental to our health. Several studies link it to the development of allergies and other respiratory complications like asthma. Thus, every property owner that prioritizes their tenants’ health and well-being needs to pay attention to their surroundings. Do you wonder what the potential pollutants are? Or what impact bad air has? This article delves into air quality dangers most landlords don’t know. Sources of Dangerous Air Quality 1. Dust Dust is one of the most common air pollutants in any home. Sometimes they also include tiny microscopic pests, which we call dust mites. They’re common in places … Continued

Two Ways To Fix 2-Prong Outlets

April 13, 2020 | Electric Inspections

Ungrounded Outlets: A Common Issue in Mid-Century HomesHomes built before the 1960s typically featured ungrounded (2-prong) electrical receptacles, which were standard at the time. While this setup sufficed for older appliances, it poses inconveniences and potential safety concerns for modern usage.Open Ground Condition: What It MeansTo accommodate today’s 3-prong plugs, homeowners often replace 2-prong receptacles with 3-prong ones without addressing the absence of a grounding conductor, resulting in an “Open Ground” condition. This issue is easily detected using an outlet tester:Options for Fixing Open Ground ConditionsReplacing a 2-prong outlet with a 3-prong receptacle is permissible, provided the circuit is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCI devices prevent electrical shock by cutting power during faults, even without a grounding conductor. There are two ways to achieve this:GFCI Circuit Breaker: Installed in the main panel, this protects the entire branch circuit.GFCI Receptacle Device: Installed at an outlet, it protects … Continued

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