Barry Stone

Contributor

Barry Stone began his career in 1969 overseeing and partaking in the building and design aspects of residential construction projects. In 1978, having received his general contractor's license, Barry ventured into his own construction and remodeling business. During this time, his exposure to indiscriminate violations and loose interpretations of the Uniform Building Code by tradespersons and contractors heightened his awareness of the vulnerability of consumers in these areas. For Barry, these unacceptable practices cried out for public exposure and remedy. In 1987, having been certified as a building inspector by the International Conference of Building Officials, (the authors of the Uniform Building Code) Barry left the construction field and established Action Home Inspection Service, the first business of its kind on California's Central Coast. During the past fourteen years, Barry has inspected close to 7,000 homes, hotels, shopping centers and other commercial buildings, establishing a firm reputation as the pre-eminent property inspector and an expert in the field of building construction. His expertise has led to numerous spots on the NBC television affiliate KSBY TV reporting on environmental conditions and how they effect the integrity of the home as well as radio interviews. His knowledge of nationally recognized building codes is vast and covers all areas of construction, including electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing, fire safety, gas, propane, asbestos, radon and much more.

Building inspectors vs. building codes

When in doubt, higher standard should apply

Sep 30

Fixed defects: 'water under the bridge'?

Seller worried about disclosure violation

Sep 22

Diagnosing a leaky water heater

3 main causes of a faulty TPR valve

Sep 15

Overlooked mold grows buyer costs

While unfortunate, recourse may be zero

Sep 8

Honey, the appraisal shrank our home

Code violations downgrade home to 1-bedroom

Sep 2

Nix aluminum wiring fire hazard

Copper pigtails to the rescue

Aug 25

The sale that could've been

Seller blames 'nit-picky' inspector for killing deal

Aug 18

Testing for asbestos in popcorn ceiling

Health concerns arise after homeowners cut corners

Aug 11

Are agent and inspector in cahoots?

Odd protocol puts buyer at disadvantage

Aug 4

Insurer's HVAC demand cost $10,000

Homeowners should question unreasonable requests

Jul 29

Sale killed by home inspector error

Do sellers have recourse?

Jul 21

Flipper sets bait for money trap

Will neighbor warn unsuspecting buyers about property defects?

Jul 14

Beware of builder who forbids inspection

One-year warranty offers little protection against defects

Jul 7

Black crud invades whirlpool bath

How to effectively remove residue from pipes

Jun 30

Illegal conversion must be undone

Who's responsible: inspector, seller, appraiser?

Jun 23

'Ghosting' rears its head after paint job

How can homeowner prevent soot formations?

Jun 16

Skeptical of seller disclosures

How can buyers sort fact from fiction?

Jun 9

Buyer's agent fails buyers

Bad advice causes conflict over leak repairs

Jun 2

Home inspector's mistake costs buyers

Proper protocol would've exposed roof leaks

May 26

Septic system liability looms for buyer

Major defects possible in 1940s home

May 19

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