Lightning: Facts and Dangers
Lightning Safety & Awareness 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. Benjamin Franklin invented the first lightning rod in 1752 –- a kite outfitted […]
Landscape Shading
Optimize Landscape Shading for Energy Savings 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 […]
Air Quality in the Home
Some Facts about Air Quality in the Home 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 minor annoyances to major health risks. Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, moisture control, inspections, […]
How Your Smart Home Can Help You Prepare for the Next Big Storm
The Advantages of a Smart Home 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 […]
Household and Environmental Hazards
Understanding Household & Environmental Hazards Small model house sinking into cracked ground, symbolizing property damage, natural disasters, or housing instability. Your home should be a place of comfort and safety—but what if it’s quietly putting your health at risk? Many homeowners don’t realize that everyday environments can hide dangerous hazards, from mold and radon to […]
House Numbers
Why House Numbers are Important for Safety & Security A stylish wooden room number “5615” mounted on a dark wood panel, likely for a hotel or apartment door. The elegant, dimensional numbers are set against a textured backdrop, with stone or textured wall visible to the left. Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the […]
Home Insurance Tips
Why Homeowners Insurance is Essential and How to Save on It The 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 […]
Home Inspection Reports: What to Expect
Development of Standards Before the mid-1970s, home inspection reports lacked standard guidelines, leading to inconsistent quality and limited trust in the industry. This changed with the founding of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) in 1976, which introduced Standards of Practice, followed later by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). InterNACHI has […]
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
How Your Home Affects Your Health Americans spend approximately 70% of their lives at home, making the condition of their home a major factor in their overall health. But many homes in the U.S. have serious deficiencies that could negatively impact physical and mental well-being. Understanding these risks—and taking steps to address them—can make your […]