Home Inspection 101

Finish grade is the surface elevation of the ground. In home inspections, it can be referred to as lot grading. The grade, or height, and slope of surface materials surrounding a structure are important because water from precipitation moves from areas of high elevations to low elevations on and ...

When inspecting exterior structures like decks, consider condition and safety. Alerting clients to possible safety issues can be especially important on move-in day when the extra knowledge could prevent a fall. The visual inspection of a deck can include: supports, attachments, stairs, a floor, ...

It's summer and it's hot. What feels better than coming inside to a cool house? You probably have your thermostat set low this summer and don't realize the effects of it until you get your energy bill. With the rise in energy costs, there are more efficient ways to keep you cool without emptying ...

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonless gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fluids. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquid petroleum, oil, kerosene, coal or wood may produce CO. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (...

When it comes to energy consumption, the kitchen is the hungriest room in the house. Kitchen appliances - including refrigerators, freezers, ranges and dishwashers - account for about 27 percent of household electricity use, according to taunton.com. Refrigerators and freezers account for nearly ...

Use the following checklist, with tips from the Home Safety Council, as a guide to keep your family safe from kitchen hazards. Store harmful products in their original containers and away from food. Do not transfer poisonous or caustic products to drinking glasses, pop bottles or other food conta...

Gutters should be kept free of plant material, dirt and debris at all times to allow water to travel freely to the downspouts and splash guards. How often you will have to remove debris to keep the channel open depends on nearby vegetation, including trees, and the time of year. Some gutters may ...

It's the small things that count, especially when creating an accessible home and one that can be lived in for all ages. When it comes to universal design and "age in place" housing features, there are many things to take into account. The lighting in your home is an important step of this proces...

An electric heat pump is a unique device. It doesn't burn fuel; it transfers heat from the outside to the inside for heating purposes then does just the opposite for cooling purposes (also known as the air-conditioning mode). There are two units to check - an indoor unit that's coupled with a for...

If you think about it, a roof system is one of the most exposed areas of a building's exterior. Wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet and ultraviolet radiation all affect the roof. Maintaining your roof is crucial, and if not done, your roof will have sub-standard performance. Performance is based on sev...