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Home Winterization
Winterization is the process of preparing a home for the harsh conditions of winter. It is usually performed in the fall before snow and...
Hard Water
Water "hardness" refers to the level of minerals found in a home’s water supply. Hard water results when an excessive amount of...
Fire Safety for the Home
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 403,000 home fires occurred in the U.S. in 2008, causing 2,780 deaths and more than...
Moisture Intrusion
Moisture intrusion can be the cause of building defects, as well as health ailments for the building's occupants. Inspectors should have...
Compost Pile Hazards
Compost is an accumulation of degrading food scraps, plants and other nutrient-rich organic matter. It is an easy and environmentally...
Defensible Space
Defensible space refers to the area surrounding a building that is mitigated to protect it from wildfires. Along with the quality of a...
Power Strips: Their Uses and Hazards
A power strip is a length of electrical sockets attached to the end of a flexible cable that plugs into an electrical receptacle. It is...
Closing Costs
When a home is sold, there is a point in the transaction known as the closing, when the title to the property is transferred to the new...
Child-Proofing Windows and Stairs
The number one hazard for children is falls, which are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the U.S. for this age group. About...
Central Vacuum Systems
A central vacuum system (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in...
Central Humidifiers
Humidifiers are devices that humidify air so that building occupants are comfortable. Central humidifiers are hard-wired into a house’s...
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied...
Burglar-Resistant Homes
There are a number of measures that homeowners can take to ensure that their homes are not attractive to burglars. If clients are...
Bathroom Ventilation Ducts and Fans
Bathroom ventilation systems are designed to exhaust odors and moist air to the home's exterior. Typical systems consist of a ceiling fan...
Inspecting Attic Pull-Down Ladders
Attic pull-down ladders, also called attic pull-down stairways, are collapsible ladders that are permanently attached to the attic floor....
Anti-Tip Brackets for Freestanding Ranges
Anti-tip brackets are metal devices designed to prevent freestanding ranges from tipping. They are normally attached to a rear leg of the...
Advantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers considerable advantages over conventional energy systems by nullifying flaws in those systems long considered to be...
Aging in Place
"Aging in place" is the phenomenon describing senior citizens' ability to live independently in their homes for as long as possible....
Anti-Scald Valves
Anti-scald valves, also known as tempering valves and mixing valves, mix cold water in with outgoing hot water so that the hot water that...
Asbestos: Facts and Tips for Home Inspectors and Homeowners
What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several...