A GFCI, or “ground-fault circuit interrupter” outlet is an electrical device found in homes that are designed to increase electrical safety in areas that are exposed to moisture. A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that is designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground fault. For instance, if for [...]
In homes with attached garages, there are certain safety considerations that should be made in order to ensure that safe conditions exist for the occupants. Garages are great for storing vehicles, and are also often used to house combustion appliances such as gas furnaces or water heaters. Although this may be convenient, having combustion [...]
Using ceramic or stone tiles in a home is a great way to create an aesthetically pleasing space. Tiles can provide a durable water resistant barrier on floors, walls, and in shower or bath enclosures. With so many color and textured options, tiles surfaces can allow a home to be unique and beautiful. Grout [...]
For nonsmokers, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in America. According to the Surgeon General, exposure to high levels of radon gas causes over 21,000 deaths each year. Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless, and can only be detected by testing for the presence of [...]
There are all sorts of safety hazards around a home that may not be obvious to everyone, but that should be addressed to ensure safety. Hiring a home inspector to check a home for these not so obvious safety issues can help to protect you and your family when buying a new home, or [...]
Downspouts are an essential part of the stormwater management system of a home, which includes gutters, downspouts, and downspout drains. While gutters collect rain water at the roof eaves, downspouts direct this water to underground stormwater system that sends to water out to the street or downspouts may discharge in a properly sloped yard [...]
Most modern windows in homes are made up of multiple panes of glass which are separated by air gaps, which are then sealed around the edges by a flexible rubber seal. Insulated Glass Units (IGU) can also contain an inert gas in between these glass panes, such as krypton or argon, which help to [...]
Lead paint is a product that was commonly used in the 19th and 20th centuries in American homes and can be found in a vast number of homes built during this period. Lead based paint was a widespread product known for being water resistant and quick drying. However, lead based paint was banned by [...]
First invented by Willis Carrier in 1902, modern air conditioning provides a welcome respite from the summer heat and is a common appliance found in many homes as part of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. While this system is commonly used when temperatures rise outdoors, air conditioners should not be tested or [...]
