Polonium 210 – A Deadly Radon Byproduct
A British court revealed earlier this year that in 2006, Russian spies murdered former KGB operative Alexander Litvinenko using polonium-210. The story blew to massive proportions as Russian president Vladimir Putin said he “probably” approved the killing, showing the...
January is National Radon Awareness Month
Radon is a radioactive gas that’s produced by the earth from naturally occurring uranium in the soil and water decaying over time. This gas is harmful to people when exposed to elevated levels over an extended period of time. In some areas in the country where radon...
What Is Radon, Anyway?
You may have been told that it’s a smart idea to have your property tested for radon, but what is exactly is radon and why is it harmful? Although many homes throughout the U.S. have some level of radon inside, many people are exposed to amounts that can cause a...
Keep Safe During the Holidays
There are a number of things to look forward to throughout the holiday season, including the opportunity to decorate your house and Christmas tree with festive lights. Unfortunately, decorative lights can be safety hazards if not installed and managed properly, so...
Thermography – From Your Inspection to the Pyramids
When it comes to home inspections, thermography can be used to uncover a number of hidden details about a property. Thermography is able to show a portion of electromagnetic wavelengths not visible with the eye, just like x-rays and ultraviolet rays. However,...
Home Inspections: Should You Have One Done?
Some homebuyers in different areas of the country don’t really look at having a home inspection done as a valid investment. However, going ahead with something like this might actually end up saving you money in the long run. When considering getting a home...
The Importance of a Good Smoke Detector
Smoke detectors are vital in keeping homes, families and belongings safe. But, as the saying goes, nothing lasts forever, and that includes smoke detectors. You may not think about your smoke detector when looking for things in your house that require regular...
Water-Powered Options for Sump Pump Backups
We recently discussed why it’s important to have backup batteries and secondary pumps installed in the event that your primary sump pump fails. However, there’s a third option that is a viable option for many homeowners – water-powered backup sump pumps. How exactly...
Drones Offer Opportunities for More Thorough Inspections
Unmanned aerial vehicles – more commonly known as drones – have been a hot topic in recent years. Many criticize the safety of using these small aircrafts in crowded areas, while others cite concerns with privacy or surveillance. However, one great advantage that...
Finding the Right Inspector Is Much More than Just Cost
Finding a good home inspector is a bit like hiring a new employee. You want to make sure you’re getting a fair and reasonable price, but you also want to make absolutely sure that you’re hiring a certified home inspector who is the right person for the job – even if...
Importance of Backup Batteries and Secondary Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are one of the first lines of defense that keep your basement from flooding whenever heavy rains fall or spring snows melt. However, how do you protect your home and your belongings against flooding if your sump pump fails or the power goes out for an...
Looking at Smoke and CO Detector Requirements in Illinois
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been around for many years, and we often find that homes don’t meet the requirements of Illinois state law. Let’s take a look at what’s necessary under the law to keep your home or apartment both safe and compliant. Smoke...
Why You Should Inspect Your Home Before Selling
We typically hear that you should always inspect a home before you buy it. It turns out though, that the inspection isn’t just for the buyer. Homeowners (sellers) can also benefit from home inspections. Homeowners that are looking to sell their houses and move on to...
Infrared – Plumbing and Leaks
Before making your next call to the plumber, really give thought to trying Infrared Imaging instead. Sure, plumbers who don’t use infrared might be able to unclog your sink, but they won’t be able to tell you the same quality of information that Infrared Imaging can....
Developing Lung Cancer Without Smoking: Cause for Concern
Many Americans die due to lung cancer every year, but many people only attribute these deaths to smoking. As much as smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, there is one cause that sits ahead of secondhand smoking: exposure to Radon. What is Radon? Radon is a...
Installing Furnace Filters
Why do you need a furnace filter? Furnace filters are the main source of protection for the furnace. Furnace filters also clean the air that you are breathing in. Depending on the type of the filter, it can remove lint, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and possibly...
What is the difference between boiler radiant heat and electric radiant heat?
What is the difference between boiler radiant heating and electric radiant heat? While the main difference is the source of the heat, water vs. electric, there are many more subtle differences that can determine which kind of heating is best for the room or entire...
Radon Testing: Protect your Lungs and Your Family
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. What’s more, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths as a result of lung cancer each...
4 Reasons to Have your Home Inspected Even When You’re Not Selling
Typically, people think home inspections are only necessary when you’re buying or selling your home. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Although it’s not necessary to have your home inspected each year, we do recommend having your home inspected every 2-5...
First Time Homebuyers: Let’s Cover the Basics
Once you’ve found the perfect place and have made the decision to purchase your first house, you may be at a loss for what to do next. Don't worry; you are in the company of thousands of other first time home buyers! Hopefully you have surrounded yourself with a group...
3 Benefits of Using Infrared During a Home Inspection
Normal home inspections and home inspectors do not use thermal imaging, which is sometimes referred to as “infrared.” This equipment can be expensive but provides an infinite amount of information to help the inspector analyze your house. An infrared camera is able...
Home Inspection Red Flags Buyers Should Be Aware Of
Buying a home is one of the biggest and most important purchases you will make in your life, but before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll certainly want to make sure things are safe, secure and in working order. So with that being said, check out a few of the...
Is Your Inspector Following the Code of Ethics?
Organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) each hold their own set of standards, outlining a detailed code of ethics and professionalism. From issues surrounding conflicts of...
Boost Home Buyer Confidence with a Home Inspection
This is not the first time that we have heard that prospective homebuyers are more apt to purchase a home that has had a pre-listing home inspection but the American Society of Home Inspectors confirmed that. According to a survey conducted by the ASHI, 84 percent of...
Repair or Replace: How Do You Know?
Sometimes it’s hard to decipher whether or not your home appliances, such as your water heater, need a quick repair or a replacement all together. In instances like this, it's best to listen to advice from a professional and call on the expertise of a licensed home...
How Home Sellers Benefit from a Professional Inspection
The buying and selling process can be extremely overwhelming for all parties, especially with keeping the house clean, making sure pets are secured, leaving for showings and the phone calls, emails and negotiations. For the buyer, one of the most important factors on...