Natural light sounds great until winter hits. Here's what I find on both sides of the skylight debate across Syracuse and Central New York. Syracuse & Central New York I've inspected hundreds of homes across Syracuse, Cazenovia, Baldwinsville, and the greater Central New York area. And few features spark more debate at the inspection table than skylights. Homeowners love the idea of them — natural light pouring into a dark hallway or kitchen. But after years of crawling throu

They're stylish, they're everywhere in Syracuse's suburbs — and they come with a very specific set of inspection findings. Syracuse & Central New York If you've been house hunting in DeWitt, Fayetteville, Eastwood, or the older suburban pockets around Syracuse, you've almost certainly walked through a mid-century modern home — probably without realizing it had a name. Built roughly between 1945 and 1975, these homes are defined by flat or low-pitched roofs, large windows, ope

They heated generations of Syracuse homes. But should you be worried if you still have one? Here's the honest answer. Syracuse & Central New York If you've ever walked into the basement of an older Syracuse home and stopped dead in your tracks at the sight of a massive, tentacled metal beast crouching in the corner — congratulations, you've met an octopus furnace. They're one of the most visually striking things I encounter on inspections, and easily one of the most misunders

Mobile homes—often called manufactured homes—are an important part of the housing stock across Syracuse and throughout Onondaga County. With rising home prices in much of New York State, many buyers are looking at manufactured homes in mobile home communities as a more affordable path to homeownership. As a home inspector who regularly evaluates manufactured homes and mobile home parks in the area, I see buyers make the same mistakes over and over again. A mobile home can be

Wildlife Control in Syracuse NY: What Homeowners Need to Know (and Why Calling a Pro Matters) If you’re hearing scratching in the attic, finding droppings in the garage, or noticing burrows near your foundation, it’s time to pause before you grab a trap. In Syracuse and throughout New York, wildlife issues are common — and handling them the wrong way can make things worse. More importantly, it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife in New York State without the proper licen

(From a Central New York Home Inspector’s Perspective) If you own—or are buying—an older home in Syracuse or anywhere in Onondaga County, there’s a good chance you may encounter Yankee gutters, also known as box gutters. As a home inspector working throughout Central New York, I see these gutters regularly, especially on historic and early-20th-century homes. They’re not “bad,” but they are very different from modern aluminum gutter systems. Understanding how they work—and wh

What the Median Year Built in Binghamton Really Means for Home Buyers and Sellers As a home inspector working in Binghamton, one of the first things I look at on a property isn’t just the roof or the furnace — it’s the year the home was built. In Binghamton, the median year homes were built is around 1946. That means a large portion of the housing stock here was constructed before or just after World War II. And honestly? That tells you a lot — but not in a scary way. Just in

One of the most commonly overlooked issues I see during home inspections in Syracuse and throughout Onondaga County is improper bathroom fan venting. At first glance, a bathroom exhaust fan may seem minor. It turns on, it makes noise, and air appears to move. But where that air actually goes is what matters. In Central New York’s cold climate, improper venting can quietly cause moisture damage, mold growth, insulation deterioration, and even structural rot. If you own or are

If you’re hearing constant chirping in your vents, seeing birds dive into your soffits, or noticing large flocks gathering on your roofline, you may be dealing with European starlings. As a nuisance wildlife control operator serving Syracuse and surrounding communities throughout Onondaga County, I need to be clear from the start: starling infestations are not a DIY project. These birds are aggressive, destructive, and classified as an invasive species in the United States. P

If you’re hearing thumping in the attic at 2:00 a.m. or finding tipped-over trash cans in the morning, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with raccoons. As a nuisance wildlife control operator serving Syracuse and the surrounding areas of Onondaga County, I can tell you this: raccoons are not a DIY problem. They are strong, intelligent, and in New York State it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife without the proper license. If you suspect raccoon activity on your prope

Picture this: you’re trading subway screeches, expensive rent, and constant noise for a home with square footage, parking included, and a real backyard. If you’re coming from NYC or New Jersey, the idea of moving upstate isn’t just a fantasy — it’s becoming a real lifestyle choice for more and more people. And trust me, as a home inspector serving Syracuse, NY and Central New York, I see the practical side of this trend every day. First, let’s talk dollars and sense. Housing

Radon Testing in Onondaga County, NY: A Home Inspector’s Perspective As a home inspector working here in Onondaga County, I’m often asked about radon gas—what it is, whether it’s a concern locally, and whether buyers should include a radon test during a home inspection. My goal with clients is never to alarm, but to inform. Radon is one of those topics where straightforward facts go a long way in helping buyers make confident decisions. What Is Radon? Radon is a naturally occ

The Syracuse, NY real estate market continues to draw attention from buyers, sellers, and investors alike. With steady demand, limited inventory in desirable neighborhoods, and increased competition in many price points, homes for sale in Syracuse NY are often moving quickly. In a competitive market like this, a professional home inspection in Syracuse NY becomes more important—not less. When homes sell fast, buyers may feel pressure to move quickly. A thorough home inspectio

If you’re searching for homes for sale in Syracuse NY, the neighborhoods of Sedgwick and Sedgwick Farms offer something truly distinctive. As a home inspector working throughout Syracuse, NY, I’ve inspected properties in nearly every corner of the city, and these two neighborhoods consistently stand out for their craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and long-term structural integrity. Sedgwick Farms in particular was designed with winding, tree-lined streets and larger lots, cre

Stone Foundation If you’re preparing for a home inspection in Rochester, NY, you’re in for something most buyers in newer cities never experience: a window into American architectural history. As one of the five oldest housing markets in the country, Rochester wears its age proudly — from the grand Victorian painted ladies of the South Wedge to the elegant Colonial Revivals lining East Avenue. When I walk through a Rochester home, I’m not just doing an inspection. I’m steppin

A Syracuse home inspector shares what buyers should really know about Central New York's housing stock — and why older homes are worth a closer look.