From the field
Useful answers.
From real inspections.
Inspection findings, home maintenance and practical guidance for buyers, sellers and agents. Understand the observation, why it matters and the recommended next step.
Recent field notes
See the finding.
Understand the next step.
A handrail is not a guardrail.
Tom documented missing guarding at a staircase. See the original photograph, the difference between a handhold and a protective barrier, and the recommended contractor follow-up.
The heat works. Where is the air going?
Cainen observed air escaping around a furnace/coil connection and condensate line. The photo shows equipment, not airflow.
An upgrade deserves a closer look.
Cainen documented apparently reduced supply-pipe diameter after a water-softener alteration. See the original photograph and recommendation for plumber evaluation.
A water-heater safety detail.
Tom documented a missing relief-valve discharge pipe. Read the observation and recommended next step.
The complete library
Choose your topic.
Browse the published articles by topic, then open the full guide for a closer look.
Field findings
- A Handrail Is Not a Guardrail
- The Heat Works. Where Is the Air Going?
- A Water-Softener Upgrade Deserves a Closer Look
- A Water Heater Safety Detail: The Missing Discharge Pipe
- What Is Holding the Deck to the House?
- Cracked Chimney Crown: Why This Roof-Level Detail Matters
- Why We Recheck the Basement After Testing the Plumbing
- What Does “Double-Tapped Breaker” Mean in a Home Inspection?
- What an R-22 Air Conditioner Can Mean During a Home Inspection
- Moisture Between Glass Panes: A Finding Worth Asking About
- Attached Garage Fire Separation: What Homebuyers Should Know
- A Furnace Clue That Led to a Confirmed Cracked Heat Exchanger
Home maintenance
- 5 Causes of Water Damage in the Home
- 6 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in a Home
- Septic Inspections for Homebuyers: What to Expect
- Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
- Simple Fire Safety Habits That Could Save Your Home
- Smoke Detector Placement: What Home Buyers Should Check
- Signs You May Need a New Roof: Buyer Guide
- Signs of a Plumbing Problem: 6 Buyer Warning Signs
Buyers & agents
- Why Homebuyers Need a Professional Home Inspection
- 6 Common Home-Buying Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- 5 New-Construction Inspection Checkpoints Before Closing
- Radon Testing for Philadelphia-Area Homebuyers
- Mold Testing: What Southeast Pennsylvania Homebuyers Should Know
- Home Inspection Tips Every Homebuyer Should Know
- Top 10 Essential Ways to Protect Yourself as a Homebuyer
- Water Quality Testing for Homebuyers
- WDI/Termite Inspections: What Homebuyers Should Know
- Brand New Doesn’t Mean Problem-Free: Common New Construction Issues Buyers Should Know
From the appointment request to the report response · Prepare the property before listing · Preview a residential report · PDF · Residential Standards of Practice
Inspection & testing guidance
Learn when sampling may be useful, what professional testing can and cannot establish, and how specialist services fit the property.
Local inspection planning
Chester County buyers
Confirm whether the property uses public utilities or private well and septic systems, review prices, and plan services before your inspection deadline.
Philadelphia buyers
Review available services and how to arrange access and follow-up for the property you are buying.
Find your Chester County community
West Chester · Downingtown & Exton · Coatesville · Chester Springs
Experience you can use
TMK was established in March 2019. Tom Kucera and Cainen Bedsaul are co-owners. Tom has inspected since 2011, Cainen since 2013 and Chris Burns since 2001. Our three inspectors are InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspectors. Coverage depends on inspector qualifications and availability.
Ready for a clearer next step?
Share the property, preferred day and time frame, services needed and requested inspector. Request a time; we confirm the appointment.