Chimneys are important parts of many homes, helping to provide warmth and ambiance through the use of fireplaces and wood stoves. To make sure the chimney system works safely and efficiently, regular inspections are key. There are various kinds of chimney inspections. At the most basic level, these are inspections that a home owner [...]
The quality of water coming out of our plumbing fixtures is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy and comfortable home. When the water looks discolored, it can be alarming for the home owner or buyer. Most will start to ask questions about the water’s safety, origin, and potential impacts on both health and [...]
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 [...]
