The Home Inspector

William Kibbel III is a home inspector and restoration consultant specializing in historic residential and commercial buildings.

Bill spends a lot of time poking and crawling in old-house attics and basements -- and uses this column to share some of what he's learned.

Old House Web Tip: Want to learn more about home inspection? It''s easy through traditional or online courses.

• Permits? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Permits
  When considering a purchase of a new property, be sure to examine its zoning and permit history. Permits can reveal the history of a property and help you with future improvements.
• Vinyl Siding
  

  Old house in disguise?

• Controlling Moisture in a Crawlspace
  The wettest crawlspaces -- and basements -- seem to be directly related to exterior drainage issues.
• Buying an Old House
  

  Plan for repair and higher maintenance costs

• Home inspection
  Answers to questions about sagging floors, rotted sills and other problems common to old houses
• The Old House Interiors Design Center Sourcebook
  The definitive guide to period-inspired home products
• Common Fire Safety Device in Old Homes a Health Hazard
  Fire Grenades (or Fire Bombs) were popular from 1870-1940, but can actually be deadly during a fire.
• The Spring Cellar
  We'd like to use our farmhouse's root cellar but it's always flooded. Any ideas on how to keep the water out?
• Cement Asbestos Roofing
  Cement asbestos roofing is a durable, inexpensive material that was used to cover and protect buildings throughout two-thirds of the twentieth century.
• Repointing Historic Masonry
  The mortar that's used between the bricks and stones of old homes is traditionally lime-based. The properties of this type of mortar make it a wise choice for repointing and repairs to stone walls and foundations.
• Hiring a Contractor
  Vet your contractor and spell everything out to avoid costly surprises
• Carpenter Ants Infestation
  Pests thrive on warm weather and water-damaged wood
• The Home Inspector
  Getting help in evaluating old foundations, crawlspaces
• Firebacks - What are they?
  Decorative cast iron plates also served functional purpose
• Wood roofs
  Care and maintenance of cedar shakes and shingles
• Sagging floors
  Serious flaw or charming old house character?
• The 'other' chimney - the one serving your furnace
  What you need to know about inspecting, repairing and maintaining your heating system's chimney
• Inspecting historic properties
  How to choose a home inspector qualified to evaluate an older home.