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2026 Home Renovation Trends Every Homeowner (and Buyer) Should Know
As we move further into 2026, home renovation is evolving in exciting directions blending timeless craftsmanship with bold personalization. Whether you’re planning upgrades to your current home or hunting for your next dream property, understanding emerging trends helps you make smarter design investments that add both joy and resale appeal. The Shift in Design Philosophy for 2026 Renovation in 2026 isn’t just about fresh finishes and momentary style anymore. Homeowners and d

Nicole Brooks
Jan 43 min read


Radon in Pittsburgh: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know This January
When you grow up in western Pennsylvania, you get used to certain things: rolling hills, winding streets, and long stories about old mine shafts. But there’s one invisible part of Pittsburgh’s landscape most homeowners don’t think about... radon , a naturally occurring radioactive gas that’s alarmingly common throughout Allegheny County and surrounding areas. And January, designated as National Radon Action Month , is the perfect time to understand the risks and take action.

Nicole Brooks
Nov 30, 20252 min read


Looking Ahead: Home Inspection Trends & Goals for 2026
Raising Standards, Embracing Technology, and Building Trust in Every Inspection As we step into 2026, the home inspection industry is evolving faster than ever. New technologies, shifting buyer priorities, and greater attention to sustainability are reshaping what clients expect and how inspectors deliver. For me, as both a Master Inspector and Vice President of the Pro-ASHI Pittsburgh Chapter , this year is about more than just keeping up, it’s about leading the change tha

Nicole Brooks
Nov 9, 20252 min read


🎄 Keeping Your Home (and Santa) Safe This Holiday Season
A Fun Take on Fire Safety and Holiday Home Maintenance The holidays are the perfect time to fill your home with warmth, laughter, and twinkling lights. But as Pittsburgh homes glow brighter, the risk of seasonal fire hazards grows, too. Between overloaded outlets, festive candles, and furry friends getting into decorations, even Santa appreciates a home that’s well-prepared for a safe and merry visit. As a certified home inspector, I see firsthand how small maintenance oversi

Nicole Brooks
Nov 9, 20253 min read


🦃 A Thanksgiving to Remember: How a Home Inspection Made This Holiday Truly Wonderful
As the holidays approach, many families are preparing to fill their homes with laughter, delicious food, and gratitude. But before the smell of pumpkin pie fills the air, one thing often goes unnoticed.....the important role a home inspection plays in making those holiday memories worry-free. This Thanksgiving, one family shared how their home inspection turned out to be one of the best decisions they made during their home-buying journey — and how their realtor’s guidance m

Nicole Brooks
Nov 3, 20253 min read


Haunted or Just a Home Issue?
October brings pumpkins on porches, ghosts in the yard, and creepy costumes galore, but what’s really haunting your home might not just be in your imagination! As home inspectors, we’ve seen enough “house horrors” to make even Dracula shiver. So, before you grab your candy bowl and settle in for scary movie marathons, let’s shed some light on the real things that go bump in the night… and why a home inspection can keep them from turning into true nightmares. The “Ghostly” C

Nicole Brooks
Oct 17, 20252 min read


Bundle and Save: Introducing Fine Line’s Home Inspection Packages
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. At Fine Line Inspections, we understand how crucial it is for...

Nicole Brooks
Sep 21, 20253 min read


Fall & Winter Prep: How to Get Your Pittsburgh Home Ready to Sell in Spring 2026
Planning to sell your home in Pittsburgh this coming spring? Smart move. Spring is one of the busiest times for real estate in our city....

Nicole Brooks
Sep 17, 20253 min read


Keeping Calm Through the Home Buying Process
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but let’s be real, it can also be one of the most stressful. You’re suddenly asked to...

Nicole Brooks
Sep 13, 20252 min read


10 Essential Steps to Take Right After Moving Into Your New Home
Congratulations! Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but once the boxes are in and the moving truck drives away, the real...

Nicole Brooks
Sep 2, 20253 min read


September is Mold Awareness Month: Protect Your Home & Health
September is recognized as Mold Awareness Month , a time to highlight the serious risks mold can pose to both your home and your health....

Nicole Brooks
Aug 19, 20253 min read
Home Buying Regrets: What Buyers Wish They Knew Before Signing the Papers
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with its share of surprises. At Fine Line Inspections, we’ve heard plenty of...

Nicole Brooks
Aug 8, 20252 min read
What’s Lurking Below? Why Sewer Scopes Matter and What Plumbers Actually Find
What’s Lurking Below? What Sewer Scopes Reveal and Why They Matter in Pittsburgh Homes A sewer scope inspection isn’t glamorous, but it...

Nicole Brooks
Jul 27, 20252 min read


Common Questions About Home Inspections
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, here are the most common questions I get during home inspections, and what you...

Nicole Brooks
Jul 14, 20253 min read


Home Buyers Blues: When the Inspection Cracks the Dream
There it is. The house. The one with the wrap-around porch, the sun-drenched kitchen, and the tree in the backyard perfect for a tire...

Nicole Brooks
Jul 2, 20252 min read
Behind the Scenes of a Home Inspector's Day
People often see the final report neatly organized, full of photos, conclusions, and suggestions. But what they don't see is the energy,...

Nicole Brooks
Jun 22, 20252 min read
Understanding Home Inspections: What They Are and Aren't
What a Home Inspection Is A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual assessment of the accessible systems and components of a home at a...

Nicole Brooks
Jun 8, 20253 min read
5 Hidden Home Issues Uncovered in Pittsburgh's Historic Homes
Pittsburgh's neighborhoods are steeped in charm and history, boasting homes that reflect over a century of architectural evolution. But...

Nicole Brooks
May 23, 20252 min read
Why a Summer Home Inspection in Pittsburgh Could Save You Thousands
As Pittsburgh’s real estate market heats up with the weather, both homebuyers and sellers are jumping into one of the busiest seasons of...

Nicole Brooks
May 17, 20252 min read
First Time Homebuyer Guide in Pittsburgh: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Buying your first home is a huge milestone and if you’re considering planting roots in Pittsburgh, you’re in excellent company. The Steel...

Nicole Brooks
May 12, 20252 min read
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