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.

Safety first in fireplace conversion

Make sure fireplace is a good match for wood-burning

Nov 23

Finding an engineer to inspect wall cracks

3 best places to look

Nov 17

Is plywood taken from job site 'above board'?

Framers who cart off materials may have valid explanation

Nov 10

Poking holes in seller's disclosure

Silence on sewage spills a red flag for buyer

Nov 3

Home inspector's Halloween tale

A haunting visit by a spooky character

Oct 26

Mold threat puts lease-option on hold

Shoddy remediation, doctor's warning cast doubt on purchase plans

Oct 19

Plumber uncovers possible cover-up

But proving a pre-existing sewer problem won't be easy

Oct 12

Avoid surprise in as-is purchase

Is seller on the hook for concealed flaws?

Oct 5

Bargain hunting for a home inspector

Don't assume cheap means best

Sep 29

Who's at fault for 'unsafe' chimney?

Home warranty likely won't cover repair cost

Sep 22

Garage conversion draws red flag

Reversing illegal alteration could cost thousands

Sep 16

What good is a home warranty?

No substitute for home inspection

Sep 14

Avoid landfill cover-up in home sale

Must buyers be informed of defunct facility?

Sep 1

Dealing with defects after purchase

Don't wait to report problems

Aug 24

Surprise defects may derail REO purchase

Most banks won't make repairs, though there are exceptions

Aug 17

Silver lining in low appraisal?

A real estate wake-up call for sellers

Aug 10

Put air conditioner to the test

Home inspector omits major detail from report

Aug 3

Leveling with contractor over uneven floor

Consumer complaint could set things straight

Jul 27

Fired up over furnace violations

Inspector may be liable for 'unclear disclosure'

Jul 21

Is inspector responsible for every little defect?

Buyers seek recourse after discovering issues with window, fridge

Jul 14

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