AFCI Houses Built Prior to 2002
Electrical receptacles in most homes prior to 2002 do not comply with the most recent requirements for branch circuit protection by an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device. Although homes are not required to be updated to comply with newly-enacted building safety standards, to reduce the potential danger of electrical fire, as an inspector we recommend that AFCI […]
Stairs
Structural Integrity: All stairs must be kept structurally sound. Don’t forget to examine the basement stairs. Check the area where they meet the floor and where they are attached to the floor joists above. Stair Width and Clearance: Stairways should have a minimum headroom of 6 feet and 8 inches, and width of 3 feet. Treads and […]
Interior, Exterior, and Garage Doors
Interior Doors: Monitor the condition of your home’s doors and door frames, including the interior of entrance doors and storm doors. Check their hardware for finish, wear, and proper functioning. Sticking doors or out-of-square frames may indicate house settlement, which is normal. Exterior Doors: Exterior doors should be checked often for their condition, operation, and the functionality […]
Crawlspace Safety
Crawlspaces are notorious for the nasty discoveries made there by homeowners, inspectors, and home remodelers, and it isn’t hard to figure out why; for one thing, their cool, dark environment attracts undesirable pests and can promote dangerous conditions. And since the crawlspace is mostly unmonitored, hazards can breed there unchecked for a long time. Never enter a […]
The Bathroom Vent System
Bathroom ventilation systems are designed to exhaust odors and damp air to the home’s exterior. A typical system consists of a ceiling fan unit connected to a duct that terminates at the roof. Ventilation systems should be installed in all bathrooms, including those with windows since windows will not be opened during the winter in […]
Conserve Energy and Save Money
Are your energy bills too high? Is your home not as comfortable as you want it to be? Do you want to do more to protect the environment? Do you have teenagers at home giving your hot water bill a beating? Whatever your situation, this information will help you to find a solution that’s right […]
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 […]
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems
Geothermal systems are home heating and cooling systems that gather heat from the earth. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the relatively constant temperature of sub-surface soil as the exchange medium. Geographical Distribution As of 2004, five countries — El Salvador, Kenya, the Philippines, Iceland, and Costa Rica — generate more than 15% of their electricity […]
