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Inspector Blog
My blog covers essential topics for homeowners, buyers, and sellers in Sugar Land, TX, and surrounding areas.



Unmasking the Core: Why a Foundation Evaluation Safeguards Your Investment
Hats Off To The Fully Supportive Foundation! The foundation of a home is arguably its most critical structural element, silently carrying the massive weight of the entire building. When you browse the real estate market, it is easy to become captivated by sprawling floor plans, updated kitchens, and pristine landscaping. However, beneath all those attractive cosmetic finishes lies the structural bedrock that keeps the property level and safe. Minor cosmetic cracks in drywall
Eric Christie
Jun 92 min read


Performance Issues with Plumbing Fixtures and Drains
Plumbing fixtures and drains are used every day, yet many problems go unnoticed until they become serious. In Houston homes, common issues include slow drains, leaks, and poor water pressure. A professional home inspection helps identify these problems early. During a home inspection, a home inspector will test sinks, faucets, tubs, and showers. They check for proper water flow and consistent pressure. A highly rated home inspector will also look for leaks under sinks and aro
Eric Christie
May 252 min read


Doors and Garage Door Safety Requirements in Houston Homes
Doors are more than just entry points. They are important for security, energy efficiency, and safety. In Houston homes, garage doors also play a major role, and they must meet specific safety requirements. During a home inspection, these elements are carefully checked by a qualified home inspector. Interior and exterior doors should open and close smoothly. A highly rated home inspector will check for proper alignment, secure hinges, and functioning locks. Doors that stick o
Eric Christie
May 182 min read


Stairways and Safety Glass – Key Safety Features in Houston Homes
Stairways and safety glass are often overlooked, but they are critical parts of any safe home. In Houston, where homes range from older properties to modern builds, these features must meet safety standards to protect residents and visitors. During a home inspection, a skilled home inspector carefully evaluates these areas for hazards and compliance. Stairways must be stable, secure, and easy to use. A highly rated home inspector will check that steps are even in height and d
Eric Christie
May 112 min read


Electric Appliances – Testing and Performance in Houston Homes
When buying or maintaining a home in the Houston area, electric appliances play a major role in daily comfort and safety. During a professional home inspection, these appliances are not just turned on and off. A qualified home inspector evaluates how well they perform and whether they are operating safely. Understanding this process can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and unexpected issues. Electric appliances commonly inspected include ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, micr
Eric Christie
May 42 min read


Protecting the Shield: Understanding Roof Failures and Water Intrusion
The roof of your home is the primary line of defense against the elements, serving as a complex shield that must endure everything from blistering summer heat to torrential thunderstorms. While many homeowners only think about their roof after a major storm, the reality is that water penetration often begins with small, silent failures that occur over months or years. Understanding how roof coverings, flashings, and penetrations eventually break down is essential for any home
Eric Christie
Apr 273 min read


Maximizing the Life of Your Houston Household Appliances
Maintaining a home in Houston requires a specific approach to appliance care, largely because our unique environment introduces factors like extreme humidity, heat, and mineral-heavy water. While most people wait until an appliance stops working to give it any attention, a proactive maintenance schedule can save you thousands of dollars in premature replacement costs. If you are preparing to buy or sell a property, a professional home inspection is the best way to determine
Eric Christie
Apr 193 min read


Maintaining Your Houston Home: A Guide to Exterior Care and Longevity
Owning a home in the Houston area means entering into a constant battle with the elements. Between the punishing humidity, the intense ultraviolet rays of the Texas sun, and the sudden, heavy downpours that characterize our climate, the exterior of your house works incredibly hard to protect what is inside. Proper maintenance is not just about keeping up appearances for the neighborhood; it is about preserving the structural integrity of your property. If you are ever unsure
Eric Christie
Apr 123 min read


Protecting Your Houston Home: A Guide to Soil Drainage and Foundation Health
Living in the Houston area brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners, primarily due to the infamous Beaumont clay that sits beneath our feet. This "expansive" soil acts like a sponge, swelling significantly when saturated with rain and shrinking drastically during our intense summer droughts. Because your home’s foundation relies on the soil for consistent support, this constant movement can lead to structural headaches. Understanding how to manage water around your pr
Eric Christie
Apr 63 min read


Termite Swarm - Caught Red Handed
Hello, everyone! I am Eric Christie with Boxer Inspections, and I want to welcome you to our latest blog post detailing a very unique video we just captured. If you have ever searched online for the Best Home Inspector, you probably know that experience, dedication, and a sharp eye are what truly matter in this business. Every single day brings a new adventure, and you never quite know what you are going to find when you step onto a property. Sometimes it is a minor leaky roo
Eric Christie
Apr 13 min read


Unmasking the Core: Why a Foundation Evaluation Safeguards Your Investment
Hats Off To The Fully Supportive Foundation! The foundation of a home is arguably its most critical structural element, silently carrying the massive weight of the entire building. When you browse the real estate market, it is easy to become captivated by sprawling floor plans, updated kitchens, and pristine landscaping. However, beneath all those attractive cosmetic finishes lies the structural bedrock that keeps the property level and safe. Minor cosmetic cracks in drywall
Eric Christie
Jun 92 min read


Performance Issues with Plumbing Fixtures and Drains
Plumbing fixtures and drains are used every day, yet many problems go unnoticed until they become serious. In Houston homes, common issues include slow drains, leaks, and poor water pressure. A professional home inspection helps identify these problems early. During a home inspection, a home inspector will test sinks, faucets, tubs, and showers. They check for proper water flow and consistent pressure. A highly rated home inspector will also look for leaks under sinks and aro
Eric Christie
May 252 min read


Doors and Garage Door Safety Requirements in Houston Homes
Doors are more than just entry points. They are important for security, energy efficiency, and safety. In Houston homes, garage doors also play a major role, and they must meet specific safety requirements. During a home inspection, these elements are carefully checked by a qualified home inspector. Interior and exterior doors should open and close smoothly. A highly rated home inspector will check for proper alignment, secure hinges, and functioning locks. Doors that stick o
Eric Christie
May 182 min read


Stairways and Safety Glass – Key Safety Features in Houston Homes
Stairways and safety glass are often overlooked, but they are critical parts of any safe home. In Houston, where homes range from older properties to modern builds, these features must meet safety standards to protect residents and visitors. During a home inspection, a skilled home inspector carefully evaluates these areas for hazards and compliance. Stairways must be stable, secure, and easy to use. A highly rated home inspector will check that steps are even in height and d
Eric Christie
May 112 min read


Electric Appliances – Testing and Performance in Houston Homes
When buying or maintaining a home in the Houston area, electric appliances play a major role in daily comfort and safety. During a professional home inspection, these appliances are not just turned on and off. A qualified home inspector evaluates how well they perform and whether they are operating safely. Understanding this process can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and unexpected issues. Electric appliances commonly inspected include ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, micr
Eric Christie
May 42 min read


Protecting the Shield: Understanding Roof Failures and Water Intrusion
The roof of your home is the primary line of defense against the elements, serving as a complex shield that must endure everything from blistering summer heat to torrential thunderstorms. While many homeowners only think about their roof after a major storm, the reality is that water penetration often begins with small, silent failures that occur over months or years. Understanding how roof coverings, flashings, and penetrations eventually break down is essential for any home
Eric Christie
Apr 273 min read


Maximizing the Life of Your Houston Household Appliances
Maintaining a home in Houston requires a specific approach to appliance care, largely because our unique environment introduces factors like extreme humidity, heat, and mineral-heavy water. While most people wait until an appliance stops working to give it any attention, a proactive maintenance schedule can save you thousands of dollars in premature replacement costs. If you are preparing to buy or sell a property, a professional home inspection is the best way to determine
Eric Christie
Apr 193 min read


Maintaining Your Houston Home: A Guide to Exterior Care and Longevity
Owning a home in the Houston area means entering into a constant battle with the elements. Between the punishing humidity, the intense ultraviolet rays of the Texas sun, and the sudden, heavy downpours that characterize our climate, the exterior of your house works incredibly hard to protect what is inside. Proper maintenance is not just about keeping up appearances for the neighborhood; it is about preserving the structural integrity of your property. If you are ever unsure
Eric Christie
Apr 123 min read


Protecting Your Houston Home: A Guide to Soil Drainage and Foundation Health
Living in the Houston area brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners, primarily due to the infamous Beaumont clay that sits beneath our feet. This "expansive" soil acts like a sponge, swelling significantly when saturated with rain and shrinking drastically during our intense summer droughts. Because your home’s foundation relies on the soil for consistent support, this constant movement can lead to structural headaches. Understanding how to manage water around your pr
Eric Christie
Apr 63 min read


Termite Swarm - Caught Red Handed
Hello, everyone! I am Eric Christie with Boxer Inspections, and I want to welcome you to our latest blog post detailing a very unique video we just captured. If you have ever searched online for the Best Home Inspector, you probably know that experience, dedication, and a sharp eye are what truly matter in this business. Every single day brings a new adventure, and you never quite know what you are going to find when you step onto a property. Sometimes it is a minor leaky roo
Eric Christie
Apr 13 min read


Don't Let the Wind Win: Why Every Home in Houston Needs These Hidden Protectors
If you are buying a home or starting a new build, especially when scheduling a thorough home inspection Houston, there's one topic that’s often missed but is crucial for safety: metal framing connectors (MFCs).
Mar 132 min read


Why Even Brand New Homes Need a Closer Look
Right on the front of the house, there is a"big old giant crack"running through the stone. This isn't just a small cosmetic scratch; it is a major defect in the materials used to protect the outside of the home.
Mar 133 min read


The Hidden Dangers at Your Electrical Service Entrance
Unfortunately, at this property, the pipe was not secured, and the lack of stability led to a significant defect.
Mar 132 min read


The Case of the Confused HVAC System
I was inspecting a property that had a dual-zone HVAC system. This means one system controls the temperature for both the upstairs and downstairs, using dampers to direct airflow. In theory, it’s a great way to stay comfortable. In practice, however, things can go wrong if the controls aren't wired correctly.
Mar 132 min read


The Invisible Invaders: Spotting Termite Trouble Before the Drywall Goes Up
f you have ever taken on a home renovation or flipped a house, you know exactly how stressful the process can be. You are constantly managing budgets, timelines, and the inevitable surprises hidden behind old walls.
Mar 133 min read


Hidden in Plain Sight: What New Construction Builders Aren't Telling You
One of the key items I look for in new construction is how the builders are protecting the wood framing. It is actually a requirement for builders to protect the wood framing from subterranean termite attacks.
Mar 132 min read


Startling Builder Mistake: Missing Water Barrier and Exposed Wood Found In New Construction Home
Even when a house is freshly built, I always recommend a thorough final inspection to ensure no significant deficiencies are left outstanding at closing. I find issues on new builds all the time, and today was a great example.
Mar 133 min read


Behind the Walls: Why Pre-Drywall Checks Are Crucial for Your New Home
Before the drywall goes up and hides everything from view, a thorough home inspection is necessary to catch potential hidden dangers.
Mar 54 min read


The Home Inspector’s Responsibility
The home inspector is not an expert but a generalist. The home inspector can inspect a home and report upon the home’s condition as it...
Feb 19, 20252 min read


A Homeowner’s Questions
Every homeowner has similar concerns and questions related to maintaining their home. The following questions are those that all...
Feb 19, 20251 min read
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