Manufactured Housing and Standards
The term “manufactured home” was adopted in 1980 by the the U.S. Congress to describe a type of house that is constructed in a factory… Read More »Manufactured Housing and Standards
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Log Home Basics
Log homes may be site-built or pre-cut in a factory for delivery to the site. Some log home manufacturers can also customize their designs. Before… Read More »Log Home Basics
Lead Facts
Did you know the following facts about lead? FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children… Read More »Lead Facts
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… Read More »Lightning: Facts and Dangers
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.… Read More »Landscape Shading
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… Read More »Air Quality in the Home
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… Read More »How Your Smart Home Can Help You Prepare for the Next Big Storm
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,… Read More »Household and Environmental Hazards
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… Read More »House Numbers
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… Read More »Home Insurance Tips
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… Read More »Home Inspection Reports: What to Expect
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… Read More »Three Deadly Mistakes Every Home Buyer Should Avoid
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%… Read More »Hire a Certified Healthy Homes Inspector
Upper Marlboro: Urban Rurality
Located outside the Beltway, Upper Marlboro, Maryland is located 40 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., via Route 4. As the county seat of Prince Georges… Read More »Upper Marlboro: Urban Rurality
Washington, DC: Our Nation’s Capital
Learn About Washington, DC Housing Washington, DC is a lively and cultured place to live. Read here about the many housing options available in the… Read More »Washington, DC: Our Nation’s Capital
Vienna VA: A Historical Location
Learn More About the Historic Neighborhoods of Vienna, Virginia Originally established in 1754 under the name Ayr Hill (later known as Phelps in the 1850s),… Read More »Vienna VA: A Historical Location
Bristow: 19th Century Charm with 21st Century Amenities
Learn About Bristow, Virginia’s Modern Communities With a Rural Feel Approximately 30 miles from Washington, D.C. Bristow, Virginia is a sizeable community within a rural… Read More »Bristow: 19th Century Charm with 21st Century Amenities
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Richmond, Virginia?
Richmond, Virginia Home Inspections Residential Home Inspectors in Richmond, Virginia are Certified Professionals. Learn more When you’re looking to schedule a home inspection, don’t just… Read More »How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Richmond, Virginia?
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore Maryland Home Inspections Residential Home Inspectors in Baltimore Maryland that are Certified Professionals. Learn more When it comes to home inspections, the cheapest is… Read More »How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Baltimore, Maryland?
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Washington D.C?
Washington D.C Home Inspections Residential Home Inspectors in Washington D.C that are Certified Professionals. Learn more In today’s real estate market, the cheapest inspection fee… Read More »How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Washington D.C?
What to Expect When Home Inspecting
So you made an offer, it was accepted, and now your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. More often than not,… Read More »What to Expect When Home Inspecting
5 Tips When Buying a Newly Constructed Home
The lack of existing inventory for sale has forced many homebuyers to begin looking at new construction. When you buy a newly constructed home instead… Read More »5 Tips When Buying a Newly Constructed Home
Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Appraisals and Inspections
Buyers in today’s market often have questions about the importance of getting a home appraisal and an inspection. That’s because high buyer demand and low housing… Read More »Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Appraisals and Inspections
What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
What Separates a Home Inspection from an Appraisal? If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of… Read More »What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
What to Expect from Your Home Inspection You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior… Read More »What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
McLean: Luxury at its Finest
Read About the High-End Suburbs of McLean McLean is a high-end suburb featuring luxury homes. Just ten miles outside of Washington, D.C., McLean has been… Read More »McLean: Luxury at its Finest
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Fredericksburg Virginia?
Fredericksburg Home Inspections Residential Home Inspectors in Fredericksburg that are Certified Professionals. Learn more When it comes to scheduling a home inspection, the cheapest fee… Read More »How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Fredericksburg Virginia?
Fairfax: Height of Education
Located just 17 miles outside of outside of Washington, D.C., Fairfax, Virginia is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as having one of the… Read More »Fairfax: Height of Education
Springfield: A Hub for All
Springfield, Virginia’s unique location makes it an ideal home for family, work, and entertainment. Located at the nexus of I-395, I 95 and I-495, Springfield… Read More »Springfield: A Hub for All
Gainesville: Outdoors meets Luxury
Located off of I-66, Gainesville, Virginia is a rapidly growing community that has retained its rural charm. Conway-Robinson State Forest Park is a 444-acre National… Read More »Gainesville: Outdoors meets Luxury
Purcellville: No Shortage of Entertainment
Located along Harry Byrd Highway also known as Route 7, Purcellville, Virginia might give visitors small towns feel, but there is no shortage of entertainment… Read More »Purcellville: No Shortage of Entertainment
Rockville: Rapidly Growing
As the county seat of Montgomery County, Maryland, Rockville is one of the most populated cities in Maryland. Less than an hour from Washington, D.C.,… Read More »Rockville: Rapidly Growing
Germantown: Urban Paradise
Learn More About Germantown Maryland Located approximately 25 miles outside of Washington, D.C., Germantown, Maryland is the third most populous town in Maryland, after the… Read More »Germantown: Urban Paradise
Residential Home Inspections: Know The Details
What Are The Benefits of a Home Inspection? Buying a home is a significant investment. It’s essential to take the time to find a reputable… Read More »Residential Home Inspections: Know The Details
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Maryland?
Your average home inspection costs in Maryland is $353. However, your average home inspection price ranges between $301 and $426 based on the size, type, and age of your property. At the lower end, you may pay just $200 for a very small condo, or up to $520 for a large single house
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Northern Virginia?
Your average home inspection in Northern Virginia costs $353. However, your average home inspection ranges between $301 and $426 based on the size, type, and age of your property. At the lower end, you may pay just $200 for a very small condo, or up to $520 for a large single house.
Hire a Certified Healthy Home Inspector
by Nick Gromicko, CMI®, Ben Gromicko, and Kate Tarasenko from InterNACHI Get a Healthy Homes Inspection from your InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector®! People in the… Read More »Hire a Certified Healthy Home Inspector
Residential Foundation Insulation
By InterNACHI Homes being constructed today are more energy-efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building… Read More »Residential Foundation Insulation
EMFs in the Home
Electromagnetic Fields by InterNACHI Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? What are sources of EMFs,… Read More »EMFs in the Home
Electrical Safety
By InterNACHI Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely,… Read More »Electrical Safety
Eco-Friendly Relocation
By Nick Gromicko, CMI ® and Kate Tarasenko Relocation is often stressful and time-consuming, but rarely do we wonder about the impact the process has… Read More »Eco-Friendly Relocation
Constructed Wetlands: The Economic Benefits of Runoff Controls
By InterNACHI People have a strong emotional attachment to water, arising from its aesthetic qualities — tranquility, coolness and beauty. As a result, most water… Read More »Constructed Wetlands: The Economic Benefits of Runoff Controls
Choosing a Manufactured Home
Manufactured homes no longer have to be the simple, rectangular, boxy trailer homes of the past. Depending on the size of your home site, you… Read More »Choosing a Manufactured Home
Choosing the Right Home Inspector
Buying a home? It’s probably the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of… Read More »Choosing the Right Home Inspector
Child-Proofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kate Tarasenko from InterNACHI About 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news… Read More »Child-Proofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children
Residential Air-Conditioning System Inspection
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® from InterNACHI A building’s central air-conditioning system must be periodically inspected and maintained in order to function properly. While an annual inspection… Read More »Residential Air-Conditioning System Inspection
Building Orientation for Optimum Energy
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko from InterNACHI Building orientation is the practice of facing a building so as to maximize certain aspects of its surroundings,… Read More »Building Orientation for Optimum Energy
Building a Home
From InterNACHI If you want to build a new home, there are things you need to know before you begin. Learn about construction standards and… Read More »Building a Home
Biowall Inspection
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® from InterNACHI Biowalls — also referred to as living walls, vertical gardens, green facades, and green walls — are interior or exterior… Read More »Biowall Inspection
Biological Pollutants in the Home
From InterNACHI Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continue to be spent cleaning up pollution in the… Read More »Biological Pollutants in the Home
Attached Garage Fire Hazards
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kenton Shepard from InterNACHI The purpose of this article is twofold. First, at InterNACHI, we’d like you to take measures to keep… Read More »Attached Garage Fire Hazards
Asbestos: Facts and Tips for Home Inspectors and Homeowners
From InterNACHI What Is Asbestos?Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types… Read More »Asbestos: Facts and Tips for Home Inspectors and Homeowners
15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko from InterNACHI The following items are essential tools, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to ask… Read More »15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and here at InterNACHI, we want to change that. … Read More »10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
How to Sell Your House in 2020
So, you’ve evaluated your finances, thought about your lifestyle, and made the big decision to sell your home. Maybe you’re downsizing because the kids have… Read More »How to Sell Your House in 2020
Squeak, Squeak in the Hardwood Floor
Flooring of all types has the potential for squeaks. Floor framing dries and shrinks, and squeaks occur as fasteners become loose, allowing movement in the… Read More »Squeak, Squeak in the Hardwood Floor
Water Heater Drip Needs Attention
One fine day, you walk past the water heater, and your foot gets wet. Hmm, that’s strange. You take a look and notice a very… Read More »Water Heater Drip Needs Attention
Paint Over That Water Stain
Let’s say there was a leak in the drain for an upstairs bathroom that left a brown stain on the drywall below. No problem –… Read More »Paint Over That Water Stain
Clothes Dryer Venting – A Hidden Danger
Each year many home fires are caused by improperly maintained clothes dryers. The dryer and vent pipes can overheat and cause a fire. Vents plugged… Read More »Clothes Dryer Venting – A Hidden Danger
Patch the Hole Behind the Door
So the kids had a little shoving match, knocking against the bedroom door, and the doorknob smashed a hole in the drywall. They had done… Read More »Patch the Hole Behind the Door
Stains Around a Toilet = Serious Problem
Always be on the lookout for water leaks in your home, including little clues that could indicate bigger problems. For instance, if interior paint is… Read More »Stains Around a Toilet = Serious Problem
Plumbing Vent? What Plumbing Vent?
All modern plumbing systems in residential construction have a plumbing vent. It doesn’t just vent unwanted odors from the drainage system to the outside; it… Read More »Plumbing Vent? What Plumbing Vent?
Paint That Metal Railing
You love the metal wrought-iron railing at the front of your home. It adds character and appeal to the entrance. What you don’t love is… Read More »Paint That Metal Railing
Fix That Sticking Bifold Door
Those lousy folding doors on the closet. You can’t get them open, you can’t get them closed. A bifold door is one that is hinged… Read More »Fix That Sticking Bifold Door
A Quick “Bucket” Fix to Flush the Toilet
You’ve turned off the water to the toilet because the tank or a plumbing fitting is leaking. But since this is your only toilet, it… Read More »A Quick “Bucket” Fix to Flush the Toilet
Power Out? How To Free Your Car from the Garage
An automatic garage door operator is great. But when the power goes out, and the overhead door is down, your car is trapped inside. How… Read More »Power Out? How To Free Your Car from the Garage
Clean Those Ugly Rust Stains on the Driveway
Your beautiful new cement driveway – what an investment, and what a welcoming element to the front of your home. Too bad it has rust… Read More »Clean Those Ugly Rust Stains on the Driveway
Take a Close Look at Your Chimney
Brick and stone chimneys are certainly attractive and add value to your home, but they aren’t maintenance-free. You need to visually check your chimney and… Read More »Take a Close Look at Your Chimney
Gather Free Water with a Rain Barrel
Yes, you can be green, save money on your utility bills, and still water your plants and garden. Consider a rain barrel to catch water… Read More »Gather Free Water with a Rain Barrel
Why Should You Seal Exterior Concrete?
In most climates, you don’t ever need to seal exterior concrete drives and walks. But there are advantages to using a good sealer, and in… Read More »Why Should You Seal Exterior Concrete?
Tricks for Replacing a Broken Light Bulb
Light bulbs in exterior fixtures and damp locations like bathrooms are notorious for sticking in the socket. Turning the dead bulb to replace it, you… Read More »Tricks for Replacing a Broken Light Bulb
No Heat? Try This Before Calling for Service
As autumn settles in, there’s no heat in your house, and it’s getting cold. The furnace worked fine in the spring. Why is it stubborn… Read More »No Heat? Try This Before Calling for Service
What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
We all work hard at tightening up our homes to save energy and money. In fact, most energy improvements are good for the environment and… Read More »What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
When Your Kitchen Faucet Slows Down
Your plumbing system works fine everywhere in the house – except at the kitchen sink, where the volume and force of water are petering out.… Read More »When Your Kitchen Faucet Slows Down
Use the Right Plug…or Else
Electrical plugs and outlets are designed to keep you safe from electrical shock and to protect the device you’re using. Take advantage of this by… Read More »Use the Right Plug…or Else
Pop-Up Stopper Sticks
Most bathroom sinks have a “pop-up” sink stopper that opens and closes when you operate a small knob or lever built into the faucet. Push… Read More »Pop-Up Stopper Sticks
Turn That Gas Off
If your home has natural gas or propane appliances, you should know where the gas valves are located and how to turn them off. All… Read More »Turn That Gas Off
Compact Fluorescents
OK, for many years compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) were a bit of a pain. They provided an eerie color, took a long time to reach… Read More »Compact Fluorescents
Fixing a Drip at the Bathroom Fan
So you run the bath exhaust fan to remove moisture – but then you get that drip, drip, drip from the fan on your nice… Read More »Fixing a Drip at the Bathroom Fan
The Rain May Drain, But It’s Not a Pain
When a rain gutter and downspout send their discharge below grade to a pipe, it may appear that rainwater is draining into a sanitary sewer,… Read More »The Rain May Drain, But It’s Not a Pain
GFCI? What? Why?
You may not know what a GFCI is, but chances are it’s making your home safer. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) measures the current… Read More »GFCI? What? Why?
Extension Cord Safety
You should view extension cords as a necessary evil. Avoid using them. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty cord with… Read More »Extension Cord Safety
Wash Siding – Work Up
All types of siding eventually accumulate dirt and grime, maybe even some mildew. It might make you think you need to paint the siding. But… Read More »Wash Siding – Work Up
A Drip at the Darned Valve – Again
Let’s say that every time you turn the small globe valve for the outdoor hose bib, you get that drip-drip-drip from the body of the… Read More »A Drip at the Darned Valve – Again
Caulking the Wide Open Spaces
So you filled that wide gap in the exterior trim with the best caulk you could buy, and the next year it had pulled away… Read More »Caulking the Wide Open Spaces
Three-Way, Two-Way or One-Way Switch?
Home systems have some strange terminology. Why are the two light switches that control one light fixture called a three-way switch? You know – the… Read More »Three-Way, Two-Way or One-Way Switch?
Garage Door Safety
What is the largest, heaviest moving object in your home? You got it – the garage door. So it makes sense to do frequent safety… Read More »Garage Door Safety
Thump, It’s the Water Heater
Water Heater Making Noise It’s annoying when your water heater thumps, pops, and whomps whenever you use hot water. What can you do? You’ve probably… Read More »Thump, It’s the Water Heater
An Easy Fix for a Nasty Water Problem
Water, water, and water – the three most damaging elements to a home. Water at or below ground level leaks in moves under, and pushes… Read More »An Easy Fix for a Nasty Water Problem
The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
On many cold, sunny days it would be great to air out your home without feeling a nasty cold draft from an open window. It… Read More »The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
My Concrete Has Cracked
You know the old saying: two things in life are certain – death and taxes. Well, I can add a third certainty to the mix:… Read More »My Concrete Has Cracked
Why Use Primer When Painting?
Why Use Primer When Painting Your Home If you are painting, priming the wall would be a good idea. Primer helps your paint adhere to… Read More »Why Use Primer When Painting?
Is It Plumb, Level, or Square?
We like to check to see if things are on the level – or should we say “plumb”? Is a wall plumb or level? Is… Read More »Is It Plumb, Level, or Square?
Get Smart About Exterior Electrical Safety
You have heard about how dangerous high-voltage electrical wires can be: never touch a downed wire…storms can damage wires and so on. But what about… Read More »Get Smart About Exterior Electrical Safety
Should You Insulate Your Attic?
Homeowners are always looking for ways to save energy while making our homes more comfortable. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to… Read More »Should You Insulate Your Attic?
Why Is the Toilet Flushing Itself?
OK, so you just heard the toilet flush in the middle of the night. No one else is in the house, and you don’t think… Read More »Why Is the Toilet Flushing Itself?
A Better Way to Hang a Heavy Mirror
I have done this, and I bet you have too: You work hard to hang a heavy picture or mirror on the wall using several… Read More »A Better Way to Hang a Heavy Mirror
How To fix A Squeaky Door Hinge
While a squeeky door may have a few advantages – you can tell when the kids come and go – in general, a squeaky door… Read More »How To fix A Squeaky Door Hinge
Protect Your Family from Scalding Hot Water
At one time or another, we all have turned on a hot water faucet and been caught unaware by steaming hot water. You may have… Read More »Protect Your Family from Scalding Hot Water
5-in-1 Tool Makes Painting Easier
While painting is a bit of a chore, the right tools can help you get the job done easier and faster. Lots of small tools… Read More »5-in-1 Tool Makes Painting Easier