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Not Just an Old Shed
We moved to Fredericksburg into a house built in1863. This out building may have been slave quarters, due to evidence of an old stove. We...

Paul Cummins
Jul 26, 20231 min read
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Plastic Vanities: be wary of heat and drain cleaners!
I have seen burns from curling irons and cigarettes in these, also discoloration from drain cleaners. You need to protect the sink from...

Paul Cummins
May 22, 20231 min read
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Amazing New Fertilizer
These hostas have been here since I moved in 12 years ago. I fertilized them with the usual stinky, burning, manufactured nitrogen...

Paul Cummins
May 6, 20231 min read
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Paul Cummins
May 6, 20230 min read
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Air "Fresheners" and Safety
Fabuloso not so fabulous! This pervasive cleaner made its way north from South America to homes and offices everywhere, until it was...

Paul Cummins
Mar 25, 20231 min read
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New Roof Looks Great from Above...BUT
My main strategy as a home inspector is to keep an open mind because even the most obvious good things about a house can throw for a...

Paul Cummins
Mar 9, 20231 min read
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Back to Basics
Who doesn't have back pain after a certain age? I've gotten relief with acupuncture but complete independence came after I was taught...

Paul Cummins
Feb 28, 20231 min read
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Butt Ugly to Gorgeous Concrete Steps
My basement stairs. As with any painting, prep is the most important. Had to patch holes and cracks with concrete patch and clean and...

Paul Cummins
Feb 9, 20231 min read
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Glitzy Services: Sewer Scoping, Infrared Camera Pics, and Lead X-raying.
I would be delighted to make more money during inspections but I'm stuck on lack of overall value to home buyers for extra services....

Paul Cummins
Feb 8, 20232 min read
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Shades can make or break a room and your patience!
Most folks just keep their shades closed because they are so awkward: resulting in no daylight in the room. Any feature with cords to...

Paul Cummins
Jan 26, 20231 min read
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Seagrass Rugs: Fragrant, Durable, Pet Friendly and Inexpensive
Here's a pic from our living room. Can't beat this rug, Ha! Rarely needs vacuuming. Pet spills cleanup with spray cleaner and a wet...

Paul Cummins
Jan 26, 20231 min read
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Everyone Wants a Gas Stove, but...
This article from WP suggests gas stoves are causing asthma, maybe up to 650,000 cases so far. Combustion products from gas stoves...

Paul Cummins
Jan 17, 20231 min read
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After Christmas: What about all the Cords!
These cable cuffs come in different sizes. Click on image for link.

Paul Cummins
Jan 7, 20231 min read
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Attic Selfie: Watch that bald head!
Trying to get camera to go in the other direction. Paint spots on glasses from current basement painting project. Here's one from an...

Paul Cummins
Dec 11, 20221 min read
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Great idea for older houses that need a little more sunshine!
Here's my feet in what I call our Breezeway. Double carport I decked and screened in. We spend most of our time out here for three...

Paul Cummins
Nov 28, 20221 min read
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An ecumenical story that hopefully warms your soul by reflecting more on the first Christmas.
The Christmas Cardinal by Paul Cummins It happened every year. There were too many of them, it was inevitable. It was like the mystery...

Paul Cummins
Nov 21, 202214 min read
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Resilience and Beauty during rough times...
Pinkweed thriving in a sidewalk crack with winter soon upon it!

Paul Cummins
Nov 7, 20221 min read
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If termites have enough time and water...
Unbelievable. It takes 60,000 termites 6 months to eat a 12 inch 2x4. Here is 15 years of neglect.

Paul Cummins
Oct 14, 20221 min read
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Weep Hole in Sump Discharge Can Make a Mess, Unless...
You add a diverter as in this video. The weep hole prevents air gaps between the pump and check valve, which may render the pump...

Paul Cummins
Sep 23, 20221 min read
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Wood windows in showers don't hold up well. Check out this beautiful option!
Click on image for link.

Paul Cummins
Sep 18, 20221 min read
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