Home owner tips and information

Make it Count - Choose a Qualified Home Inspector   The process of searching for and purchasing a home that fulfills your dreams can be one of the most trying, stressful and rewarding episodes of your life.  Before moving to Florida many years ago, my wife and I lived in nine (!) different homes ...

A Well Engineered House           February 17 thru 23 is National Engineers' Week, about which President Bush wrote:  "By harnessing the power of technology and science, engineers help transform and enhance the quality of life for people around the globe.  Their work spurs innovation in many impo...

The Humidistat - that other box on your wall To keep ourselves and our fur-laden Eskimo dog comfortable during the summer, my wife and I set our thermostat at 74 degrees.   When we first moved to Florida, my wife adjusted the Humidistat to get rid of "this humidity".   Soon our house developed a ...

 Concrete: The hard facts           Last week, I received a phone call from a worried homeowner concerned about cracks in his newly installed concrete patio.  Often I am asked about cracks in concrete surfaces and what they represent.  Before going further, it is helpful to know a bit about concr...

Article publised March 23, 2008 in the 5 Treasure Coast Newspapers with circulation greater than 250,000Water Heater Drips and Tips          Last week, a wet spot developed under my Aunt Helen's carpeting just outside her utility closet.  I went to investigate and sure enough the carpet was soaki...

Article published Sunday March 30,in the 5 newspapers on the Treasure Coast with circulation more than 250,000. Mold - a friend, a foe, a fungi          Before the dawn of man, mold was present on earth.  With more than 100,000 species, it is everywhere and can be both beneficial and hazardous.  ...

Reflections on a Cathedral Ceiling          When I was fifteen and an exchange student, I stepped unprepared into Strasburg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world from 1647 until 1874.  Hushed quiet filled the cathedral as dappled light flowed down from above.  I lifted my eyes and followed...

Article as published in Scripp's Treasure Coast newspapers reaching more than 250,000 readers.To keep ourselves and our fur-laden Eskimo dog comfortable during the summer, my wife and I set our thermostat at 74 degrees.   When we first moved to Florida, my wife adjusted the Humidistat to get rid ...

Article as published in Scripp's Treasure Coast newspapers serving more than 250,000 readersWe live in a Material World                                                            Material science explains how different materials behave under varying environmental conditions.  As a home owner, it ...

Top Three Wind Inspection Factors  Last month I wrote how every home owner can save money off their insurance by ordering a "Wind Inspection".  The article was well received but generated a universal question:  "How much will I save on my home?"  The most direct answer is, it depends on your insu...