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Gutter Wire
When inspecting or repairing gutters, take the opportunity to attach narrow gauge chicken wire along the length of the gutters ... |
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Heat Leaks
Depressurize your home to help detect leaks. On a cool, very windy day, turn off the furnace. Shut all windows and doors. Turn ... |
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Home Inspections: Buyer Beware
Here's another great tip from BobVila.com.
Falling prices are good news if you’re house-hunting, but now, more than ever, ... |
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HVAC Maintenance
Maintain your system periodically to yield immediate energy savings, improved comfort, and a longer trouble-free service for ... |
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Insect Check
Want to check for surface feeding insects? Cut out both ends of a coffee can, screw it into the suspected area of infestation, ... |
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Inspecting Gas Vents
When inspecting a new or potential new home, make sure that any of the gas equipment needing ventilation—heaters, dryers, hot ... |
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Lead in Soil
Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. The ... |
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Lead Paint Conditions
Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good consition, and it is not an impact or friction surface, like a ... |
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Lead Paint Effects
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from: damage to the brain and nervous ... |
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Lead Sources
While paint, dust, and soil are the most common lead hazards, other lead sources also exist.
- Drinking water, your home ... |
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Mild Weather Fires
Mild winters mean more chimney fires! It's true. People choke back their woodstoves in mild weather - leading to more creosote ... |
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Pool Inspection
If you are buying a house that includes a swimming pool, plan to have the pool inspected separately by a pool specialist, not ... |
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Pool Prep
When reopening your pool for a new season, make sure your pump and filter are working properly before adding chemicals to the ... |
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Radon and Renovations
If you are planning any major renovations, such as converting an unfinished basement area into living space, it is especially ... |
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Radon Test Device Placement
Radon testing device(s) should be placed in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy. This means testing in the ... |
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Radon Testing Time
Whether you test for radon yourself or hire a state-certified tester or a privately certified tester, all radon tests should ... |
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Roof Inspection
You should inspect your roof at least once a year. Nothing beats getting up close, but a good pair of binoculars can give you ... |
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Spotting Termites
Termites and other pest can cause expensive damage. Here's what to look for: sawdust-like accumulations of frass indicate the ... |
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Spring Chimney Cleaning
Springtime is the right time to get your chimneys checked! Sweeps are generally less frantic in the spring (vs. the crazy fall ... |
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Spring Screens
Spring is the perfect time to inspect door and window screens for tears. You can often repair small tears using a kit from ... |
