If you have air conditioning equipment that is more than ten years old, it may contain R-22 refrigerant. This substance has been banned from production and import in the United States due to its harmful effects on the ozone. Because of the ban, equipment that uses R-22 refrigerant is becoming more difficult and expensive [...]
Insulating water pipes is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your home and reduce your energy costs. It can often be accomplished in a single day by the average homeowner. Insulating water pipes that are located in unconditioned spaces helps reduce energy costs because significantly less heat is lost from the hot water [...]
Swimming pools can be a luxurious addition to a home. However, specific precautions should be in place in order to maximize safety for persons in and around the pool. First, drowning is the biggest potential safety concern with regard to swimming pools. The best way to prevent drowning is to have an automatic pool [...]
Wood rot in door jambs. When shopping for a new home, it is important to consider the condition of exterior components. Most types of materials used for exterior cladding require routine maintenance to prevent deterioration and decay, whereas others may last for a very long time with less maintenance. Materials such as wood [...]
Sink stopper not closing all the way. Pop-up sink stoppers are common to find in many bathroom sinks and their larger counterparts can also be found in many bathtubs. These stoppers are convenient since they don’t require complete removal to open and won’t get lost as easily as conventional fully detached stoppers. [...]
Water damage in a home can lead to structural issues, deterioration of building materials, and mold growth issues. Water damage can be caused by weather related issues, such as snow melt, floods, and hurricanes, but can also be caused by bursting water supply pipes or leaking drain pipes. When a Home Inspector inspects a [...]
Recalled Cadet Heater When a home inspector inspects a home, their goal and responsibility is to identify visible health or safety defects. Because there are millions of recalled products in the United States, it is not possible nor required by state law for home inspectors to identify recalled products in a home. [...]
Retaining walls are an important building component that help to secure the ground around a home. They are commonly installed when a home is built on a hillside, and where the hillside is cut to create a flat spot for the home or yard. They are also used where basement stairwells or window wells [...]
How to fix a loose toilet bowl. Toilets are an essential part of a home’s plumbing system and provide a sanitary way to remove waste and direct it into the sewer or septic system. However, like all household systems, they can occasionally need to be repaired or replaced. One of the most [...]
Wood destroying organisms. Pests are a common problem for homeowners across the country and can come in many different forms such as mice, rats, raccoons, spiders, snakes, and wasps. However, there is a group of pests that can cause significant structural damage and directly impact the structure of a home. This group [...]
