Pillar to Post Home Inspectors - Steve Maher Team

08/09/2026

It has soffit vents. It has a ridge vent. So why is the attic 140°F?

That's a question we sometimes encounter during summer inspections.

And it illustrates something important about homes: having all the expected components doesn't necessarily tell you how well the system is actually performing.

Your attic is where several parts of the home come together—insulation, air sealing, ventilation, moisture control, exhaust systems, HVAC components and the roof itself.

A hot attic doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. A dark stain doesn't automatically mean the roof is leaking. And adding more insulation or ventilation isn't always the right first answer.

The better question is:

How are all of these systems working together?

Our newest Indiana Home Inspection Hub article explains how an attic works, why problems that appear there may actually begin somewhere else, and what homeowners should understand before choosing a solution.

https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/2026/08/09/how-your-attic-works-understanding-insulation-ventilation-moisture-heat/

Understand the cause. Then choose the right solution.

08/07/2026

"Who do I call?". A questions many homeowners eventually ask.

Sometimes the question starts with water on the floor.
Sometimes it's a crack in the wall.
Sometimes the basement smells musty after every heavy rain.
Sometimes one room never seems comfortable.

And sometimes...

Someone in the family seems to be coughing, dealing with allergies, or just never feeling quite right at home.

The challenge is that these symptoms don't always point to the real problem.

Homes are systems.

• A musty odor may involve drainage, crawlspace conditions, humidity, ventilation, or indoor air quality.
• Water appearing inside may have started somewhere less obvious.
• Comfort problems often involve several systems working together—not just the HVAC equipment.

That's why we've expanded our homeowner consultation service.

Rather than starting with a repair, we start by helping you troubleshoot the actual problem.

We investigate your concern, connect the dots between related systems, explain what we find, and help guide you toward the most appropriate next step—including the right specialist when additional expertise is needed.

Before choosing a solution - Make sure you understand the problem.

Learn more: https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/homeowner-consultation/

08/02/2026

Why Does My Basement Always Feel Damp?

Many homeowners assume a damp basement means water is leaking through the foundation.

Sometimes that's true.

Often, it isn't.

Basement moisture can come from liquid water or water v***r—and the solution depends on understanding which one you're dealing with.

That's why simply buying a dehumidifier or installing a sump pump isn't always the first step.

Before choosing a solution, it helps to understand what's actually causing the problem.

In our latest article, we explain:

✔ Why basements feel damp—even when they're dry
✔ The difference between liquid water and water v***r
✔ Why drainage, humidity, ventilation, and grading all matter
✔ Practical steps homeowners can take before the problem becomes more serious

https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/2026/07/27/why-is-my-basement-damp-understanding-moisture-in-indiana-homes/

07/26/2026

What Should I Fix First?

Every homeowner eventually ends up with a list.
• A dripping faucet.
• A loose handrail.
• A missing shingle.
• An aging water heater.
• A driveway crack.

The challenge isn't finding things that need attention. It's deciding what actually matters most.

The good news? Not every repair deserves the same level of urgency.

Some issues affect safety.

Some allow water to damage your home.

Some simply need to be planned and budgeted for over time.

Learning the difference can help you spend your time and money where it has the greatest impact.

We recently put together a guide that explains a simple way to prioritize home maintenance—so you're making informed decisions instead of feeling overwhelmed.

👉 https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/2026/07/18/what-should-i-fix-first-a-smarter-way-to-prioritize-home-maintenance/

Owning a home isn't about fixing everything today.

It's about knowing what to fix first.

07/19/2026

Every home inspector recommendation a Realtor makes reflects on that Realtor.

That's why some Realtors eventually begin looking for a different inspection partner.

Sometimes communication isn't what it should be. Sometimes scheduling becomes difficult. Sometimes buyers leave the inspection with more questions than answers. And sometimes clients need services beyond a standard inspection.

Sometimes they're looking for more comprehensive services—radon, mold, water testing, termite, or pre-listing consultations—so they can better serve their clients.

Whatever the reason, we understand that choosing an inspection partner is about much more than checking a box on a recommendation list.

You're trusting someone with one of the most important recommendations you'll make during the transaction. That recommendation should strengthen your relationship with your client—and hopefully lead to more referrals.

Our goal isn't simply to inspect homes. It's to help your clients understand them well enough to make informed decisions with confidence—and to help you feel confident in the recommendation you made.

We provide home inspections across North-Central Indiana and the northern Indianapolis metro.

Learn more about partnering with our team:
https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/realtor-partners/

07/14/2026

"Was the crawlspace dry?"
It's a question we hear on inspections all the time.

Most people are asking if there was standing water on the ground.

But that's only part of the story.

A crawlspace can look completely dry and still have humidity levels high enough to create conditions for mold, wood decay, musty odors, and poor indoor air quality over time.

That's because homes don't just manage liquid water—they also have to manage water v***r.

One of the most encouraging things to see during an inspection is a properly encapsulated crawlspace with a dehumidifier quietly doing its job. It may not be the most exciting piece of equipment in the house, but it plays an important role in protecting the structure and creating a healthier environment above.

Healthy homes aren't just free of standing water.
They're designed to manage both moisture and humidity.

Sometimes, what you can't see is just as important as what you can.

That's why we evaluate homes as systems—not just collections of individual components.

07/09/2026

A little unexpected excitement during today's inspection in Zionsville...

While inspecting the home, we noticed a bird trapped inside the basement egress window well. James climbed down, carefully picked it up, and set it free.

It also served as a good reminder of why basement window wells should be checked periodically. Leaves, debris—and occasionally wildlife—can find their way in, and keeping them clean helps ensure the window continues to function properly as an emergency escape.

The bird flew away unharmed, and we got back to helping our clients better understand their future home.

Sometimes the best moments of the day aren't the ones you planned.

07/09/2026

"Our mold test came back high... now what?"

This question can create a lot of anxiety for a homebuyer or homeowner.

The good news? A high mold result usually isn't the whole story.

In many Indiana homes, elevated mold levels are a sign that moisture is present somewhere in the home—whether that's a damp crawlspace, elevated humidity, a plumbing leak, or poor ventilation.

That's why we don't believe the first question should be:

"How do I get rid of the mold?"

The better question:

"Why is mold growing here in the first place?"

Understanding the moisture source is the key to preventing mold from coming back and making informed decisions about what needs to happen next.

Our newest Healthy Home article explains what elevated mold levels really mean, what buyers and homeowners should do next, and why the goal isn't fear—it's understanding.

👉 https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/2026/02/04/what-to-do-if-a-home-has-high-mold-levels/

Helping homeowners throughout North-Central Indiana and the northern Indianapolis metro better understand their homes—one question at a time.

High mold levels in a home usually indicate excess moisture. Learn what mold test results mean and what steps homeowners or buyers should take next.

07/07/2026

"It's brand new... why would it need a home inspection?"

It's one of the most common questions we hear.

The reality is that today's homes are built by many different trades, often working on tight schedules. Even with inspections throughout construction, it's not uncommon for important details to be overlooked before the home is complete.

That's why many buyers choose an independent new construction inspection.

Whether it's before the drywall goes up, before closing, or near the end of the builder's warranty period, an independent inspection helps you better understand your new home and identify items that deserve attention while they're still easier to address.

A new home should bring excitement—not unanswered questions.

Our goal isn't to create fear.

It's to help you understand your home, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

📍 Serving home buyers throughout North-Central Indiana and the northern Indianapolis metro.

https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/new-construction-home-inspection-indiana/

06/30/2026

Today was a good day. Why?
Because every one of our radon monitors is out in the field!

That means more home buyers across North-Central Indiana, including for this character home in Rochester, are taking the time to understand one of the few environmental concerns you can't see, smell, or taste before closing.

Radon testing is a normal part of the due diligence process in our market. By placing monitors a few days before the home inspection, we're able to collect the required testing period while keeping everything on track for our clients' inspection and negotiation timelines.

Whether a home's radon level is low or elevated, the goal is the same: make informed decisions before you own the home—not after.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted our team to help with that process. Stay safe, and have a great long weekend!

https://indianahomeinspectionhub.com/2025/11/20/what-is-radon-the-basics-every-indiana-homeowner-should-know/