by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Jul 17, 2025 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Buying a home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a big step. It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re eyeing a cozy spot in Marquette or a family home in Escanaba, knowing exactly what to do during your home inspection in the...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Aug 4, 2026 | Home Inspection, VA home inspections
Thinking about a rural home in the Upper Peninsula? If you’ve always lived in town, the idea of a private well and your own septic system can feel a little daunting. No city water, no public sewer—just you and the systems in your yard. It’s normal to feel...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jul 22, 2026 | Home Inspection
The best questions to ask your home inspector come before you hire one. Here’s the good news: you can answer almost all of them online. It takes about ten minutes, and you never have to make a call. That homework matters more than you might think, because...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jul 21, 2026 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Buying a home in the U.P. is a big deal. Whether you’re looking at a century-old farmhouse in Alger County, a cabin near Munising, or a newer build in Marquette, you want to know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign anything. That’s what...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jul 7, 2026 | Home Buyers, Home Inspection
Home Inspection for First Time Buyers: At a Glance Attend the inspection if possible. Expect the inspection to cover roofing, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Don’t panic over a long report; every home has findings. Your report has value as a...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jun 23, 2026 | Home Buyers, Home Inspection, Home Sellers
At A Glance: A FSBO home inspection works the same as in a traditional sale — a licensed inspector evaluates the property and issues a written report. The difference is logistics and legal protection. Without agents in the picture, buyers and sellers each take on more...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jun 13, 2026 | Garages & Outbuildings, Home Inspection, Home Safety, Uncategorized
In the Upper Peninsula, a garage isn’t a luxury. It’s practically essential. Whether it protects your truck from a Marquette County blizzard, doubles as a woodshop, or serves as the unofficial neighborhood hangout spot, a garage up here gets used hard. But...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | May 26, 2026 | Commercial Inspection, Upper Peninsula
You’ve found a building with potential. Maybe it’s a downtown storefront in Marquette with good bones and a “for sale” sign that’s been calling your name. Maybe it’s a resort property on the edge of Alger County, or a corner...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | May 12, 2026 | Electrical, Home Inspection
Published May 2026 for Electrical Safety Month If you’ve been in real estate for any length of time, you’ve seen it on inspection reports: missing GFCI protection. It shows up as a high-priority finding—and it shows up often. In our experience inspecting...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Apr 28, 2026 | Home Inspection, Landscape & Grounds
April is National Lawn & Garden Month — a good time to take a closer look at what’s happening outside your home. Most buyers focus on what’s inside: the kitchen, the bathrooms, the basement. But your yard can pose some of the most serious safety and...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Apr 22, 2026 | Home Inspection, Home Maintenance
You love your home. You’ve put so much into it – money, time, sweat equity, and probably more than a few weekends you’ll never get back. But homes don’t send warning signals before things go wrong – and in the U.P., things go wrong faster...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Apr 14, 2026 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Log homes have a way of stopping you in your tracks. There’s something about the craftsmanship, the setting, the whole feel of the place that makes people fall hard — and fast. Here in the Upper Peninsula, log homes aren’t just houses — they’re a...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Mar 31, 2026 | Home Inspection, Roofs
At U.P. Home Inspection, drone roof inspection is part of 8 out of 10 home inspections we conduct — at no additional charge. It’s not a gimmick. It’s how we get a complete picture of a roof’s condition when walking it isn’t practical, safe, or...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Mar 17, 2026 | Home Inspection, Roofs
If you’re buying a home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the roof is one of the most important things to get right. Up here, roofs take a beating — heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice dams put every weak point to the test, season after season. One...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Mar 3, 2026 | Home Maintenance, Seasonal
Wondering how to prevent basement flooding this spring? You’re not alone — and this year, the question is more urgent than usual. After one of the heaviest snow seasons in recent memory across much of the Upper Peninsula, the spring thaw is shaping up to bring a...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Feb 23, 2026 | Home Buyers, Home Inspection
Moving to the U.P. is a dream for many, but buying a home here isn’t like buying a home downstate. Whether you are trading a Chicago commute for the trails of Marquette or finding peace in Escanaba, before making that leap, it pays to understand how different...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Feb 9, 2026 | Electrical
Is Your Electrical Panel Trying to Tell You Something? There is a specific kind of silence in a U.P. winter—the kind where you can hear the snow hitting the ground outside your Rapid River or Negaunee home. In that silence, the last thing a new homeowner wants to hear...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jan 20, 2026 | Home Buyers, Upper Peninsula
Looks Like a Reset: Here’s What to Expect for the Upper Peninsula Housing Market in 2026 Welcome to 2026. If you’ve spent the last two years waiting for the real estate market to make sense, your patience may finally be rewarded. The “panic-buying”...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jan 6, 2026 | Foundations
You Just Found the Perfect U.P. Home. Don’t Let the Foundation Ruin the Deal. Buying or selling a manufactured home in the Upper Peninsula is exciting! You’ve found the perfect spot, the financing looks good… then, BAM. The lender drops a last-minute...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Dec 29, 2025 | Company News
As we close out another incredible year at U.P. Home Inspection, LLC, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for the amazing community that has supported us throughout 2025. From Copper Harbor to Menominee, from Lake Superior’s shores to the Wisconsin border,...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Dec 16, 2025 | Home Safety, Upper Peninsula
A practical guide to identifying and understanding asbestos-containing materials in older Michigan homes If you’re shopping for older homes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there’s a fair chance you’ll encounter asbestos containing materials at...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Dec 2, 2025 | Home Inspection
Buying a home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is exciting, but waiting for your home inspection results can feel like forever. If you’re wondering “how long does a home inspection take,” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Nov 18, 2025 | Home Maintenance, Seasonal, Upper Peninsula
Essential winter home maintenance tips to keep your U.P. home safe and efficient If you live in the Upper Peninsula, you already know: winter isn’t just a season here—it’s a test of endurance for both people and homes. From Escanaba to Negaunee, Gwinn to...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Nov 4, 2025 | Home Safety
Last Tuesday, I was inspecting a kitchen during a home inspection in Negaunee when something caught my eye. Because microwave safety is important but often overlooked, we always test built-in microwaves as part of a home inspection. At first glance, this one looked...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Oct 21, 2025 | Mold Inspection, Upper Peninsula
“Is this black mold?” That’s usually the first question we hear when homeowners discover mold in their homes. It makes sense—we’ve all heard the warnings about “toxic black mold.” But here’s what most people don’t know:...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Oct 7, 2025 | Home Safety, Mold Inspection
Last month, a real estate agent in Manistique called us with a problem. She was helping an elderly client get ready to move to a nursing home. The family needed to prepare the house for sale. That’s when they found it – a huge patch of black mold lurking in the...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Sep 22, 2025 | Home Buyers, Upper Peninsula
House hunting in Marquette, MI? Neighborhoods matter more than you might think. Each area in Marquette has its own personality, price range, and perks. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, knowing what makes each neighborhood tick can save...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Sep 2, 2025 | Home Buyers, Upper Peninsula
House hunting in Escanaba? You’ve picked a great place to call home. This charming lakeside city offers everything from stately Victorian mansions to cozy suburban ranches, all with that authentic Upper Peninsula character you just can’t find anywhere...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Aug 26, 2025 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Buying or selling a home in Escanaba? Hiring a qualified house inspector is essential to protect your investment. But here’s a shocking fact: Home inspectors in Michigan are NOT required by the state to be licensed OR insured. This means the person evaluating...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Aug 12, 2025 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Buying a home in Escanaba? You might be swept away by the charm of Lake Michigan nearby, but did you know its closeness can bring some sneaky challenges to your dream home? Being so near the lake means Escanaba homes have to handle moisture challenges that many...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Jul 29, 2025 | Mold Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Picture this: you walk into your basement and catch a whiff of something… off. Maybe it’s that musty smell that seems stronger after a rainy week, or perhaps your family’s been dealing with stuffy noses that just won’t quit. You might brush it...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Jul 17, 2025 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Selling your Upper Peninsula home? Smart preparation can mean the difference between a smooth transaction and costly delays. Whether you’re listing a historic home in Marquette or a lakefront property in Escanaba, knowing how to prepare for your home inspection...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Jul 8, 2025 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Welcome! If you’re searching for an Escanaba home inspection, you’ve come to the right place with U.P. Home Inspection, LLC. We’re a growing team of dedicated professionals, including our Certified Master Inspector® Rich Beasley. It’s our passion to serve...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Jun 24, 2025 | Home Maintenance
When that home inspection report lands in your hands, the question isn’t just whether to buy the house—it’s whether your home repair budget can handle what the report reveals. Here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where I’ve inspected hundreds of...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Jun 10, 2025 | Home Inspection
Most buyers approach inspection reports with the same mindset: “Tell me everything that’s wrong with this house.” But the real question should be: “Which issues matter most for my specific situation?” As a Certified Master Inspector®...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | May 19, 2025 | Seasonal, Upper Peninsula
Ah, summer! As brief as it is, this shortest of seasons here in the Yoop is when so many of our favorite U.P. memories are made. And nothing says “summer” so much as firing up the grill! Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of grilling season...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | May 13, 2025 | Home Inspection, Uncategorized
As a home inspector in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I provide essential home inspection advice to buyers every day. One question I hear frequently—especially from concerned parents of first-time homebuyers—is: “Would you let your daughter buy this...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Apr 29, 2025 | Roofs, Upper Peninsula
Rich Beasley here – Certified Master Inspector® with over 15 years of experience in home construction and maintenance across the U.P. I’ve inspected countless metal roofs throughout the Upper Peninsula. I’ve seen everything from exceptional metal...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Apr 15, 2025 | Exteriors, Home Maintenance, Upper Peninsula
Upper Peninsula landscaping presents unique challenges and opportunities for homeowners. When we inspect homes across Michigan’s UP, we focus primarily on the structure itself. However, as experienced home inspectors, we realize that your landscaping is an...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Mar 31, 2025 | Company News, Uncategorized
U.P. Home Inspection, LLC is proud to announce the addition of Anne “Ona” Martin to their professional team of certified home inspectors. As the company continues to expand its services across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Martin brings a unique blend...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Mar 18, 2025 | Mold Inspection, Radon Inspection, VA home inspections, Water Testing
As a Certified Master Inspector with years of experience inspecting homes across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I’ve seen many buyers face delays and unexpected costs because they didn’t request the proper tests when scheduling a home inspection. Home...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Mar 4, 2025 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
When buying a home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, finding a qualified home inspector is a crucial step in your purchase process. Since Michigan doesn’t license home inspectors, the responsibility falls on you to identify truly qualified professionals. Does...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Feb 25, 2025 | Seasonal, Upper Peninsula
As winter winds down in Michigan’s U.P. and thoughts turn to spring, you might be wondering if now is the right time to enter the Upper Peninsula real estate market? With warming temperatures just around the corner, many potential buyers are chomping at the bit...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Feb 19, 2025 | Foundations, Upper Peninsula
Note: U.P. Home Inspection, LLC offers home inspection services in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This post is offered as general information only, primarily for our home inspection clients. We do not offer wood foundation services or consulting. Please do not...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Feb 18, 2025 | Company News, Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Celebrating excellence in home inspection across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula A Milestone Achievement We’re excited to announce a significant milestone in our company’s journey. Rich Beasley, owner and lead inspector of UP Home Inspection, LLC, has...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Feb 11, 2025 | Foundations, Upper Peninsula
Note: U.P. Home Inspection, LLC offers home inspection services in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This post is offered as general information only, primarily for our home inspection clients. We do not offer wood foundation services or consulting. Please do not...
by Anne (Ona) Martin, Certified Home Inspector | Nov 7, 2024 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
Did you know that common Upper Peninsula home inspection concerns may differ from those in other areas? Read on to discover essential information you should be aware of if you are in the market for a home in the U.P. Looking for property in Michigan’s Upper...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Jun 22, 2024 | Commercial Inspection, Foundations
The U.P. is home to many historic commercial buildings. The stone or rubble foundations found in many of these buildings is a distinctive feature common in historic Upper Peninsula homes and commercial real estate alike. Recently we were asked to perform a commercial...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | May 9, 2024 | VA home inspections
Don’t be that panicked caller: “Did we test for lead?! I thought we just needed bacterial!” (Spoiler alert: You probably need both.) As a home inspector in the beautiful Upper Peninsula, I witness similar scenarios far too often. Clients eager to...
by Rich Beasley, Certified Master Inspector® | Apr 18, 2024 | Home Inspection, Upper Peninsula
The summer of 2022 was a crazy time for Upper Peninsula real estate. Homes were selling like hotcakes. Home buyers were flocking here from all over the place. One day in the midst of all this, I got a call from a couple who had flown in from California to shop for...