News and information about home inspection safety
Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper, all while being undetected. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a house, depending on the colony’s age and location. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in damage…
Bugs spark different reactions in different people. Whether you’re frightened or fascinated by these critters, they’re always unwelcome indoors. Bugs are unsanitary, annoying intruders who bite, sting, and leave behind nasty waste in their wake. Exposure to some bugs can even result in serious health problems. Thankfully, there are some tried and true strategies you…
There are few places safer than your own home – that’s what most of us would like to believe, at least. Unfortunately, though, hazards lurking in our houses can be overlooked quite easily. A staircase, for instance, can cause life-threatening slips, trips and falls if its banister isn’t properly attached. Stairs are hardly the…
Moving into a new home always requires a little faith. Whether you designed a custom house with a builder or inherited an old family property, it’s impossible to know every detail about the home’s construction and history. There are steps you can take, thankfully, to help identify possible home hazards and defects before closing…
The prospect of building an addition onto your home is an exciting one. Whether you’re dreaming of an extra bedroom, a screened-in porch or an extension of your living room, additions can provide much-needed space to a home you already love. Before you begin daydreaming of how you’ll decorate your new addition, though, it’s…
Trees are some of nature’s most glorious specimens. They create small ecosystems, provide shade and bring serious character to any yard. Wooded lots are indeed a draw for many homebuyers, but they come with their own set of maintenance duties. In addition to raking, trimming and pruning, homeowners must keep an eye on the…
It’s easy to fall in love when you’re house hunting. After showings at outdated, ugly properties, finally making an offer on a home you adore can be incredibly exciting. While it’s difficult to keep emotions out of the transaction, the purchase of a home should be guided by your head, not your heart. A…
There are a lot of non-negotiables when it comes to homeownership. Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and regular mortgage payments are all fairly mandatory. In many states, home inspections are another non-negotiable process that buyers and sellers must go through. There are other times, though, when home inspections are recommended but not required. If you’re…
Buying a home is exciting. The red tape involved in the purchase is not as fun. Amid meetings with mortgage brokers, real estate agents and moving companies, it’s easy to forget about the house itself. Understanding the current condition and history of a home is crucial to the enjoyment of it. Without the full…
It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare: Waking in the night to the blaring fire alarm, panicking at the smell of smoke and scrambling to get everyone out of the house safely. Whether through cooking accidents, electrical shortages or malfunctioning heating sources, house fires can occur when we least expect them. Thankfully, there are some tips…