Tom Pelletier, Author at Alpha Building Inspections

What a Poor Drywall Finish Can Mean for the Whole Building

When people walk into a home or commercial space, the finish on the drywall and paint are one of the first things they see. Clean lines and smooth finishes give the impression that a building…

Tom PelletierJuly 10, 2025

Real Estate

A Guide to Selecting and Placing House Address Numerals

Your house address numerals help first responders find you quickly, guide guests using GPS, and shape the first impression buyers have of your property. In New England, where winding roads, snowbanks, and tall trees are…

Tom PelletierJune 12, 2025

Home Maintenance

Are Houses With Wrap-Around Porches Harder to Maintain?

More Porch, More Problems? Not Necessarily. Wrap-around porches are a New England favorite featured on plenty of houses. They boost curb appeal, offer space to relax, and give your home a classic, welcoming look. But…

Tom PelletierMay 14, 2025

Appliances

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Even After Cleaning?

Your dishwasher is supposed to clean, not smell. But if your dishwasher smells even after you’ve scrubbed it down, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many homeowners run into, and it usually…

Tom PelletierApril 30, 2025

Home Maintenance

The Ultimate Last-Minute House Maintenance Checklist

Life gets busy, and it’s easy for upkeep tasks to slip through the cracks. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full weekend or a long to-do list to get your house back…

Tom PelletierApril 18, 2025

Home Maintenance Real Estate

Easy Ways to Remove Scratches From Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are known for their beauty and durability, but even the toughest finishes can show signs of wear over time. Everyday life (like sliding furniture, pets running around, or even a bit of grit…

Tom PelletierApril 3, 2025

Home Inspections Real Estate

7 Things to Know as a First-Time Massachusetts Home Buyer

As a first-time Massachusetts home buyer, it's exciting and fast-moving. There’s a lot more involved than picking the right location and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Many homes in the state—especially older ones—come with hidden…

Tom PelletierMarch 20, 2025

Commercial Building Phase 1 ESA Standards

What Does a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Find?

Some of the biggest environmental risks or a property—like historical hazards—can stay out of sight until they become expensive problems. That’s one way a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) comes into buying commercial property.…

Tom PelletierMarch 6, 2025

Ventilation

Common Kitchen Ventilation Fan Problems and Fixes

A kitchen ventilation fan should make life easier—clearing out smoke, odors, and grease so you can cook without worrying about lingering smells or stuffy air. But when it starts rattling, struggling to pull air, or…

Tom PelletierFebruary 20, 2025

Home Construction

Does Average Ceiling Height Vary? Old vs New Homes

Ceiling height plays a big role in how a home looks and feels. But does the average ceiling height vary between old and new homes? The answer depends on when the home was built, regional…

Tom PelletierFebruary 6, 2025

Tom Pelletier

What a Poor Drywall Finish Can Mean for the Whole Building

A Guide to Selecting and Placing House Address Numerals

Are Houses With Wrap-Around Porches Harder to Maintain?

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Even After Cleaning?

The Ultimate Last-Minute House Maintenance Checklist

Easy Ways to Remove Scratches From Hardwood Floors

7 Things to Know as a First-Time Massachusetts Home Buyer

What Does a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Find?

Common Kitchen Ventilation Fan Problems and Fixes

Does Average Ceiling Height Vary? Old vs New Homes

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