Buying a home? It is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the value of the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring an -certified InterNACHI inspector is almost insignificant by comparison. You have […]
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Author Archives: MattReed
Chimney : Preventing Collapse
by Nick Gromicko Chimneys are among the heaviest and most structurally vulnerable of all exterior components of a building. Accidents caused by their collapse can lead to death. A collapse can also cause costly structural damage to the building and its surroundings. Inspection, maintenance and preparedness are critical safeguards against chimney collapse. Wind and other elements may cause an already […]
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Efflorescence
by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko Efflorescence is the white chalky powder that you might find on the surface of a concrete or brick wall. It can be a cosmetic issue, or it can be an indication of moisture intrusion that could lead to major structural and indoor air quality issues. A home inspector should […]
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Carpet Beetles
by Nick Gromicko Carpet beetles are household pests capable of destroying various household items. Inspection and knowledge of their habits can prevent costly destruction. Life Cycle and Habits Female carpet beetles will lay 50 to 100 small, pearly-white eggs on protected surfaces near a food source, such as the lint around baseboards, in the ductwork […]
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Bat Infestation
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard Bats are nocturnal mammals found in most inhabited places throughout the world. Bat infestation in homes, especially in attics, can be a health hazard, as well as a nuisance, for homeowners. Interesting Facts Due to its high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen, guano (bat feces) is an effective fertilizer and gunpowder […]
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Central Humidifiers
Central Humidifiers by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard Humidifiers are devices that humidify air so that building occupants are comfortable. Central humidifiers are hard-wired into a house’s plumbing and forced-air heating systems. What is humidity? Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. “Relative humidity” signifies the amount of moisture in the air […]
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Hand-Dug Wells
by Nick Gromicko Hand-dug wells are ground excavations and their associated structures used to access groundwater in underground aquifers. Until modern times, all artificial wells were hand-dug. Interesting Facts Hand-dug wells are still the most common means of collecting water in certain parts of the developing world. The historical indispensability of hand-dug wells has made its way into important […]
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Exercise Equipment Dangers
by Nick Gromicko Exercise equipment is inherently dangerous. Various types of home gym devices are typically large and have moving parts. Accidents, whether to adults who misuse the equipment or to children who gain unsupervised access, can be avoided through preventative measures. Gym equipment is also a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens, particularly in commercial gyms where users share […]
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Constructed Wetlands
The Economic Benefits of Constructed Wetlands: Runoff Controls People have a strong emotional attachment to water, arising from its aesthetic qualities — tranquility, coolness and beauty. As a result, most water bodies within developments can be used as marketing tools to set the tone for entire projects. A recent study conducted by the National Association of […]
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Closing Costs
by Nick Gromicko When a home is sold, there is a point in the transaction known as the closing, when the title to the property is transferred to the new owner. The buyer and/or seller commonly incur miscellaneous fees, which are collectively known as closing costs. These fees can be significant, averaging approximately 2% to 4% […]
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