Home & Commercial Inspection Blog

New England home exterior with autumn leaves and fall foliage before winter

Home Maintenance

New England Autumn Home Maintenance Checklist

New England autumn is the best time to prepare your home for the freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and ice dams that define winter here. The season gives homeowners a narrow window, usually six to eight…

Steve MangekianSeptember 1, 2026

Septic

How to Locate a Septic Tank: 5 Ways to Find Yours

Most septic tanks sit 10 to 25 feet from the house and 4 inches to 4 feet underground, and you can usually find yours by checking your property records, tracing the main sewer line, or…

Steve MangekianSeptember 1, 2026

Home Inspections New England Home Inspections

Home Inspection for Older Homes: A Buyer’s Guide

The typical home in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine is around 60 years old, and older homes need a different kind of inspection than new construction. At Alpha Building Inspections, we've completed more than 11,000…

Steve MangekianAugust 4, 2026

Home Inspections Radon

Are New Homes Tested for Radon? What NH Buyers Should Know

Yes, new homes should be tested for radon, even ones built with radon-resistant features. Radon comes from the soil, not from age or construction quality, so a brand-new home in Merrimack or Nashua can test…

Steve MangekianAugust 3, 2026

Appliances

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Even After Cleaning?

Your dishwasher is supposed to clean, not smell. But if your dishwasher smells even after a cleaning cycle, it usually has one of six common problems: a clogged filter, grease buildup, mold in the door…

Steve MangekianJune 26, 2026

Bathroom

Parts of a Toilet: What They Do and When to Call a Pro

A toilet has roughly a dozen named parts, and each one has a specific job. Knowing their names and functions helps you spot problems early, communicate clearly with a plumber, and understand what a home…

Steve MangekianJune 26, 2026

An asbestos danger sign posted at a residential home demolition site, warning about hazards like hidden asbestos walls.

Home Safety New England Home Inspections

How Can You Tell if There’s Asbestos in Your Walls?

The honest answer is that you usually cannot tell by looking. Asbestos fibers are microscopic. Asbestos-containing drywall, joint compound, and plaster look identical to materials that contain none. The only way to confirm asbestos in…

Steve MangekianMay 22, 2026

Does Average Ceiling Height Vary? Old vs New Homes

Home Construction

Does Average Ceiling Height Vary For Old vs New Homes?

The average ceiling height in most U.S. homes is 8 to 9 feet, but that number shifts depending on when the home was built. Older homes in New England commonly have ceilings as low as…

Steve MangekianMay 22, 2026

a new hampshire residential neighborhood

Home Inspections

What to Expect From a Home Inspection as a Buyer or Seller

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process, and it tends to generate anxiety on both sides of the deal. Buyers worry about what the inspector will find, and…

Steve MangekianApril 16, 2026

Bathroom

When, Why & How How To Remove A Bathroom Vanity

Updating a home doesn’t need to take a lot of work or expense. Many homeowners give their bathroom a new look by replacing the bathroom vanity: a common project during home renovations. If you’re wondering…

Steve MangekianMarch 18, 2026

Home & Commercial Inspection Blog

New England Autumn Home Maintenance Checklist

How to Locate a Septic Tank: 5 Ways to Find Yours

Home Inspection for Older Homes: A Buyer’s Guide

Are New Homes Tested for Radon? What NH Buyers Should Know

Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Even After Cleaning?

Parts of a Toilet: What They Do and When to Call a Pro

How Can You Tell if There’s Asbestos in Your Walls?

Does Average Ceiling Height Vary For Old vs New Homes?

What to Expect From a Home Inspection as a Buyer or Seller

When, Why & How How To Remove A Bathroom Vanity

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