One of the most important factors to consider in a home is security. Deadbolt locks at exterior doors are the first line of defense when protecting the home from intruders, so ensuring that all deadbolts are in good working order is a priority. There are a few different reasons why someone may need to [...]
Shut off valves are an important part of a plumbing system and can save a home from a significant amount of damage if used at the right time. However, valves can leak, break, or become stuck over time and may need to be repaired or replaced for them to remain in good working order. [...]
Fireplaces are a pleasant addition to home and can provide an enjoyable source of warmth in the wintertime. However, like all areas of a home, fireplaces do need the occasional maintenance in order to operate properly and safely. Since fireplaces are used to contain flames and toxic combustion byproducts, their regular maintenance is crucial [...]
Kickout flashing that is too small Kickout flashing, also referred to as diverter flashing, is intended to prevent water intrusion into building structural components and direct it back to the exterior. Although this flashing detail has been required by IRC for more than a decade, old habits appear to have stayed in [...]
Drywall is the standard wall covering for homes built in the 2nd half of the 20th century and homes built in the 21st century. It is inexpensive and inexpensive to install. It is also a material that is easily damaged and being able to do drywall repair can help a homeowner save a significant [...]
If you’ve ever heard loud banging coming from behind the walls when running water at a fixture such as a washing machine, sink, or other plumbing appliance, you may have experienced the phenomenon known as water hammer. While this can be both a loud and annoying phenomenon, this can also cause damage to your [...]
An attached garage is a great place to keep your car warm and out of the weather. It is also a convenient place to store your belongings, work on small projects, or set up workout equipment. However, the garage can also be a significant safety and health hazard for the occupants of the home. [...]
Many of the decks that we inspect have finish coatings that are at or past the end of their useful service life. In our wet climate, maintaining a protective finish coating on the deck can do as much as double the service life of a deck. Failing to do so will allow the deck [...]
Three-way switches for lighting in a home provide a way to control one light with two separate switches in two different locations. Three way switches are primarily found in hallways and stairwells, but can also be found in rooms with multiple entry and exit points, or in larger sized rooms. The point of a [...]
A common problem with doors in a home is a misaligned latch that does not allow the door to stay close. This is an annoying problem that can be caused by a variety of reasons, but most of the time, repairs can be pretty simple. There are several tricks that can be used to [...]
