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An “energy-efficient” mortgage (EEM) is a mortgage that factors in a homeowner’s or home buyer’s efforts to conserve energy. These loans allow borrowers to reduce their utility bills by financing the cost of incorporating energy-efficient features, such as certain lighting and […]

The federal government’s ENERGY STAR Program, created years ago to help consumers by identifying energy-efficient household appliances, was recently exposed by the New York Timesfor their apparently lax quality-control standards. A study conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded […]

Engineered wood flooring is an alternative to solid hardwood flooring made entirely out of real wood.  It’s currently the most popular type of flooring in the world.  North America is the only area left where traditional, solid wood floors still […]

While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by […]

Evaluating structural framing can be difficult for several reasons: the quality of work varies widely; building standards and practices have changed over the years; and different methods have been used and considered acceptable in different parts of North America. The […]

Exercise equipment is inherently dangerous.  Various types of home gym devices are typically large and have moving parts. Accidents, whether to adults who misuse the equipment or to children who gain unsupervised access, can be avoided through preventative measures. Gym equipment is also a […]

Decks, porches, balconies, verandas and patios are outdoor architectural elements that are often confused with one another. An explanation of their intended use, history and design allow for useful distinctions, although a certain degree of exception and overlap is unavoidable. […]

When deciding how to go about the process of selling their homes, homeowners should carefully consider the pros and cons of hiring a real estate agent. While most sellers opt to hire an agent to assist them with the sale, […]

So, you want to buy a house cheap, and you look to the foreclosure market. Considering the over-abundance of these properties and just how little many of them are going for, it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon and buy […]

A French drain is a common means of diverting water from one location on a property to another in order to divert excess rainwater or to dry up soil that is excessively waterlogged,such as land that is located near wetlands. […]

“A TV can be a child’s best friend, but it also can be a parent’s worst enemy,” says the mother of a 3-year-old who was crushed by a television, according to a 2009 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study. The […]