Tag: electrical

What to Expect: How Long Does a Typical Home Inspection Take?

December 18, 2023

Purchasing a home can be one of the most simultaneously exciting and stressful processes anyone will go through. Considering the sizable investment and the long-reaching impact that a closing negotiation can have on both the buyer and the seller, it is completely understandable to lose a couple winks of sleep while worrying about each odd detail of a home’s sale. In these instances, buyers (especially first-time homebuyers) who learn about the need of a home inspection can get a bit antsy through the process, viewing the inspection as a roadblock to their homeownership. This is where a frequently answered question comes into play: How long does a home inspection take? While there may be a typical range of time to expect for a general home inspection, there are a wide array of factors that make this question tough to answer point blank. However, in the interest of easing any concerns, we will take some time today to discuss how long a home inspection takes, what can extend or shorten the process, and why a good home inspector needs this time. To begin, let’s review what a home inspection is and why it is a necessary part of every home’s sale.

Will Your Next Home Be Printed?

December 4, 2023

A more recent technology that’s been making its rounds by disrupting and inspiring innovations across industries is 3D printing. Glasses, shoes, car parts, prosthetics, and movie props are all being 3D-printed today, and the speculation of how this technology might change people’s everyday lives seems to be at an all-time high. With the speed and ease that common items can be printed, some have started to think even bigger. Enter businesses like Texas-based ICON, Denmark’s COBOD, and Shanghai’s Winsun, who all believe that 3D printing is the future of home manufacturing. Citing shockingly quick construction times, cheaper costs, and little required human oversight, many believe that 3D-printed homes becoming the norm is less of an “if,” and more of a “when.” So, if you’re curious to find out what your future home will look like, let’s discuss the process of 3D-printed homes! What Are 3D-Printed Homes?3D printing homes is actually quite similar to the process used when 3D printing other mundane items. Also known as “additive manufacturing,” 3D printing involves a machine printer containing a robotic arm dispenser, a chosen material to use in the item creation (usually plastic for most things unrelated to building construction), and a blueprint design

How to Tell if Your House is Haunted

October 9, 2023

October has officially arrived and, as we march closer and closer to the spookiest day of the year, it’s natural for our minds to focus in on the strange and obscure. If this was your first year in your new home, you may have noticed some of its more interesting quirks or “features.” Some houses seem to groan when the wind hits them just right, others might creak whenever the mood is right. These are just “house noises” that you’re slowly growing accustomed to…right? Many odd occurrences in the home can be explained away with a little bit of investigation, but when attempts at rationality come up short, it can be difficult to brush off the unexplained. As we all know, the Halloween season is best known as one time each year that the barrier between the material world and the spiritual world is its thinnest. In other words, if you have your suspicions that your house just might be haunted, you better figure it out now. To aid you in your investigation, we’ve placed our best paranormal researchers on the job to identify the surefire evidence that proves your house is haunted. Reader beware: only proceed if you want

Tricky and Easily Overlooked Areas of the Home That You Should Clean Today

September 25, 2023

Managing to keep an entire home clean is no easy task. Between doing the laundry, vacuuming the rugs, cleaning the dishes, and taking out the trash, there are plenty of hours in the day already dedicated to housekeeping. Naturally, things fall through the cracks, and certain items in the home are naturally overlooked. The problem is that certain items that might have been easily cleaned in the past can prove a much more difficult task if neglected for too long. If you are interested in being proactive about keeping your home clean, consider taking another look at these often-ignored home items. Spend Some Extra Time in the KitchenDo people spend a lot of time cleaning their kitchen? Of course they do. Do people still overlook a few areas in their kitchen due to inconvenience or lack of awareness? Absolutely! Kitchens can become one of the grimiest, dirtiest areas in a house if homeowners aren’t consistent about their cleaning habits due to the many kinds of messes and spills that are bound to happen while cooking. It’s when only the surface areas are taken care of that problems begin to pile up. Starting with the dishwasher, some may think that this

Home Maintenance Items to Prioritize After Your Inspection

May 22, 2023

Home inspectors and other real estate professionals know the truth that every new homebuyer will have to swallow: no home is perfect. Each house has a unique array of attractions and eye-catching features sure to draw in families. At the same time, there isn’t a home that doesn’t have its share of warts or bruises as well. Your local home inspector is the key to identifying building and property maintenance issues while keeping the weight of each concern in perspective. To review the differences between which features should be addressed as soon as possible and which can be put off until later on, here are your home maintenance priorities post-inspection. How Is The Condition of the Roof?One of the top priorities of every new homeowner should be to understand the condition of their roof. Roofing is considered one of the main cornerstones of home systems for a few reasons. The roof is the home’s primary defense against weather and the elements. Without solid integrity, leaks are just the start of a slew of problems including the potential for mold and energy inefficiency. All roofs have a natural lifespan until shingles begin deteriorating beyond the point of serving their use. Since

Maintenance Minutes: How to Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

May 31, 2022

Did you know you can cut risks related to carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards in half by following just a few helpful tips? The best part is that these recommendations can be completed on your own without the need to pay for additional services from a contractor. All you need is a foot stool or ladder and possibly a few batteries. Before we dive into carbon monoxide and fire prevention, let’s examine reasons why prevention is so important. The Importance of CO SafetyCarbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it’s an” invisible gas,” meaning that it’s odorless, colorless, and is unseen to the naked eye. It prevents the oxygen in your body from circulating throughout your system properly, disrupting your respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is the byproduct of the fumes produced by fuel sources such as gasoline, coal, kerosene, and wood. The most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes come from unventilated space heaters, improperly connected water heaters, unclean fireplaces, vehicles that have been unintentionally left running in garages, and household appliances that are incorrectly connected. The onset of carbon monoxide poisoning happens very quickly. According to John Hopkins Medicine, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in as little

10 Items to Add to Your Home Toolbox

March 21, 2022

If you’ve been a homeowner for some time, chances are you already have a well-put-together toolkit. In fact, you may have already used it a few times on your own renovations and repairs. If you’re wanting to expand your tool stockpile, here are 10 items that will make any future projects a breeze. Headlamp or Magnetic Tool Light Trying to juggle a flashlight and your tools is a hassle and can even be dangerous. With a headlamp, you don’t have to worry about fumbling for the right tool while you’re working. You just slide it on and voila! You’re free to move about and illuminate your workspace. You can also get a magnetic tool light. These tend to be a bit brighter than a headlamp, so they’re really useful in the darkest parts of your home. Telescoping Mirror Can’t quite see around or underneath what you’re fixing? A telescoping mirror will give you the angle you need. You’ll be able to see if there are any nails or wires before sticking your hand in. Mirrors like this are usually cheap, so they’re definitely a great investment. OrganizersAs you add to your toolkit, things may become a bit cluttered. Searching for

What an Energy Audit Can Do for You

March 7, 2022

The average household spends over $2,000 a year on energy expenses. If you fall into the average, or even find yourself surpassing it), you’re ready to start saving money. One way that you can decrease your usage and spending is by having an energy audit performed. Benefits of an Energy Audit You probably already know the biggest benefit of an energy audit– saving yourself money. But there are other positives you may not have thought of. You’ll also be able to save your appliances, mainly your HVAC system, from wearing out as quickly. You may even find yourself living more comfortably without having to constantly fight your HVAC. What Kinds of Homes Should Get an Audit? It’s a given that most older homes don’t hold up as well as when they were first built, so it’s no surprise they can eventually become an energy sinkhole. Older frames tend to split, and this can allow for a higher amount of intrusion from the outside air. Even if your house is brand new or recently remodeled, there can still be defects within the construction that hinder its efficiency. That’s why it pays to have an energy audit so that you can catch

Is Solar Worth It?

January 31, 2022

Solar panels have started to gain popularity not just for big businesses, but also for individual homeowners. Almost 4 percent of all U.S. homes and 3 percent in Canada are powered or will be powered by solar panels in 2022. The benefits of a lower energy bill and reducing your carbon footprint has made the switch to solar an easy decision. If you’ve thought about changing your energy supply, there are some things you should consider. How does solar power work? Believe it or not, solar power has existed since the 1950s. But its high price point kept most people from purchasing it for personal use. Thanks to scientific advancements the cost has dropped substantially and they’re higher quality as well. Photovoltaic panels are designed specifically for residential use. The cells in the panel collect the sun’s photons, creating an electric field and eventually flowing to the appliances you’re using. How many panels will you need? How much energy a panel can put out is measured in Watts and called the “theoretical output.” While a panel may be rated for a certain wattage, they don’t use all of the energy they collect. The actual output or “capacity factor” is typically

Mount Your TV in Less Than 10 Steps

November 15, 2021

Getting a brand new flatscreen can really upgrade your home theater. But if you don’t like having it sit low on a bulky entertainment center, the better option might be to hang it on the wall. Here’s what you need to do to install your new TV without having it come crashing down. Tools for the Job Before you get started, there are a few items you’ll need: Depending on the size of your TV, you might need the help of one other person. As you move your TV around, be extra cautious. Too much pressure or flexing in the wrong spot can damage your display. Always remember to take your time and place your TV in a safe spot until it’s time to hang it up. Finding the Correct Mount There are several different styles of mounts that you can typically choose from. The most popular is a stationary mount that holds your TV flush against the wall. If you’re installing in a smaller room, this style can make things feel less cramped. A swivel or tilt mount lets you move your TV side to side or up and down to get the best viewing angle possible. Along with