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Home Automation for Energy Savings: Tips and devices. 11/09/2026

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  Home Automation for Energy Savings: Tips and devices. “Turn Off the Lights!” How Much Can Everyday Habits Really Save on Your Energy Bill? The other day, I caught myself telling my kids to turn off the lights in our home. It’s something most parents have said hundreds of times. But this time, it got me thinking: How much money are we actually saving? And what about the thermostat or the electronics sitting plugged in while everyone is gone? Small habits can reduce energy costs, but some make a bigger difference than others. Understanding where your home uses energy helps you focus your efforts. How Much Does Turning Off the Lights Save? The answer depends on the bulbs you use and how long you leave them on. For example, assume electricity costs 18 cents per kilowatt-hour and you turn off 10 lights that otherwise would stay on for eight hours every day: Bulb type Estimated monthly savings 9-watt LED bulbs $3.89 60-watt incandescent bulbs $25.92 Both examples provide similar light...
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Moisture Problems: Causes, Detection, and Solutions 11/02/2026

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  Moisture Problems: Causes, Detection, and Solutions  A stain on the ceiling. Bubbling paint near a window. A musty smell that never seems to go away. These are things homeowners should pay attention to. Moisture can damage wood, corrode metal, and create conditions that support mold growth. InterNACHI—the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors—identifies moisture intrusion as a cause of numerous building problems. Finding the source early can help keep damage from spreading. As a home inspector, I want homeowners to understand this: covering a water stain does not correct the problem that caused it. Before you paint, replace flooring, or install new drywall, find out where the moisture came from. What Causes Moisture Problems? Water can enter a home from outside, escape from plumbing inside, or collect when humid air meets a cold surface. Roof and exterior leaks: Damaged roofing, defective flashing, and gaps around windows, doors, and exterior penetrations ...
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Unsafe Practices That Can Cost You Your Home 10/26/2026

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  Unsafe Practices That Can Cost You Your Home 10/26/2026 Sometimes the biggest problems in a home start with what seemed like a “good enough” idea. In the inspection world, I see it all the time — shortcuts, unsafe repairs, DIY projects gone wrong, and unfortunately, inspections performed by people who simply do not have the experience or training to recognize serious issues. A home can look beautiful on the surface while hiding electrical hazards, structural concerns, moisture intrusion, or unsafe installations behind the walls. One bad idea can turn into thousands of dollars in repairs — or worse, a safety issue for your family. The “Good Enough” Mentality A lot of homeowners mean well. They watch a video online, buy a few materials from the hardware store, and try to tackle projects themselves. Sometimes it works out. Other times, it creates problems that are far more expensive than hiring a professional from the beginning. Some common unsafe practices found in homes include: E...
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Home Buying Tips: What to Look for During Inspections 10/20/2026

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  Home Buying Tips: What to Look for During Inspections 10/20/2026 By Dirk Houglum, D&P Home Inspection Buying a home is exciting. You start imagining where the furniture will go, family gatherings, and enjoying your new neighborhood. But before you get too comfortable with the floor plan and fresh paint, take time to understand the condition of the home. As a home inspector, I want you to know what you are buying. A good inspection helps you recognize concerns, understand maintenance needs, and make a more informed decision. Here are the areas I encourage buyers to pay attention to. 1. Start With Water and Moisture Water can leave clues long before you see an active leak. Look for ceiling stains, bubbling paint, swollen cabinets, damaged baseboards, and musty odors. Ask your inspector about anything that looks unusual. Outside, pay attention to where rainwater goes. Does the ground slope toward the house? Do downspouts discharge near the foundation? Are there signs of water co...
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Mice: Small Animals That Can Cause Big Problems 10/13/2026

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  Scratching in the attic, droppings in the garage, or raised tunnels across the lawn can leave a homeowner wondering what has moved in. Before reaching for a bag of poison, identify the animal and understand the problem. Mice, rats, and moles behave differently, and the wrong treatment can put pets and wildlife at risk. Mice: Small Animals That Can Cause Big Problems 10/13/2026 House mice seek food and shelter around people. They can squeeze through openings as small as about one-quarter inch, making gaps around doors, pipes, and other penetrations potential entry points. Look for small droppings, chewed food packaging, shredded nesting materials, and a musky odor. Mice can contaminate food and damage materials through gnawing. Chewed electrical wiring is particularly concerning because damaged insulation can create a fire hazard. A small animal can leave behind a costly problem. [1] Rats: Trouble Above and Below Rats are larger rodents, but their location often provides another c...
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Deck Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Longevity 09/14/2026

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  Deck Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Longevity 09/14/2026 Deck Maintenance and Repair: Tips for Longevity A properly built and maintained deck can last for decades, while a poorly constructed one may begin showing signs of failure within just a few years. Decks are constantly exposed to sunlight, moisture, temperature swings, insects, and heavy foot traffic, making proper planning, quality materials, and regular maintenance extremely important. Whether building a brand-new deck or maintaining an older one, understanding how all the components work together can help protect your investment for years to come. One of the most important things in deck construction is having a solid plan from the beginning and following it through correctly. Many deck failures happen not because the deck looked bad, but because shortcuts were taken during construction. Proper layout, accurate measurements, correct spacing, and understanding load paths all matter when building a safe and durable struc...
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