Gas furnaces have become one of the most common types of home heating systems over the last few decades and have become more efficient and effective over time. With regular maintenance, gas furnaces can last for many years and provide consistent and reliable heat within the home. However, like all home appliances, they can [...]
Plumbing drain traps are an important configuration in a plumbing waste and drain system that are often overlooked. While most homeowners only perform maintenance on these when one becomes clogged under a sink, drain traps help to prevent sewer gases and pests from being able to come back up from the sewer system and [...]
Gas fireplaces are a great addition to a home, and can help to keep the living space comfortable and cozy. A home with a gas fireplace may be more desirable for homebuyers, and the presence of a gas fireplace could increase a home’s value. There are a few different types of gas fireplaces found [...]
Residential building architecture and construction techniques can differ from place to place, especially when considering the foundation type. Generally, in North America, there are three types of foundations used regularly. Slab on grade, basements and crawlspaces. Usually certain locations have a predominate type of residential building foundation, which is usually based on soil type, [...]
When inspectors inspect electrical systems, they are looking for any installation errors, shock and fire hazards, and also labeling issues. Since electrical systems can cause injury or fire, making sure that all of the wiring and electrical panels in a home is very important, and this is why home inspectors take special care to [...]
When purchasing a home that has stucco siding, it is important to identify what type of stucco siding is installed. One type of synthetic stucco system that has many problems associated with is it EIFS stucco siding (EIFS stands for “Exterior Insulation Finishing System”). One way to determine if the stucco siding is EIFS [...]
When looking for evidence of moisture intrusion in a crawlspace or basement, some of the most obvious signs include water stains on the floor or vapor barrier, decay in wood, or moisture damaged framing. While these defects all point to a past or ongoing moisture issue, there is another sign of moisture problems that [...]
CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) is a flexible pipe that delivers natural gas or propane to a variety of residences and businesses in the United States. CSST is frequently covered on the outside with a yellow or, in some instances, a black plastic coating. CSST is not to be confused with flexible gas appliance [...]
Landscaping can make the difference between an unattractive setting and a private oasis. While roses and rhododendrons make for appealing shrubs, large trees can be a dramatic and attractive focal point for a yard. While large trees can be a great source of beauty and shade, they can also present certain challenges and hazards [...]
Safety devices in homes have come in many forms over years, some of which are relatively inexpensive and require only small modifications to existing hardware to put in place. However, these changes can have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of a home’s occupants and create a safer environment to call home. [...]
