Todd's Tips — Sherlock Home Inspections blog

From the Desk of Todd Riley

Todd's Tips

Straight talk from a certified home inspector with 17+ years in the field. No fluff — just the stuff that matters.

32 articles

News1 min read

Social Media

More "content" than most folks can handle. New video posted DAILY in TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

News1 min read

Sherlock Warranty

Not your typical Home Inspection Warranty!!!

News2 min read

15-Year Flash Back

Meeting of Minds / Secret to Success — Sherlock Home Inspections was announced as the winner of the organization's Secret to Success contest.

Home Inspection3 min read

Areas We Inspect & Procedures We Conduct that Many Home Inspectors Don't

Sherlock Home Inspections goes above and beyond industry standards. There are several aspects and components of a home that inspectors are neither required to nor restricted from inspecting — WE INSPECT THOSE AREAS.

Consumer Protection6 min read

Home Inspectors Selling Clients' Data or Sharing it Without Even Realizing

Unlike many other Home Inspectors throughout Florida, Sherlock Home Inspections NEVER HAS & NEVER WILL share or sell our clients' information. Here's what's really going on in the industry.

New Construction2 min read

Building a House?

Informed Consumers know… New DOES NOT mean perfect. City/County Building Departments won't catch everything.

Maintenance3 min read

It's HOT Out There!

Don't get stuck with no A/C in the middle of summer. If you haven't had your A/C system serviced within the last 12 months, call your local HVAC company to schedule a check-up.

Insurance3 min read

Hurricane Season is Here

Don't risk your home getting under-valued in the event that you do need to make a claim! Hire Sherlock Home Inspections to document the condition of your property before the storm strikes.

Home Inspection7 min read

Most Common Questions ~ Answered

WHO is the best Home Inspector near me? WHAT do Home Inspectors look for? WHEN is the best time to schedule? All your questions answered.

Maintenance4 min read

Properly Cleaning Can Make Appliances & A/C Last Longer

That's right, often cleanliness is the secret to keeping appliances running smoothly. Cleaning appliances is relatively quick & easy, and doing so can often extend their lifespan by several years.

Maintenance5 min read

Show Your House Some Love

6 Repairs to do NOW before things get worse — plus Electrical Safety tips. DO NOT Procrastinate! These things will only get worse!

Insurance4 min read

2024 Home Owners Insurance in FL

Seems like Home Owners Insurance in Florida has changed more in the past 3 years, than it did in the previous 10. Here's what you need to know.

Home Inspection1 min read

Cheapy Pete's Home Inspections

While price, availability, and Realtor convenience are important, it's FAR more important that the Home Inspector is thorough, knowledgeable, experienced, etc.

Home Inspection3 min read

10 Tips – Preparing for a Home Inspection During the Holidays

Preparing your home for a home inspection during the holidays often requires some extra attention to detail. Here are 10 tips to make it go smoothly.

Home Inspection4 min read

5 Common Myths & Misconceptions about Home Inspections

By: Todd Riley ~ Sherlock Home Inspections. Myth #1: Home Inspections Are Only for Buyers. Myth #2: The Home Inspector Will Uncover Everything. And more...

Home Inspection4 min read

Importance of a Home Inspection

A Home Inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process. It can reveal issues that will help the buyer make a more informed decision.

Home Inspection3 min read

Preparing a Good "I'm Silly" Letter

For Professionals whose advice is not always followed. The main purpose of this letter is to make your client realize that they are being silly.

Maintenance5 min read

Annual A/C Inspection & Maintenance

With record-breaking heat, the last thing anyone wants is a problem with their A/C system. Here's what to inspect for and when to call a pro.

Maintenance3 min read

Start the New Year off Right with a Home Maintenance Binder

Keeping track of home maintenance schedules, contacts for repairs, and warranties can be overwhelming. Here’s how a simple binder can change that.

Insurance5 min read

Home Owners Insurance Post Hurr. Ian

Many people had difficulties getting Home Owners Insurance BEFORE Hurricane Ian. Now, it’s likely to be even worse. Here’s what you need to know.

Consumer Tips3 min read

Un-Licensed "Home Inspectors"

There are all types of people conducting Home Inspections who aren’t properly licensed. Most of them probably don’t even realize they’re committing a crime.

Home Inspection Tips3 min read

Deal Killers are REAL

A Home Inspector of 14 years admits there may be some truth to complaints about inspectors who kill deals — and explains the difference between honest findings and purposeful exaggeration.

Home Inspection Tips3 min read

Sellers Should Also…

In addition to simply cleaning the house, here are a few other tips that can help sellers attract buyers and get the most out of their listing.

Home Inspection Tips3 min read

Real Estate Seller Must…

With the recent increase in Real Estate inventory throughout Florida, sellers & their Realtors are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd. The #1 BEST way to do this is with a Pre-Listing Inspection.

Home Inspection Tips3 min read

7 Things Every Home Buyer Should Know About Home Owners’ Insurance

Before you close on your new home, make sure you understand these 7 key things about homeowners’ insurance — from exclusions and limitations to when you need a Wind Mitigation or 4 Point Inspection.

Home Inspection Tips2 min read

What is it Going to Cost to Fix That?

We do not provide repair estimates — and here’s why. Learn the four reasons your home inspector won’t quote repair costs, and what you should do instead before your inspection period ends.

Home Inspection Tips3 min read

What Should I Ask the Seller to Fix?

We are often asked which repairs a buyer should ask the seller to handle. The answer depends on your situation — here is our best guidance on how to prioritize your repair list.

Real Estate Tips2 min read

Close this Loop Hole for Sellers

Sellers refusing reasonable inspection access after signing a contract? It happens more than you think. Here is how buyers and their agents can close this loophole before it costs them.

Insurance3 min read

4 Point vs Standard Home Inspection

A 4 Point Insurance Inspection is an inspection for the insurance company. It only determines whether or not the house is "insurable." Here's the difference.

Real Estate Tips2 min read

For Realtors ~ $10,000 Negligent Referral Protection

Referring a Home Inspector who does a terrible job could cost you dearly. Here's how InterNACHI protects you with up to $10,000 in negligent referral coverage — at no cost to you.

Buyer Tips4 min read

6 Things That Home Inspectors Wish Buyers Knew

From "As Is" clauses to skipping inspections — here are 6 things your Home Inspector wishes you already knew before buying a home.

Buyer TipsPDF article

DO NOT trust a Dog or an X-Ray Gun to detect Chinese Drywall

If you call around enough places, you'll find...

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