top of page



Some tips from Trulia about preparing a home for sale.
They are also a good argument for having a pre-sale home inspection. I would add that a dirty HVAC filter is a dead giveaway for...

Paul Cummins
Nov 20, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Firebricks have it tough!
Seal cracks with this caulk. Build whole new bricks with the product below. Click on images for links. #caulking #concrete

Paul Cummins
Oct 25, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


The best value in fire starters!
Not fat but resin! These are made from the heartwood of pine logs. Two or three will start a charcoal or outdoor fire. No lighter...

Paul Cummins
Oct 24, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Under cabinet fridge (way-way) under $2000!
You need to be able to move in your kitchen! You live in a nice neighborhood. Take a walk and go buy that ice cream! Click on image...

Paul Cummins
Oct 20, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Water Alarm
The most costly damage I've seen in homes has come from plumbing leaks, sump overflows and water heaters bursting. It is good to check...

Paul Cummins
Oct 14, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Use Thumb Gum around all sorts of openings!
Thumb gum or electricians' putty is used to fill any openings that you don't want permanently sealed, because you eventually will have to...

Paul Cummins
Oct 3, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Kill Weeds, Including Crabgrass, just where they are.
I was just letting crabgass take over my lawn in the summer because I didn't want the granular stuff laying around everywhere until the...

Paul Cummins
Sep 27, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Great air cleaner!
So, elsewhere on these blogs I suggest using washable filters in your HVAC system to save money on filters and improve airflow. To...

Paul Cummins
Sep 18, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Losing soil along a sloping foundation?
I'm not a fan of painting the timbers: they will flake soon and look grimy. Just need to be sure the soil and mulch doesn't get too...

Paul Cummins
Sep 18, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


How do you decide what repairs to ask for?
Extensive or mysterious water damage is one of them! Click on image for article from Trulia which gives guidance on items you may want...

Paul Cummins
Sep 13, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Cooperative Drywall Mud
Wow! NO bubbles, NO awkward streaks. That means one try and no sanding for simple jobs! Click on image for link. #remodel #caulking

Paul Cummins
Sep 9, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Stop taping those filters in!
At least half the air handlers I see need sealing over the filter slot to conserve airflow. I have been recommending putting aluminum...

Paul Cummins
Sep 1, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Underpinning is what it's called to strengthen a foundation.
Just inspected a new house that already has shown settling of its concrete block foundation. It may just be a drainage issue: the whole...

Paul Cummins
Aug 31, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Power Post for Sewage Ejectors
Just saw a sewage ejector system with no alarms! Who wants to walk downstairs into sewage? This device keeps you, and your nose,...

Paul Cummins
Aug 25, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Beautiful Panel Cover
You will enjoy a solution like this even more than we inspectors who have to cut away at paint over your panel to check inside it! Click...

Paul Cummins
Aug 21, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Smart Home with Home Depot
If 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 Cummins
Aug 13, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Very High Radon Levels Can be Mitigated!
The average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries/liter. This firm says they were able to get 3500 picocuries/liter down to 3! Click on...

Paul Cummins
Aug 9, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


How Radon Mitigation Works
Click here for THIS OLD HOUSE video. Need to look for points of access like bare soil and add a ventilation system. Virginia State Law...

Paul Cummins
Aug 9, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


Could be the best vent-less washer/dryer!
This is called a condensing model, as opposed to a centrifuge where you have to empty a water collection pan after every use. So we're...

Paul Cummins
Jul 28, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â


From No Bars to Four!
I live down near George Washington's old house. There is a bottle brush cell tower there that doesn't really look like a spruce tree. ...

Paul Cummins
Jul 25, 20161 min read
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page
