What Should You Test Your Catchment or Well Water For on the Big Island? If your Big Island home gets its water from a rainwater catchment tank or private well, you may have wondered whether you should have the water tested. But before ordering a water test, there is...

Rainwater catchment is common in East Hawaiʻi, and it can provide excellent water when the system is designed and maintained well. The key difference is that buyers need to understand the full system: roof, gutters, tank, pump, filters, UV treatment, and often reverse osmosis for drinking water. Catchment takes maintenance, but it is also part of what makes it possible to live affordably in some of the most beautiful parts of the Big Island.

Home buyers assume home inspectors must open every electrical panel, but in older Big Island homes, this can be risky. Panels with brittle wiring, corrosion, or outdated components like Zinsco or Federal Pacific breakers can be unsafe to disturb. A responsible inspector evaluates what’s visible and accessible but won’t open a panel if it could cause damage or a hazard. When concerns arise, a licensed electrician is the best professional for a deeper assessment.

Water catchment systems are essential on the East Side of the Big Island, and proper maintenance is key to ensuring they function effectively. During my inspections, I focus on several critical aspects, including roof and gutter condition, the functionality of first flush diverters, and the structural integrity of the tank. One often overlooked issue is the pipe slope—it’s important that the pipes from the roof to the tank maintain a continuous downward slope to prevent water from stagnating between rains. I also inspect covers, vents, and filtration systems to ensure water quality is safeguarded. While I don’t test water quality directly, I always recommend homeowners have their water tested by an independent, certified lab.

Many people believe that home inspectors are responsible for ensuring a property complies with building codes. However, inspectors focus on evaluating the condition, safety, and functionality of the home, not on verifying code compliance. Building codes vary by location, and a home inspector’s role is to identify potential issues, not to check every legal requirement. If you’re concerned about code violations, consider consulting a contractor or specialist for a more in-depth review.

I came across this panel in a property in Hilo and immediately recognized it as a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel, which is known to be a safety hazard. FPE panels, commonly installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s, have been linked to serious issues like failure to trip during electrical overloads, design defects leading to overheating, and a lack of available replacement parts. Home inspectors consider them defects due to these safety concerns, and homeowners with FPE panels should consider replacing them to avoid the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.

Metal roofs are durable and weather-resistant, but they still require regular inspections to catch potential issues. I check for loose or rusted fasteners, corrosion from Big Island’s salt air, and gaps in seams or flashing that could lead to leaks. Signs of water intrusion, failing protective coatings, and structural concerns like sagging or impact damage are also key areas of focus. Proper drainage through gutters and downspouts is essential to prevent pooling around the home’s foundation. Identifying these issues early helps homeowners extend the lifespan of their roof and avoid costly repairs.

Many people believe that a home inspection is simply a checklist of items to review, but in reality, it’s much more than that. A professional home inspector conducts a thorough, investigative assessment of the property, examining structural integrity, systems, and hidden issues that may not be immediately visible. It’s an essential step in understanding the condition of your home and ensuring your investment is sound. Find out why a home inspection is far more than just ticking boxes.