Paul CumminsNov 22, 20201 minDIY WarinessWhen I inspect a house that seems to have unlicensed work in important systems like siding, plumbing and electrical work I note this in...
Paul CumminsOct 26, 20201 minStab-Lok breakers made by Federal Pacific don't trip reliably: if at all. The rule in real estate sales is: if it isn't broken, it doesn't need to be replaced. Well, this doesn't account for systems that have a...
Paul CumminsMar 12, 20201 minHot and Bollard 'Cause My Door is DentedClick on image to buy covers for these nasty door dingers!
Paul CumminsNov 16, 20191 minDark Closet Floor No More!Warm light turns on when you get near. Rechargable with USB. I have this plugged in to nearby receptacle. But works with regular...
Paul CumminsApr 10, 20191 minConcrete Friendly De-IcerCalcium Magnesium Acetate won't put pock marks in your concrete steps, walkway or driveway. It won't bother pets, track in on your...
Paul CumminsMay 24, 20182 minWater heater safety isn't that simple.Although a water heater tank is basically an overgrown Thermos bottle, we inspectors see common installation issues that can...
Paul CumminsMay 9, 20181 minSecurity film beats bars any day...This photo shows security film on a bathroom window. Before the invention of the film the glass within 18 inches of the floor, or over...
Paul CumminsJan 11, 20171 minWho knew! There's hope for my poor hairless head!Just worked with Jennifer Fang, one of my favorite realtors. I was about to stick my poor battered head into a fireplace when she said,...
Paul CumminsJan 1, 20172 minWhat not to put over what!Ha! That title reminds me of the new grammar I learned while I was a peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines. Interestingly the dialect...
Paul CumminsNov 27, 20162 minExpanding ConfusionMost of us are more worried about waistline expansion than that of our water. Have I said before that home inspection is a lot like...
Paul CumminsAug 13, 20161 minSmart Home with Home DepotIf you don't know what these things are click on them and be taken to Home Depot's new aggregation of all things Internet of Things,...
Paul CumminsJan 1, 20161 minDIY Asbestos TestThis kit also requires a $40 lab fee for putting the fibers under a microscope. It may allieviate some concern whether those ceiling...
Paul CumminsNov 13, 20151 minDads...perfect gift for daughters on their own!Video doorbell can be operated from anywhere with your smartphone! Not home? Say you can't come to the door now because the pitbulls...
Paul CumminsOct 19, 20151 minAll that glitters...Is not flex metal. This is actually aluminum coated plastic. Use solid steel flue pipe or flexible aluminum pipe as found at this link:...
Paul CumminsAug 8, 20151 minWhole-house cellular monitoring system!This system costs $15 a month...that's it! No wires, total control from your phone. SimpliSafe. Click on image for link. #detectors...
Paul CumminsJun 17, 20151 minAll "Smoke" Detectors Can't Detect Smoke!MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PHOTOELECTRIC SENSOR. LOOK FOR A "P" ON THE PACKAGE. Smoke detectors are now recommended in each bedroom, hallway...
Paul CumminsJun 15, 20151 minBenign looking garage door spring wreaks havoc!Those springs that run perpedicular to your garage door track can wear out and break and go through the rear garage wall. So get some of...
Paul CumminsFeb 13, 20151 minNew device calls you when your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors go off!This device uses your home wifi to call you if your ordinary detectors start beeping! Other systems require their own wireless devices...
Paul CumminsDec 18, 20141 minInstant Lead Paint TestPaints used before 1978 may have lead in them. If it's not pealing and won't be disturbed then it's no problem. However, if you are...
Paul CumminsNov 9, 20141 minNew, instant mold testing results!Mold is everywhere! Get those towels totally dry! Spray bleach down the overflow holes in your sinks! Use bleach spray or Softscrub with...