With global weather patterns changing power outages are becoming widespread, outages that were localized are now becoming citywide as hurricanes, flooding and wildfires threaten communities. The answer is a standby generator. There are the permanent types that are installed on a pad outside and the portable type that is generally stored in the garage then […]Read More about Killer Generator Hook Up
Radon Mitigation System
If you are looking at buying a home or walking around your neighborhood you may have seen this disk shaped gizmo with a pipe up the side of a house. In the last twenty years there has been a growing interest in testing for Radon (a gas generated deep in the earth as limestone deteriorates) […]Read More about Radon Mitigation System
Deck Dangers
Saturday, May 1st 2021: Restaurant deck collapses in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. Forty people fall sending eleven to the hospital, two with critical injuries. A quick internet search will reveal far too many unfortunate and avoidable incidents like this happening on a regular basis. What factors are at play with deck failures and how can we ensure […]Read More about Deck Dangers
Fabric Softener
No one wants hard scratchy clothing so fabric softener is the answer. There are two types, the liquid softener that is added to the wash or softener sheets used in the dryer. The photo is not of internal body parts but a dryer vent that has choked up with lint, as the lint builds up […]Read More about Fabric Softener
Not A Bright Idea!
As homeowners, we don’t typically give too much thought about the lights in our homes as long as they are doing what lights are supposed to do. We flip the switch, instantaneous illumination, we can see and life is good! However, it is usually what we can’t see that can be a cause for concern. […]Read More about Not A Bright Idea!
Keys not permitted
A dead bolt with a keyed lock on the interior of a residential door is prohibited. The locked door would pose a safety issue if the key was removed and there was an emergency requiring immediate egress. A knob on the inside and a key on the outside is correct.
You found “WHAT” in my duct?
Hidden treasures are not always glittering gold. Though we have heard tales of homeowners bursting through walls and breaking down cabinets to find a loaded piggy bank, the reality is what gets trapped in our homes ain’t always sunshine and rainbows. But what about places in our house that are less obvious, less noticeable? Take […]Read More about You found “WHAT” in my duct?
Garage Door Opener could be the unwanted Key to Your Home
Video: Would you leave a key in your front door lock when leaving your house, your garage door might be its equivalent.
Lead Water Main is Hazardous
In the basement of a home from the mid 1800’s there was a heath hazard that no one noticed. Buyers, the current owner who had purchased that home six months ago, real estate agents and our clients all walked past this piece of pipe as they anxiously looked for potential issues with the house. The […]Read More about Lead Water Main is Hazardous
How “Safe” is Your Bathroom?
When you hear it said that bathrooms can be unsafe you might not think that a half ton of steel would be the answer. But bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous places in a home, with a multitude of potential hazards. Starting with tiled floors which can become slippery when wet to the […]Read More about How “Safe” is Your Bathroom?
Attic Ladders Are Generally Unsafe
Video explains highlights that manufacturers installation instructions are rarely followed which poses a safety issue. The most important fastener in the one in the hinge.
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) […]Read More about Well (Water) Inspections
Asbestos Pipe Insulation
Video of asbestos pipe insulation on a hydroponic (water) or steam boiler heating system. Asbestos can be dangerous to your health if fibers are disturbed, often found in buildings buildings from the fifty’s and older on heating and hot water plumbing pipes.
Granules in Attic (What’s It?)
Looking at the “floor” of an attic in an older house that was insulated between 1919 and the late 50’s you might see a granular material with a silver/ whitish colors where you expected to see fiberglass insulation. If you are looking at buying or are living in a home with this stuff you need […]Read More about Granules in Attic (What’s It?)
