An on-site stormwater management system refers to a set of practices and facilities designed to manage and control stormwater runoff at or near its source, rather than allowing it to flow freely over surfaces and potentially cause erosion, flooding, water pollution, and damage to adjacent structures. These systems play a crucial role in protecting [...]
Expansion tanks and thermal expansion relief valves are used in water heater applications to address the expansion of water as it is heated. When water is heated, it expands, and without an expansion tank or expansion relief valve, the pressure in the system can increase, potentially causing damage to the water heater, pipes, or [...]
The dangers of having a gas fired appliance within a bedroom or other small space intended for occupation may seem obvious, however, these conditions are often found in older homes. Unfortunately, many people have been injured or killed from exposure to toxic levels of carbon monoxide that are traced back to a malfunctioning combustion [...]
When looking for a new home, whether you’re a first time buyer or seasoned owner, buying an older home can be enticing when compared to the cost of a much newer home. But should you look at older homes if you do not have room in the budget for repairs, renovations or necessary improvements? [...]
Picture yourself on a nice sunny day at your home, enjoying the yard, maybe cutting grass or gardening. Your elderly neighbor passes by and you smile and wave. As they do the same, they catch their foot on a concrete slab that has heaved or settled, and then they trip and fall. No one [...]
When inspecting manufactured homes, most defects found are comparable to that of a traditional site built home. However, manufactured homes are unique in that they are typically built off-site in a controlled environment using specific building requirements and can have their own unique set of defects that are commonly found when inspecting manufactured homes [...]
What if you could save money, breathe cleaner air, enjoy enhanced safety and comfort in your home all while improving your overall peace of mind for a relatively small investment? Let's look at why HVAC preventative maintenance is such a good idea. Save money: Regular HVAC maintenance is estimated to lower the chance of [...]
Wood stoves and fireplace inserts have been required to be certified by the EPA since 1992. The Oregon DEQ had a certification program starting even earlier in the 1980s. Therefore, if you have a wood stove that precedes these dates it is likely to be uncertified. Senate Bill 102, the “Heat Smart for Clean [...]
Furnace exhausting into attic Many people think that because a home is brand new there is no reason to get a home inspection prior to closing. The builder must have made sure everything was properly installed and in working order. However, this is not always the case. In fact, we often inspect [...]
A home inspection is a visual only inspection of the accessible areas of a home. Because home inspectors are not legally allowed to use invasive techniques, there are some limitations as to what can be seen during a general inspection. Thermal imaging can help uncover issues that may not be visible to the naked [...]
