http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Atlanta_GA-255579/The latest answers submitted by Brian Doles to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/water_in_foundation_big_problem_-51590Answer by Brian Doles: Follow your gut. Does it make you nervous that this issue exists? Then I would move on. There are way too many houses out there that will be "the one". But I do agree with others here. 1. Consult with a contractor on the best method to remedy the issue at hand. 2. If you decide the remedy is within financial reason, consult a mold specialist. Find someone that deals with mold specifically. Not the one stop shop inspector. If I am buying a house that I suspect has mold, I want to pay someone that tests and samples this stuff everyday, not once a month. 3. Don't bother testing for mold if the problem has not been fixed. Fix the source of the mold, remediate the mold, then sample the air after remediation. Hope this helps!Fri, 8 Aug 2008 16:24:10 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/after_the_two_week_contingency_period_is_over_but_-37799Answer by Brian Doles: It sounds like you also need an inspector that communicates the defects or safety concerns with all involved parties. If they decide to walk on the one item that wasn't even an issue, it's obvious they want out for other reasons. I would recommend that the inspector educates the buyer on why the defect he/she pointed out was not repaired, or hopefully the inspector is decent enough to admit they made a mistake (cause we all do) :) As an inspector I consider myself as part of the closing team. It's my job to educate the client on their purchase and to make the process as smooth as possible. Communication is key!Wed, 28 May 2008 13:49:21 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-35357Answer by Brian Doles: I totally agree with everyone here. Many defects can be found prior to sheetrock. You'd be surprised how many homes are not built to design specs. I thought I saw it all until last week when a builder used a chainsaw to cut through engineered roof trusses to make additional storage above a garage. I always try to make buyers of "new" homes more aware of Infrared thermal inspections. This technology is used to detect slight temperature changes/differences. This technology is most useful with new construction, in the manner of missing insulation. Now with many homes have vaulted and cathedral ceilings, most inspectors can't see or verify that insulation was installed prior to sheetrock, with infrared you can. It's also useful for finding roof leaks, plumbing and HVAC leaks. I encourage anyone to learn a little more about infrared imaging during inspections. It's literally a real eye opener.Tue, 27 May 2008 18:16:42 PDT