Air Quality in the Home

Indoor air quality is generally worse than most people believe, but there are things you can do about it.   Some Quick Facts: Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air. Problems can arise from moisture, insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources. Effects range from…

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Household and Environmental Hazards

  This list of terms covers most of the common household dangers likely to be encountered by InterNACHI inspectors.   algae: microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor shingles; often described as fungus. alligatoring:  a condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils, and the oxidation…

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Elderly Home Safety

Each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 1 million people over age 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with the products they live with and use everyday. The death rate from accidental injuries in the home is approximately three times greater for older people than for…

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House Numbers

Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the previous owner installed the number and the new owner never had to think about it, leaving them clueless as to why it was placed where it is or why a particular color or size was chosen. These numbers are more important than you probably realize, and a…

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Choosing the Right Home Inspector

  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 InterNACHI-certified inspector is almost insignificant. You have recently been crunching…

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Attached Garage Fire Hazards

Why do many garages pose a fire hazard? Where are you most likely to do any welding, or any work on your car? These activities require working with all sorts of flammable materials. Water heaters and boilers are usually stored in garages, and they can create sparks that may ignite fumes or fluids. Car batteries, too, will spark…

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Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers considerable advantages over conventional energy systems by nullifying flaws in those systems long considered to be unchangeable. Solar power for home energy production has its flaws, too, which are outlined in another article, but they’re dwarfed by the advantages listed below. The following are advantages of solar energy: Raw materials are renewable and unlimited.…

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