Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—and I’m not just talking about money. You’re investing your time, your peace of mind, and probably your weekends into whatever property you choose. As a general contractor who’s been in the business for over two decades, I’ve walked through hundreds of homes—some solid, some lipstick on a pig. Here’s my no-fluff list of what to look for when buying a house, based on what I check first when I walk into a property.

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop here in Pennsylvania - it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. At Reliable General Contracting HQ, we’ve seen firsthand how early preparation can save homeowners from costly repairs, energy loss, and discomfort during Pennsylvania’s coldest months. Here's your reliable checklist to make sure your home is ready to handle the chill — inside and out.