Here is a straightforward way to determining the proper slope for the ground around your house. As a home inspector in the St Paul, MN area, I know how hard…
Besides a clever use of the term "sweat", what do you need to know about making copper pipe connections? Are you less than perfect at soldering copper pipes? You are…
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…
More than you need to know about water softeners and water conditioners. A typical water softener is actually pretty simple. water comes into the house through the water meter and…
Don't make it harder for your sump pump to do it's job The flexible tube laying on the ground is of particular concern, as it could easily fill with ice.…
As a home inspector, I'm not qualified to positively identify asbestos. So when I see what looks like asbestos, I always say the same thing; "Portions of the metal ductwork…
"99% of 9 X 9 tiles have asbestos!" If your house was built (or remodeled) in the 1950's through the 1980's, there is a very good chance that asbestos was…
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives CO alarms are required to be installed on every floor and within 10 feet of every sleeping room. There cannot be a flight of stairs…
I was talking to a customer about the importance of CO detectors in the home. "Oh!" she said, "I know all about that!" She shared the story of her sister's…
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…