A common question I get about older homes is whether two-prong outlets can safely be changed over to three-prong outlets. Most home buyers today don’t want to be stuck with two-prong outlets throughout the house. Two-prong outlets can always be changed to three-prong, and this can be accomplished a few different ways. Today I’ll give a very brief explanation of what the third prong is for, and I’ll discuss a few ways to convert to a three prong outlet. I didn’t consult an

Unexpected water in your basement can damage walls and floors, destroy carpeting, ruin furniture, and lead—pretty quickly—to mold. And perhaps the most upsetting of all: As these spaces are so often used for storage, a wet basement can ruin irreplaceable items like photo albums, antiques, and family heirlooms. When you experience a flooded basement for the first time, it's imperative to determine if the water problems are going to recur or if it was a one-time event. Can you

No one wants to experience sewer backups in the home. Like many questions regarding home maintenance, when it comes to sewer problems, prevention is the best solution. Considering how much damage can be caused by water in your basement, it makes sense to spend a little time testing out your drainage system and addressing any problems before a catastrophe occurs. Here are a few easy ways to keep your basement clean and dry. Make sure your drainage system works Often, water in

Water leaks can happen anywhere in the house, but they occur most frequently in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry rooms. Whether it's a slow drip or sudden burst, water leaks can cause extensive damage throughout your house. The first signs of water leakage might seem trivial. But warnings like water stains on the ceilings or a leak under the kitchen sink can lead to real problems. Why take a chance? Learn where your home is most likely to suffer water damage, and what you c

Plumbing issues can lead to sky-high water bills—not to mention major structural damage to your home. A small leak could waste tens of thousands of gallons of water each year and result in much larger headaches. Use these tips to help make regular DIY plumbing inspections all around your house. Inspect your pipes Look for signs of dripping and corrosion in exposed pipes, such as supply lines for toilets and sinks, as well as lines leading to appliances such as dishwashers, re

If cooler weather has you longing for sunny days outdoors, take heart. Once spring rolls around, you can safely begin the annual cleanup to prepare your yard for months of warm-weather enjoyment. Start with the lawn. Look for bald spots where grass has grown sparsely and needs reseeding, or uneven areas that may need to be filled and leveled. Use a thatching rake to remove dead roots and grass. Break up the soil in bare spots to create an environment that will be hospitable t

When and Where are GFCI Receptacles Required? Saying that disagreements can arise over a home inspection is an under-statement. One item that can cause frustration is the Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor, or GFCI. A GFCI is typically a receptacle with small buttons on it that usually say “Test” and “Reset”. It can also be built into a circuit breaker that is installed in an electric panel. Home inspectors test the operation of GFCI’s as part of their evaluation. They may also

When the weather changes from sunny and 70 degrees to a chilly 60 degrees. What’s better than a nice fire in the fireplace on those cold evenings? Since fireplaces are such an after thought for most of us, we thought it was important to remind everyone about some of the dangers associated with a neglected fireplace. Many people in Southern California never have their \ As home inspectors, we often see neglected fireplaces, and too often we see chimneys that are in very poor c

When performing Home Inspections, I frequently inspect homes that are advertised as having a home warranty, or I hear the buyers talking about purchasing a home warranty. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the home warranties, and recently read a post at an online home inspector forum from another home inspector asking how a warranty company could charge such a low fee for the service that is supposedly provided. I decided to do a little research on my own. A home warranty is s