Unintended Consequences The rule of unintended consequences applies to home construction just as it does to many other aspects of life. By utilizing new technology or new techniques we solve one problem while simultaneously creating another. Using pressure-treated...
1. Safety and Health Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second-leading cause overall. It is the #1 environmental cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer has a high mortality rate...
At a recent home inspection a real estate agent told me how much he dislikes it when I recommend raising the dishwasher drain line under the kitchen sink. I’ve worked with his clients on several occasions, but in his opinion this is an area where he feels that I’m...
Hot, Neutral and Ground When examining the electrical system during a home inspection, inspectors check the polarity of electrical receptacles, or outlets. Testing for reversed polarity can be performed with a small handheld receptacle or outlet tester. Modern...
Digging a big hole in the ground for a foundation is an open invitation for water intrusion. Some people live with this reality every time it rains. In other cases, basements can stay pretty dry until a 50- or 100-year flood event comes along. Regardless of the age of...
In New England there are numerous single and multi-family homes that were built at the turn of the twentieth century or earlier. At the time of construction these homes typically used some form of metal piping for the drain lines. Copper, galvanized steel and cast...
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