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 products and techniques, as well as development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. At InterNACHI, we believe that the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. Heat […]

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, and when are they dangerous?  An “electromagnetic field” is a broad term which includes electric fields generated by charged particles in motion, and radiated fields, such as TVs, radios, hair dryers […]

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 on the environment. This is amplified when moving to a smaller house or condominium, and additional decisions have to be made regarding items that must discarded in order to save […]

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 is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child-safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury […]

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 about buying land, so you know your rights. MPS Supplementing Model Building CodesThe Minimum Property Standards (MPS) establish certain minimum standards for buildings constructed under HUD housing programs. This includes […]

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 walls that are covered with living vegetation. Biowalls have practical applications for both indoor and outdoor use. Many indoor biowalls are implemented in homes and offices for their natural air-filtration […]

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 outdoor air. But air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest — your home. Many ordinary activities, such […]

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 your garage free from fire. Fortunately, there are ways this can be done, some of which are described below. Secondly, garage fires do happen, and we’d like you to make […]

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 an InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful. 1.  PlungerA clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. […]