by Michael Chotiner of The Home Depot Stains on asphalt roofing shingles make a house look shabby, which detracts from its value. In some cases, stains are merely a cosmetic issue. But sometimes they’re symptomatic of a problem that, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious damage and, eventually, roof failure. It’s […]
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Try looking in the monthly archives. May 2016
Residential Foundation Insulation
Residential Foundation Insulation Homes being constructed today are more energy-efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building products and techniques, as well as development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. At InterNACHI, we believe that the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. […]
Continue Reading Lead Facts
Did you know the following facts about lead? FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or […]
Continue ReadingEco-Friendly Relocation
by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko Relocation is often stressful and time-consuming, but rarely do we wonder about the impact the process has on the environment. This is amplified when moving to a smaller house or condominium, and additional decisions have to be made regarding items that must discarded in order to save space. If […]
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Remodeling Is a Poor Investment Strategy
by Nick Gromicko Remodeling can dramatically increase the quality of life for building occupants, but if you are considering a remodel strictly as an investment, think twice about it. Remodeling is rarely a sound monetary investment. According to a report published by Remodeling Magazine, most remodeling projects add only 60% to 80% of their […]
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Crib Safety
by Nick Gromicko Defective cribs, especially hand-me-down and homemade models, can pose serious hazards to young children, including strangulation, entrapment and overheating. Government manufacturing standards set in 1973 have greatly improved crib safety, yet defective cribs continue to be responsible for the highest child injury rates of any nursery item. In fact, approximately 50 infants […]
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Paying a little extra for an InterNACHI inspector pays off!
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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Building a Home
If you want to build a new home, there are things you need to know before you begin. Learn about construction standards and about buying land, so you know your rights. MPS Supplementing Model Building Codes The Minimum Property Standards (MPS) establish certain minimum standards for buildings constructed under HUD housing programs. This includes […]
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Rainwater Catchment Systems
by Nick Gromicko Rooftop rainwater catchment is a system for gathering rainwater from residential or commercial roofs for direct use. This system is employed for a variety of reasons, foremost of which are: survival in a locale that lacks municipal water service; reducing the water bill; survival during drought; conservation of municipal water resources; and self-reliance. Common […]
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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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