Repairing Squeeky Floors

I wish I knew how easy it is to cure squeeky floors when I was a teenager. I would have been able to stay out past curfew. There are only…

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Ventless Fireplaces

Long before I was a home inspector, my wife and I remodeled our farmhouse. We had a choice of fireplaces, but the contractor explained that a wood burning firplace would…

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Photoelectric Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices you can have in your home. These lifesaving devices are designed to detect smoke and fire early, allowing you and…

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Garage Door Maintenance

Here's how a few hours of work once a year can increase safety and save money At least twice a year, test the safety features. Start by placing a 2x4…

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Do we really need roof vents?

The short answer is yes. Roof vents are a necessary component of a healthy home. All attics require proper ventilation, no matter the season. There is a phrase among today's…

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Loose toilet repair

A loose toilet can lead to leaks, which can damage the floor and create an unsafe environment. Better to make timely repairs now than big repairs later. One of the…

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Should I cover my AC unit?

No. There are a few home maintenance tasks that are seasonal, such as storing snow shovels and tuning up the lawnmower in the spring. Fall is a good time to…

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Water heater maintenance basics

A few hours of maintenance once a year will add years to the life of your water heater A few years ago, I was at a seminar for home inspectors…

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Lumpy Insulation

Another reason why opossums shouldn't be allowed to root around in your attic As a home inspector, I often find that the insulation in the attic is not even. Sometimes…

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Intumescent Firestop Collars

Older houses tend to fare better in a fire than newer ones. This is due in part to the building materials used. Vinyl siding is a lot more flammable than…

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