Inspectech

Attn Realtors: Ticks are getting bad. Please make sure the grass is cut prior to home inspections and any bushes/shrubs are trimmed or removed if they are blocking crawl space access. I've pulled off two attached ticks in the last week and dozens more that I found early. Tick borne illness is no joke! https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/news/healthy-living/why-are-lone-star-white-dot-ticks-so-dangerous

The ceiling (at the bottom of the photo) was over the garage and doesn't need insulation, but that sidewall is in the living room and does need it!
Un-insulated drywall in an attic will be the same temperature as outside on cold winter nights and up to 140-150 degrees if the attic isn't ventilated sufficiently.

exterior spigot non-functional

Just scheduled inspection #100 for 2024. Over 300 inspections in 28 months!

I often tell my clients that no house is perfect and use my own as an example. As a homeowner with limited time and resources you have to prioritize and fix or update things as you are able. Today's project was seismic straps on my water heater.
Code requires straps for water heaters in zones where there is a high level of earthquake hazard (Western Kentucky is in the highest zone). These straps are intended to prevent the water heater from tipping over during an earthquake which would break water lines and flood your home. Even worse for gas water heaters, gas lines can rupture and ignite burning your home to the ground. Studies found that 11 out of 13 structural fires following earthquakes were from water heater gas line ruptures!
I'm ashamed that I let this one go so long since the straps were only around $20 and it took me less than an hour to install. Be sure and read the directions thoroughly and watch a few YouTube videos to make sure you understand the install process. If your water heater isn't touching the wall or walls that you secure it to then you may have to add some wood spacers for it to hold up against (but make sure your straps are secured directly to the wall studs, not any added braces). If you think the task is too much for you, you can always hire a professional.
One last thing to watch out for is plumber's tape (thin metal straps used to suspend pipe in a basement or crawlspace). Plumber's tape is not strong enough to secure a water heater, you need thicker metal strapping designed for this purpose.