Inspection Information
Mold and Moisture After Heavy Rain in Sonoma County: What to Check and Who to Call
The first big storms of the season are when hidden moisture problems show up. What to check after heavy rain, when a mold test is worth it, and who to call.
Juan de la Cruz · November 5, 2026
Inspection Information
Inspecting Wine Country Estates: Outbuildings, ADUs, and Acreage Properties
Estate properties in Healdsburg, Glen Ellen, and the Sonoma Valley rarely stop at the main house. Guest houses, barns, wells, and pools each carry their own systems and their own problems.
Juan de la Cruz · November 1, 2026
Inspection Information
Coastal Moisture and Mold: Inspecting Homes in Marin's Fog Belt
Fog keeps coastal and canyon homes in Marin damp for much of the year. Where that moisture hides, what it does to a house, and when mold and air quality testing makes sense.
Juan de la Cruz · October 1, 2026
Inspection Information
Septic Systems and Wells: What Rural Sonoma County Buyers Need to Know Before Closing
Outside city limits, most North Bay homes run on a septic system and a private well. Neither is covered by a standard home inspection, and both can carry five-figure surprises.
Juan de la Cruz · September 1, 2026
Inspection Information
Wildfire Zone Home Buying: How I Inspect Homes in Sonoma County's High Fire Risk Areas
A former firefighter's take on inspecting homes in wildfire-prone parts of Sonoma and Marin County. Roofs, vents, decks, and the first five feet matter more than most buyers think.
Juan de la Cruz · August 1, 2026
Inspection Information
Seismic Retrofits: What Sonoma and Marin Home Buyers Should Know
Most North Bay homes built before 1980 were never bolted to their foundations. Here's how retrofit work gets checked during an inspection, and why it matters for your purchase.
Juan de la Cruz · July 1, 2026
Inspection Information
The Myth of the Perfect Home: Why Every Property Has a Story to Tell
The myth of the flawless residence overlooks a fundamental truth: every property has its own story. Understanding that narrative is what makes a home inspection indispensable.
Juan de la Cruz · May 1, 2026
Inspection Information
The Unbelievable Truth About Buyers: Why Kitchen Remodels Don't Impress
Buyers are less impressed by kitchen upgrades than most homeowners think. What actually moves them: structural integrity, sound systems, and a well-maintained home.
Juan de la Cruz · April 21, 2026
Inspection Information
How the Scent of Rain Uncovers Hidden Roof Leaks Before They Cost You Thousands
A persistent musty smell after rain can signal trapped moisture from a roof leak. Catching that early warning sign can save thousands in repairs.
Juan de la Cruz · April 7, 2026
Inspection Information
Home Inspections for Luxury Homes in Sonoma and Marin County
Luxury homes in the North Bay are larger, more complex, and often custom-built. A luxury home inspection should reflect that level of detail, complexity, and investment.
Juan de la Cruz · March 25, 2026
Inspection Information
Your Foundation: What Those Cracks Are Really Telling You
Vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, foundation cracks each tell a different story. Knowing what they signify is essential for protecting the integrity and value of a home.
Juan de la Cruz · March 19, 2026
Inspection Information
The Allergen Paradox: How Clean Air Systems Could Be Holding Your Health Hostage
Clean air systems promise healthier homes, but without proper maintenance, they can become breeding grounds for the very allergens they were meant to remove.
Juan de la Cruz · March 6, 2026