What’s the Difference Between Mildew and Mold?
Mildew is a type of mold. The word “mildew” describes mold that grows flat on the surface of damp spots like shower grout and windowsills. It looks powdery and white or gray, and it usually wipes away. The growth most people call “mold” is fuzzy or slimy, often darker, and it roots down into materials […]
How Long Do Home Inspections Take? An Evansville Guide
Most home inspections take two to three hours on site for an average single-family home. Small condos can wrap up in about 90 minutes, while large or older houses can run four hours or more. The written report usually follows within about 24 hours. At National Inspection Service of Indiana (NISI), our team has inspected […]
Understanding Radon Test Results and What to Do Next
A radonA radon test result below 4.0 pCi/L generally falls within the range the EPA considers acceptable. But the number alone doesn’t tell the whole story. At National Inspection Service of Indiana (NISI), we compile hundreds of radon reports a year for homeowners across Evansville and Newburgh. The question we hear most after testing is […]
What Does Black Mold Look Like? A Local Inspector’s Guide
Black mold usually looks like dark green to black patches. They’re often slimy, fuzzy, or speckled, and you’ll typically find them on damp drywall, grout, wood, or insulation. But color alone can’t confirm what you’re looking at. At NISI, we’ve inspected more than 20,000 Evansville-area homes since 1995. One of the most common questions we […]
When & Why Will Inspectors Flag an Old Electrical Panel?
An old electrical panel becomes a real concern once it can’t safely handle your home’s current electrical load, shows a known-risk brand name, or no longer matches modern safety code. During a home inspection, NISI inspectors open the panel cover, check the amperage, and look for the specific warning signs that separate a panel that’s […]
How to Extend Your Evansville Roof Lifespan
Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. In Evansville, roofs deal with a lot of changing weather. We see hot, humid summers along the Ohio River, freezing winter weather, and sudden spring hailstorms. All of these seasonal shifts put heavy stress on your roofing materials, which can directly shorten your overall […]
Termites in Houses: How They Spread and What to Do
Termites get into houses through soil-to-wood contact, foundation cracks, and damp wood, then spread silently through hidden tunnels until the damage reaches a visible area. Most infestations grow for months before a homeowner notices, which is why early signs matter so much. At National Inspection Service of Indiana, we find termite activity in homes that […]
What Does an Air Conditioner Serial Number Tell You?
The serial number on your air conditioner tells a trained inspector the unit’s age, manufacturing history, and whether its warranty may still apply. When Rob Cahill and the team at National Inspection Service of Indiana inspect a home, the AC data plate is one of the first stops on the equipment walkthrough. Knowing how to […]
What is Radon & Are There Symptoms of Poisoning?
Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that forms naturally as uranium and radium in the soil break down. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, basement floors, sump pump openings, and gaps around pipes. Once trapped inside a home, it builds to dangerous concentrations in the lower levels where families spend the […]
Do I Really Need a Home Inspection Before Buying a House?
The short answer: yes, you really need a home inspection before buying a house. Skipping it means you close on a property without documented knowledge of potential structural problems, failing systems, or safety hazards that could cost thousands of dollars to fix after closing. Rob Cahill, owner of National Inspection Service of Indiana, has found […]