If you are considering buying an older home you may discover that many of your electrical devices have three-prong cords that will not fit into pre-1960’s two-slot outlets or receptacles. One solution is to use a "adapter" which allows you to plug in your three-prong cord but does not give the necessary safety of [...]
In an electrical panel, you will find a variety of different types of wire gauges, circuit breakers, and bus bars. Three types of wires that you will see in any electrical panel are hot, neutral, and ground conductors. Hot conductors are usually colored black or red, neutrals are white or gray, and grounds are [...]
Many homes built in North America have crawlspace or basement foundations. A crawlspace is a small space below the lower floor for a home, usually 3 or more feet high, that is used for routing building components such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC equipment/ductwork. The crawlspace also allows access to under the building’s subfloor [...]
A home’s roof is the most important building system for keeping water from leaking into and damaging the interior of the home. Roof leaks could lead to mold growth issues, and long term leakage could lead to significant structural damage and expensive repairs. Although a roof is a waterproof assembly that is designed to [...]
Homes that have a crawlspace have a unique set of concerns when compared to homes built on a slab, or on a basement foundation. Since a crawlspace is an enclosed space under the living space, problems can go unnoticed since most people will hardly ever, or never enter the crawlspace. Crawlspace issues that include [...]
There are certain requirements for a home in order for it to be considered habitable. In many cases, these types of requirements can determine whether a home can qualify for financing or not. Home inspectors are not loan experts, but can help buyers determine whether certain repairs are needed in order for the home [...]
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, [...]
