by Scott Frakes, CMI® | Apr 21, 2026 | Home Inspection
Log homes are one of Northern Michigan’s most distinctive property types — and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to home inspection. A log home inspection covers everything a standard inspection does, but it also requires knowledge of issues that...
by Scott Frakes, CMI® | Apr 7, 2026 | Home Inspection
Do I Need a Home Inspection When Buying a Home? It’s not required by law in Michigan, and most lenders won’t mandate it either. But “not required” isn’t the same as “not necessary.” The short answer to “Do I need a home...
by Scott Frakes, CMI® | Mar 24, 2026 | Home Safety
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. The last thing you want to discover after closing is that you’re living in a former meth lab. Knowing the meth house signs to look for — before you make an offer — can protect your...
by Scott Frakes, CMI® | Mar 10, 2026 | Home Inspection, Roofs
Ice dam damage is one of the most expensive — and most overlooked — problems I find in Northern Michigan homes. A single winter of untreated ice dams can lead to roof leaks, structural rot, mold growth, and insulation failure. Worse, the damage often goes unnoticed...
by Scott Frakes, CMI® | Feb 24, 2026 | Home Safety
When Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville, North Carolina in September 2024, more than 100 people lost their lives and damages exceeded $59 billion. A city once considered a “climate haven” experienced catastrophic flooding few believed possible. Northern Michigan...
