Leaking hose bibb. Leaking hose bibbs can waste a significant amount of water and can lead to significantly higher water bills when left unchecked. In addition, leakage at exterior fixtures have the added hazards of directing water towards a foundation, which can lead to moisture intrusion into the basement or crawlspace, as [...]
Homes are designed to keep many things out including water, excessive heat or cold, inclement weather, and pests. While homes are good at keeping most of these things out, there are always some chinks in the armor. Pests in a home are generally described as an animal that can cause harm to a home [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Fences around a home help to create a more peaceful and safe space where pets and children can use the yard freely without being open to the street or neighborhood beyond. A fenced-in home gives more privacy and can also help to increase the curb appeal of a home and raise home value. However, a [...]
Keeping water away and outside of a home is a critical part of keeping a home in good shape and preventing moisture related issues as well as structural problems. A home with gutters in our climate is more susceptible to mold, wood decay, foundation undermining, wood destroying organisms, and more. Gutters are the first [...]
One of the most common electrical defects found in a home during a general home inspection is loose electrical receptacles. Loose receptacles can be found in old homes, and even newly constructed homes. Loose receptacles are not only a nuisance, but also could cause shock and fire hazards. Loose receptacles could be caused by [...]
