Water Heater Drain Pans
Water heaters are essential for all homes and generally require less maintenance as compared to other major appliances such as furnaces and air conditioners. However, water heaters that are not monitored can eventually leak [...]
Common Wiring Defects
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 [...]
Diverting Roof Runoff Away from Home
Allowing downspouts to drain directly at the foundation of a home is a common but potentially dangerous practice. Although it may seem harmless, this condition can have significant ramifications that jeopardize both the structural [...]
Painted Chimneys
Painted Chimneys Although painting of older brick chimneys is common in-home remodels, this practice is not recommended by most masonry and chimney contractors. Brick is porous and naturally absorbs moisture. Painting the brick can [...]
Where are GFCI outlets required under current building standards?
Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are safety devices that are put on electrical outlets, also known as electrical receptacles. They're also located on extension cables, circuit breakers, and other electrical equipment. When the low-resistance [...]
What are Ice Dams?
Missing insulation can lead to ice dams. Water is one of the most damaging factors that contribute to the deterioration of a home and when it comes in the form of ice, [...]