If you are a first time buyer, seller or building a new construction home Kissee Inspection Services will give you a thorough Property Inspection! MISSION STATEMENT A company based on family values – providing decades of experience, dependability and knowledge to clients in their real estate needs at a fair market rate. OUR VISION To be the Leader as a multi-inspection firm. A family friendly name known by others for trust and dedication, with an un-biased disclosure for each client’s needs ...read more

I thought that the security companies had wised up to the problems they are creating for homeowners, but I am seeing the same practices occuring that was stopped a few years ago - drilling the windows bottom sill for security sensors.  Window companies are now labeling windows to notify the security companies that drilling through the bottom window sill will void the warranty.  That transfers the liability to the security company...or the homeowner...should a leak occur.  The usual sign that there is a problem is when the wood window stool begins to have paint flake off and the wood swell.  If you are lucky, that is all that will occur; however, if no sealant was put over the security contacts that were placed in the drilled holes, then water may enter the wood frame causing rot and mold.  If you have a security system installed, open a window and see if there is a white plastic cylinder inserted in a drilled hole at the bottom of the window.  Ken Garrett Professional Home Inspection Quest Real Estate Support Services 214-543-0565 questinspections@aol.com www.homeinspectionsbyquest.com ...read more

With all of the data out showing that water intrusion around windows and doors is a huge contributor to decay and mold in the walls of homes, how come so many builders are still not getting it?  I recently made a trip to a local neighborhood to take a look at homes being built by a builder that was advertising how energy efficient his homes were and all of the money the buyer would save by purchasing his homes.  I was astonished to find that the flashing used around the windows was a polyethylene sheeting (plastic) and that the blue DOW exterior sheathing on the exterior walls had numerous holes and penetrations.  Neither horizontal or vertical joints were lapped or taped to prevent moisture intrusion into the framing.  Not even the nails used to install the windows were correct...not galvanized or stainless steel.  Yet, this passed inspection and was in the process of having brick and stone installed.  With only a small amount of effort, the exterior of homes in new construction can be properly sealed to prevent future long term problems with moisture in the exterior walls.  Moisture not only caused damage to the wood components, but also attracts insects, including termites!!  I strongly recommend that a buyer do the research or hire someone to inspect their home while it is under construction.  It doesn't matter how good the builder says his house is if he doesn't have the superintendents or quality control measures in-place to ensure compliance with both code regulations and industry standards.  A typical municipal inspector may take 5-10 minutes to perform an inspection and should never be used as a builders quality control; they simply do not have the time to look at all aspects of the construction process.  A qualified home inspector with experience in new construction will typically take 1-2 hours to perform a pre-drywall inspection to ensure that the home is constructed correctly and to protect the purchaser's interest.  ...read more