The dangers of having a gas fired appliance within a bedroom or other small space intended for occupation may seem obvious, however, these conditions are often found in older homes. Unfortunately, many people have been injured or killed from exposure to toxic levels of carbon monoxide that are traced back to a malfunctioning combustion [...]
When looking for a new home, whether you’re a first time buyer or seasoned owner, buying an older home can be enticing when compared to the cost of a much newer home. But should you look at older homes if you do not have room in the budget for repairs, renovations or necessary improvements? [...]
Galvanized drain pipes and galvanized supply pipes are both made of steel that is coated with zinc to prevent corrosion. The main difference between the two types of pipes is their intended use. The process of galvanization is performed via hot-dipping and instantaneous annealing, which produces a matte gray finish. Galvannealed steel is a [...]
Could these appliances help in our journey towards a greener future? With increasing concerns about environmental sustainability and the high costs of energy, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills. One of the most effective ways to do this is by upgrading to high [...]
Composite siding is a building material used on the exterior of homes, referred to as cladding or plainly, siding, these products help to protect the framing, structural sheathing and interior of a home from water and other exterior elements. As any cladding material should, it also serves an aesthetic role and is available in [...]
Electrical Service Entrance Conductors A service-entrance conductor is a wire that comes into the service. It connects the utility power to the meter and main disconnects at the service. Understanding where the service begins and where it ends is critical in the proper application of many code rules. The service point is [...]
Adjustable steel columns, commonly known as Lally Columns, are hollow steel posts designed to provide intermediate structural support. An attached threaded adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the height of the post. Adjustments can properly distribute support to the floors above, to prevent out of level conditions that might cause structural damage. Lally columns [...]
Influenced by the changes in the economic and legal environments, home inspection requirements have been introduced and continue to develop as the industry changes. An increase in consumer expectations for more extensive information and protection has led to most states adopting Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and licensure requirements for home inspectors. To understand the [...]
Offset in Sewer Line Whether your home is on septic or public sewer, the main sewer line is an integral part of your homes’ plumbing system. The main objective of this sewer line is to carry wastewater from your home safely. Although sewers have been discovered in ancient ruins dating back to [...]
During a home inspection, home inspectors often encounter varying electrical defects. Some of these conditions can be major, oftentimes they are minor deficiencies, but carry potentially dangerous consequences. In older homes, ungrounded 3 prong receptacles are common. In 1969, UL mandated grounded electrical only on major appliances for safety purposes. At that time, only [...]
