Inspection Learning Center:

Electrical:

Aluminum Branch Wiring (complete article)
Single strand aluminum wiring has been implcated in house fires....

Aluminum Wiring Connections: AlumiConn connector

FPE Panels, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Breaker Panels (website)

Fire Awareness (complete article)
Certain areas around the home are at risk for fire and easy to prevent. Routine evaluation and preventive maintenance can lower the risk as well as some good common sense.

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Energy:

Energy Conservation (complete article)
With the rising cost of energy for your home there are several methods to improve on energy savings.

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Environmental:

Carbon Monoxide (complete article)
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can occur in homes and buildings where combustion by-products are generated or allowed to disperse.  It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating; it is an asphyxiant.  As a poison, it can be deadly at high levels.  At low concentrations, CO can go undetected and contribute to nagging illnesses.  It can compound pre-existing health problems and can go unblamed in premature deaths.

Chinese Drywall (link)

Mold (complete article)
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. A misconception is all black molds are toxic. Actually some other colored molds are more toxic than the “black mold”.

Home Inspection Information:

Top 10 Deal Killers During the Home Inspection (complete article) Over the years I have witnessed many aspects of a home inspection or the process that can cause stress during the process and lead to a deal falling apart.

What is a Home Inspection (complete article)
A home inspection is a limited visual evaluation of the properties primary structure. An inspector should be following the standards of practice and be a member in good standing of a non profit home inspection trade association such as the National Association of Home Inspectors or the American Society of Home Inspectors.  

What is a Prelisting Inspection (complete article)
You may have heard of a Prelisting Inspection, but what is one for exactly.

Preparing for a Home Inspection (complete article)
Preparing for a Home Inspection: Here is a handy checklist to use for your home or pass onto your client.

Plumbing:

Backflow Prevention (complete article)
Areas around your home are subject to cross connections or back sipohnage. This could allow for waste water to become in direct contact with your drinking or potable water.
(EPA Manual) 

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HVAC:

Air-Source Heat Pumps (complete article)
Learn how an air-source heat pump works.

Ground-Source Geothermal Heat Pumps (complete article)
Learn how an ground-source heat pump works.

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Structure:

FRT Plywood, Fire Retardant Treated Plywood (complete article)
Frt plywood was widely used in multi family dwellings in the 1970's...
(PDF Anne Arundel County Notice)

Hurricane Preparedness (complete article)
With the increasing concerns about hurricanes and the recent activity, you should be prepare ahead of time for a potential hurricane landfall or strike.