One of the larger advancements to ever take place with residential house wiring occurred in the early 1960s. This change was the introduction of a third conductor in a standard electrical cable that acts as an equipment ground (usually just called a “ground”). To make alternating current work, there must be a supply or “load” […]
Ungrounded Three-Slot Outlets Read More »
Most of us go up and down stairways everyday without thinking much about the planning and construction of them. One of the leading causes of injuries in the home comes from slips and falls on stairways. And one of leading causes of these slips and falls is improper design and building of the stairways. You
Uneven Stair Risers Read More »
While nails and screws may seem to be interchangeable, there is actually quite a difference between what these two common fasteners are capable of. I know often times you are just trying to hang a picture on the wall and either will usually work but sometimes the difference really does matter. Let’s start by talking
Let’s face it, selling a house can be a tough experience. Finding a qualified agent, deciding on a price, preparing to move and many other things. Then, you get an offer and you can clearly see finish line. The biggest hurdle once an offer is received is often the home inspection. On the surface, the
Is a Home Seller Required to Fix Things Found During a Home Inspection? Read More »
It’s hard for most people to go a day without encountering a flight of stairs and a handrail but most of us are unware of all the energy that goes into designing them. Over the years handrails have evolved greatly in the name of safety and as a result of accidents that have occurred from
Giving the occupants of a house time and a path to get themselves and loved ones out of a house in the event of a fire is obviously very important. Once a fire starts near the living areas of a house, slowing it down and giving the people time to escape can literally make the
Garage to House Fire Separation Read More »
Let’s start by defining FSBO (pronounced “Fizz-Bow”). FSBO is an acronym for, “For Sale by Owner” and refers to a seller offering their home for sale without using a professional real estate agent. This would usually be done when a seller wants to save the commission they pay a real estate professional to sell their
FSBO from an Inspector’s Point of View Read More »
Despite all the gloom and doom you hear every day, the world has never been a safer place to be. More specifically, houses have never been better at keeping the people inside of them alive. One of the more important safety features in houses today relates to the electrical system. Arc-Fault Circuit Interruption (AFCI) and
AFCI and GFCI Protection Turning Off Power in your House Read More »
Home ownership is definitely an intimidating adventure. Just agreeing to pay for your house every month for next 30 years is understandably frightening. In addition to buying the house, you must also plan to do some repairs and maintenance from time to time. Even the newest and best houses need some work and improvements, and
10 Tools Every New Homeowner Must Have Read More »
Home Inspectors will give you an estimated value for your house – Inspectors are commonly mixed up with appraisers. An inspector looks at the function of the primary systems of a house. We will ensure things like plumbing and electricity are working and that the structure of the house is performing as intended. Inspectors also
10 Common Misconceptions about Home Inspectors Read More »
