So many of the questions we are asked are answered with a simple explanation – everything from Appliances to Wells and in between.
If you are looking repairs or remodeling, click “Contractors.” If you don’t understand a term in our report, see “Construction Terms.”
Appliances
Attic
Basement
Carbon Monoxide
Contractors
Construction Terms
- A – Above Grade to Attic Vents
- B – Back Draft to BX Wiring
- C – Casement Window to Cutout
- D – Damp Proof Course to Ducts
- E – Eave to Exposed Nail Method
- F – Fascia Board to Furring
- G – Gable to Grounded Outlets
- H – Header to Hot Water Heating
- I/J – I-Beam to Joist Hanger
- K/L – Knee Wall to Louver
- M/N – Mansard Roof to Nesting
- O/P – OC to Putty
- R – Racking to Roof Deck
- S – Sash to Sump Pump
- T/U – T&G to Ungrounded Outlets
- V-Z – Valley to XRF
Driveways
Electrical
- About Breakers and Fuse Boxes
- Adding Electric Outlets
- Aluminum Wiring
- Breaker Panel Sizing
- Electrical Junction Boxes
- Federal Pacific Breaker Panels
- GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
- Incoming Service Wire / Cable Responsibility
- Rewiring Older Homes
- Ungrounded or Open Ground Outlets
- Ungrounded Outlets – Surge Protectors Useless
- Wiring Size Chart
Exterior
- EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finishing System)
- EIFS Check List
- Exterior Brick
- Hardboard Siding
- Hardy Plank (Fiber Cement Siding)
- Masonite®
- Painting Aluminum Siding
- Painting Vinyl Siding
- Waterproofing Brick
Finances
Fireplace / Chimney
- Chimney Cleaning Schedule
- Don’t Burn in the Fireplace
- Flue Pipes (Types of Chimney Liners)
- Gas Log Fireplaces
- Reasons for Chimney Failure
- Using a Fireplace or Stove
- Waterproofing Chimneys
Floors
Foundation
- Foundation Failure
- Settlement and Differential Settlement
- Slab Foundation Settling / Sloping Concrete
Heat & Air (HVAC)
- A/C Coil – Dog Urine Damage
- A/C Condenser Maintenance
- Asbestos in Heating Components
- Best Type of Air Filters
- Boiler, Hot Water Heat
- Choosing a New Heating and Cooling System
- Combustion / Make Up Air
- HVAC Life Expectancy
- HVAC Remodeling Danger
- HVAC Service Intervals
- Thermostat Settings
- Whole House Fans
- Winterizing Air Conditioning
Home Inspections
- Home Inspection Standards of Practice
- Preparing for a Home Inspection
- What is a HUD or FHA Appraisal?
Home Safety
Insulation
Lead Paint
Maintenance
Patio
Pests
Plumbing
- Caution Remodeling around Water Heater
- Life Expectancy of Plumbing
- Lime in the Water Heater
- Loose Toilet
- Polyethylene Piping
- Whirlpool Tub Health Concern
Radon
Roof
- Failing Roof Shingles
- How to Inspect Your Roof
- Life Expectancy of Roof Shingles
- Maintenance
- Re-Roofing
- Roof Enemies, Problems
- Roof Leaks
- Roof Ventilation
- Time to Re-roof When…
Sealants
Septic Systems
- About Septic Systems
- How Septic Systems Work
- Living with a Septic System
- Maintaining a Septic System
Smoke Alarms
Termites
Tools/ Toolbox
Water/ Wells
- How to Disinfect a Well
- Lead in Drinking Water
- Well Water Tests
- Well with Poor Water Flow
- When Should I Test My Well Water?
Windows
