Every household has many common natural ingredients that can be used for cleaning purposes either on their own or in combination to create powerful natural cleaners. These cleaners work as well if not better than over the counter chemicals.

The number one cause of ice dams on the roof is the lack of sufficient insulation and ventilation in the attic space. By adding more insulation and making sure there is enough ventilation in the attic, you can reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your home into the attic space, in turn reducing snow melt on the roof.

Winter is the season of increased home safety related incidents.  Fires caused by faulty holiday lights, chimney fires, and space heaters are on the rise every year. The biggest contributor to these safety issues is either improper use or faulty equipment.

As a home inspector, I met many new home owners who have very few or no tools. Some of my clients have a few tools but are not sure how to properly use them. Below is the list of tools that every home owner should have: many of them are multipurpose tools. Always remember to use the right tool for the job.

A fireplace hearth is the floor area of the fireplace, and extends in the front and side of the firebox opening. It is built out of noncombustible materials, such as brick or stone. Hearths and hearth extensions are designed to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace and igniting nearby combustibles

Gas, charcoal and electric grills can pose serious safety risks if they are not operated correctly.  Most accidents occur after the grill has been unused over a period of time or after a grill’s propane gas tank has been reattached.

Water hammer is usually recognized by a banging or thumping in water lines. Although it might seem to be a smooth flow, the water inside the pipe actually churns and tumbles as it moves through.This impact can severely jar piping, equipment or machinery housing, possibly resulting in damage not only to gaskets in junctions, but also to valve flanges or the valves themselves.