Lightning: Facts and Dangers
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® Lightning is the “visible discharge of static electricity within a cloud, between clouds or between the earth and a cloud,” as defined by Underwriters Laboratories. Lightning is unpredictable and a serious threat to buildings and their occupants virtually everywhere. Facts about lightning: Benjamin Franklin invented the first lightning rod in 1752 –- […]
Landscape Shading
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® One of the easiest ways to reduce solar heat gain and subsequent energy costs is as simple as planting a tree. The strategic placement of trees, known as landscape shading or tree shading, is a technique used to provide shade from the warm summer sun. Unobstructed solar heat can significantly increase indoor […]
Air Quality in the Home
Indoor air quality is generally worse than most people believe, but there are things you can do about it. Some Quick Facts: Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air. Problems can arise from moisture, insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources. Effects range from […]
How Your Smart Home Can Help You Prepare for the Next Big Storm
by Eric Murrell As high-tech as our modern homes have become, we’re still at the mercy of Mother Nature every time the next big storm rolls through. While there’s not much you can do to put a stop to strong winds, power outages, and flooding, the right smart home tech can give you a leg […]
Household and Environmental Hazards
This list of terms covers most of the common household dangers likely to be encountered by InterNACHI inspectors. algae: microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor shingles; often described as fungus. alligatoring: a condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils, and the oxidation caused […]
House Numbers
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kenton Shepard Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the previous owner installed the number and the new owner never had to think about it, leaving them clueless as to why it was placed where it is or why a particular color or size was chosen. These numbers are more […]
Home Insurance Tips
Why You Need Homeowner’s InsuranceThe largest, single investment most consumers make is in their homes. The consumer can protect their home, possessions, and liability with a homeowner’s insurance policy. The homeowner’s insurance policy is a package policy that combines more than one type of insurance coverage in a single policy. There are four types of […]
Home Inspection Reports: What to Expect
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kenton Shepard Influenced by the changes in the economic and legal environments over the past 30 years, home inspection reports have changed to accommodate increased consumer expectations, and to provide more extensive information and protection to both inspectors and their clients. Development of Standards Prior to the mid-1970s, inspection […]
Three Deadly Mistakes Every Home Buyer Should Avoid
Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can’t afford it. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own homes. Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In fact, most homeowners would be broke at […]
Hire a Certified Healthy Homes Inspector
by Nick Gromicko, CMI®, Ben Gromicko, and Kate Tarasenko People in the U.S. spend about 70% of their lives inside their home, and almost 20% in a school or other commercial building. These numbers suggest that the condition of the home is a primary factor in a person’s overall health. If your home has problems, […]