Closing Costs & Information Congratulations! You have decided to buy a new home. This will help you take this big financial step by describing the home buying, home financing, and settlement process. Lenders and mortgage brokers are required by federal law, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), to give you this informaation. You should […]
Historic Renovation Historic renovation and re-use are particularly delicate forms of architecture. They demand active research and a desire to understand a building’s contribution yesterday as well as its potential contribution in the future. The historic renovation of homes and buildings has become a very popular movement across North America. The National Trust for Historic […]
The ABCs of Home Ownership (A Glossary) Here are some common terms relevant to home ownership. A/C: An abbreviation for Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning, or Alternating Current. Access Panel: An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system. Approach: The area between the sidewalk and the […]
The combination of voltage, amperage, resistance to the flow of the current and duration of contact makes working with electricity dangerous. Electricity follows an uninterrupted path. If the body becomes part of the path, electricity will pass through it. Even though dry hands and feet offer more resistance to electrical current than do wet hands […]
FHA Guidelines for Rehabilitating a Home The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer’s credit approved. These lenders fund the […]
source: EPA Formaldehyde is an important chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Thus, it may be present in substantial concentrations both indoors and outdoors. Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials, smoking, household products, […]
source: NASD Disconnect the appliances or turn off the power if the person is undergoing electric shock. Cover associated electric shock burns with a dry sterile dressing only. Never touch a person undergoing electric shock or you too could become a victim. First Aid for Electric Shock Victims Don’t touch them! Unplug the appliance […]
source: NASD (CDC.gov) Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Outlets near water should be GFI-type outlets. Don’t allow trees near power lines to be climbed. Keep ladders, kites, equipment […]
Source: NASD Electricity can be a potent fire source. Many farmers and others have lost a barn or house from old or defective wiring. Overloaded wiring can be very dangerous. It is safer and more efficient to install new circuits. Never put water on an electrical fire. Use a CO2 fire extinguisher if the fire […]
While outdoor air pollution in densely populated areas are a major health and environmental concern, indoor air pollution often goes unnoticed until health issues arise. Air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest – your home. Many ordinary activities such as cooking, heating, […]
