Yes, so what type of heating system is in the house we are looking at? It’s easy to figure out if you know what to look for. Steam heat does exist, the water is heated above 212 degrees (boiling point) turning it into steam. The steam moves by convection through pipes and radiators. Most homes […]
Well (Water) Inspections
Many properties particularly in rural areas are on well water, which is not a problem in itself. A new well will have a submersible pump that is down in the well shaft, older wells will often have a “jet pump” which will be located at the pressure tank (in the house of a well pit) […]
Cute Table Right? Well…
Don’t eat off of it! This DIY project has all the right look of a farmhouse table. Unfortunately the top is made of treated fence pickets which contain harmful chemicals that you don’t want on your skin, let alone on food and utensils. We see a lot of beautiful furniture and updates that are made […]
Furnace Filters Required
Everyone uses the phrase furnace filters which got me thinking as I worked my way through an inspection. The filters remove dust from the air going through the furnace which has nothing that really needs to be protected. Yes, the fan motor will last longer if it is not dusty, but it’s not really there […]
Your AC Does Not Like “Economy”
Air conditioners (condensers) positioned out of the way in a small space are not unlike unfortunate fliers in economy. They are in a space smaller than required and asked to behave as though everything is OK. When there are two condensers side by side they want 28” of space (yes, like leg room) between them, […]
“ A Pane in the Glass”
The lovely big new windows installed in this remodeled house “passed” the five point test to determine if they must be made with safety glass. Safety glass required when window meets all 5 requirements: 1) is less than 18″ from floor2) top of glass is more than 36″ above floor3) sash glass exceeds 9 sq […]
Fuse Box “from times long gone”
These old fuse boxes in a beautifully built asbestos lined oak cabinet were a big step up from the single exposed wall mounted fuse. These boxes were the forerunner to the breaker panels of today. The asbestos lining was used to contain any sparks or fire in the days before we all realized that mesothelioma […]
Plank Vinyl
Thinking of new flooring, forget laminated flooring. They are noisy to walk on, are easily damaged by moisture or water in bathrooms or kitchens, and water on shoes coming in from outdoors generally damages the entryway flooring . Vinyl has improved dramatically with the introduction of heaver weight thicker plank vinyl. it is easy to […]
