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 Decks Look Good Often Badly Built & Unsafe
Fabric Softener Poses a Fire Hazard
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 Poses a Fire Hazard
Recessed Lights Pose a Fire Hazard
As a homeowner you probably don’t typically give much thought about the lights in your home, as long as they are doing what lights are supposed to do. You flip the switch, instantaneous illumination, you can see and life is good! However, it is what we can’t see that can be a cause for concern. […]Read More about Recessed Lights Pose a Fire Hazard
Asbestos Covered Boiler in Old House
In the basement of a 1920s home the original cast iron boiler was still sitting in the middle of the room. It appeared everyone who passed it they rubbed against it, put their hands on it and marveled at its size without thinking about its consequences. This beast of a boiler had been replaced ten […]Read More about Asbestos Covered Boiler in Old House
Keyed Lock Not Permitted on Interior Deadbolt
A dead bolt with a keyed lock on the inside of an exterior residential door is prohibited. Yes it was permitted years ago and those older locks should be replaced. The locked door could pose a safety issue in an emergency. If the lock is locked and the key is removed there is no way […]Read More about Keyed Lock Not Permitted on Interior Deadbolt
Gas Leak Found During the Inspection
When people think of leaks, it’s water leaks they think of. During inspections our buyers are concerned about every stain on the ceilings and walls and never think that there may be a leak that could have more serious consequences. It never ceases to amaze us how many gas leaks we find in the course […]Read More about Gas Leak Found During the Inspection
Unsecured Propane Tanks Could Be Deadly
Large propane cylinders weight approximately one hundred and seventy pounds when full. If they are not secured with a chain or other device to prevent them falling over by accident, they pose a safety issue. These large cylinders are generally installed as a pair and their combined weight should they topple and crash to the […]Read More about Unsecured Propane Tanks Could Be Deadly
S-traps Not Permitted on Drains.
Looking under the sinks in many older homes it is not unusual to see the original trap on the drain, these were often similar to an “S” on it’s side. They are no longer permitted due to their tendency, when draining water from the sink, to finish with a siphon action that can empty the […]Read More about S-traps Not Permitted on Drains.
You Found “WHAT” In the HVAC Ducting?
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 the HVAC Ducting?
Door Opener the Unwanted Key to Your Home
Would you leave a key in your front door lock when leaving your house, your garage door might be its equivalent.
Lead Water Main Pipe is a Health Hazard
In the basement of a home from the mid 1800’s there was a heath hazard that no one noticed. Various buyers over the years, the current owner who had purchased the home six months before, real estate agents and our clients all walked past this piece of pipe as they anxiously looked for potential issues […]Read More about Lead Water Main Pipe is a Health Hazard
How “Safe” is Your Bathroom? What you got?
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? What you got?
Attic Ladders are Rarely Installed Safely
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.
Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Many properties particularly in rural areas rely on a well for their water, which is not a problem in itself. A newer 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 or […]Read More about Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
