Electrical Safety
Essential Electrical Safety Guide: Protecting Your Home and Family A lone power strip and a plug, disconnected yet ready to connect. Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires […]
Constructed Wetlands: The Economic Benefits of Runoff Controls
Constructed Wetlands: Impact on Property Values Aerial view of a picturesque neighborhood with sprawling homes, lush green lawns, and serene water views. People have a strong emotional connection to water due to its aesthetic qualities including tranquility, coolness and beauty. Water bodies within developments serve as valuable marketing tools. According to the National Association of […]
Child-Proofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children
Child Safety Devices for the Home A child plays in the background while a security camera keeps watch. Approximately 2.5 million children are injured or killed by home hazards annually. Many incidents can be prevented using simple safety devices, though no device is completely childproof. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to […]
Biowall Inspection
Biowalls: A Sustainable Solution for Air Quality and Urban Heat Reduction 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 […]
Biological Pollutants in the Home
Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality for a Healthier Home Keeping indoor air clean for a healthier family environment – a quality air purifier enhances comfort and reduces pollutants in your home. Creating a safe and healthy home environment is more important than ever. From reducing allergens to improving overall air quality, modern air purifiers […]
Attached Garage Fire Hazards
Preventing Garage Fires: A Homeowner’s Guide Firefighters battle intense flames engulfing a garage. This guide outlines measures to prevent garage fires and stop their spread to the rest of your house. While many recommendations can be implemented yourself, consulting an InterNACHI inspector is advised to ensure comprehensive safety. Why Garages Pose a Fire Hazard Activities: Welding […]
Candles, Yes…Soot, No
Preventing Soot Stains from Candles A single candle flame in the darkness. If you’ve noticed ghostly smudges and stains on your walls and ceilings, candles burned indoors may be the cause. Here’s how candle soot creates stains and how to minimize the problem: Understanding Candle Soot Stains Cause: Most candles produce soot, which can stain walls […]
Flood from the Washer Hose!
Preventing Water Damage from Washing Machine Hoses Washer hookup with hot (red) and cold (blue) water valves and a drain hose in a laundry room wall box. Surprisingly, the number one source of water damage inside homes isn’t major weather events but rather broken washing machine hoses. Undetected leaks from these hoses can quickly flood […]
Polarity? What’s That?
Understanding Reversed Polarity in Electrical Outlets Outdoor GFCI electrical outlet mounted on a red-painted wooden wall During a home inspection, a finding of “reversed polarity” in electrical outlets can seem confusing. Essentially, it’s a wiring error that could pose a safety hazard. Here’s a breakdown of what it is and why it’s important to correct. […]
Clothes Dryer Venting – A Hidden Danger
Preventing Dryer Fires with Proper Maintenance Clogged dryer vent erupts with built-up lint. Clothes dryers are convenient, but improperly maintained dryers can become fire hazards. Each year, many home fires result from lint buildup and overheating in dryers and vent systems. Protect your home with some simple preventive measures. Essential Dryer Maintenance Tips Cleaning the […]