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 attorney before writing this article, so I feel like I should add a disclaimer before giving any electrical how-to advice: Don’t do any of this work if you’re not qualified – you could start a fire or get electrocuted.

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 safely leave your property downstairs once you've got the mess cleaned up? Or does everything need to come upstairs immediately? What's certain is that if water in your basement is a consistent problem, it's time to star

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 your home comes down to easily prevented problems with drainage. A few hours of work could keep the water out. Here are a few things to check: Your home's gutter downspouts should extend at least 10 feet away from the fo

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 can do to help prevent it.

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, refrigerator ice makers, and washing machines. Leaking fixtures may need replacement parts, such as a new O-ring or cartridge for a dripping faucet or a flapper for a leaky toilet. Sneak up on leaks Even if you don't see d

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 to new seed. Add lawn soil to level the surface. Then you're ready to over-seed or spot seed, depending on your lawn's needs. Your garden and flower beds are next. Begin by clearing away any debris like leaves and othe

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 recommend the installation of GFCI receptacles near plumbing fixtures. But they weren’t always required. So how can you resolve disagreements about the presence or absence of GFCI receptacles? Let’s first talk about saf

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 condition. Over time, fires leave deposits in the chimney that contain oils and other debris which can actually catch on fire causing significant property damage. Types of fireplaces We generally see three (actually four)

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 somewhat of a service contract, which will typically cover the heating system(s), cooling system(s), electrical, plumbing, water heater(s), kitchen appliances, and possibly other items depending on the contract, which may

Every home in Rochester should be tested for Radon, and if you haven’t had your home tested, have it done. Radon is a gas formed by the breakdown of uranium and radium, both of which are found in high levels in some areas of Rochester. Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and is the second leading cause of cancer in America. Every home is susceptible to radon, and I can tell you from experience that there are a large number of homes in the area with high radon levels. Some homes are at higher risk for radon than others. Radon enters in to a home through any openings in a basement to the earth, such as cracks in the floor or walls, sump baskets, openings in t

If you drive through any neighborhood, you’ll find a handful of gas vents with missing or improper vent caps. These improper caps all need to go. The condition pictured above is an imminent safety hazard that needs immediate repair; this will likely cause the combustion gases from the furnace and water heater to backdraft into the home. Not only that, but this will also cause the combustion appliances to burn improperly, causing high levels of carbon monoxide to enter the home. That’s how people die. Again, this is extremely dangerous. What to do about old vent caps The simple fix for this condition is to replace the vent cap with a new, UL listed vent cap. Just stop by any home improvement

Should I Have A Home Inspection On My Home Before Selling It? What Are The Benefits Of A Pre-Listing Home Inspection Getting your home inspected before you list it for sale can streamline the sales process and help you avoid any unexpected surprises. What most sellers don’t realize is the home inspection is the place where more sales fall apart than any other. A pre-listing home inspection will allow you to get a clear picture about the state of your house – including any problems that may derail a sale. You will have a chance to address major issues, and the information you gain from the inspection will be useful in pricing your home. Getting your own pre-sale inspection can be an important

Spring’s the perfect time for taking care of outdoor maintenance! The arrival of warm weather signals fun in the backyard with friends and family. The last thing you want to deal with are unexpected home repairs so here’s a list to help keep you on track: 1. Clear away debris and dead foliage from any flowerbeds. 2. Inspect hose connections to ensure there are no leaks. 3. Replace damaged window screens and any weather stripping. 4. Clean your fireplace and/or wood-burning stove and flue. 5. Make sure your lawn mower, weed wacker and other tools are in good working order. 6. Clean and repair your patio furniture and inspect your deck for loose or rotten boards. 7. Trim back shrubs and vines