by Nick Gromicko Original Article Link Purchasing foreclosed homes in desirable areas at below-market values can be a sound investment strategy. Appreciation on their original prices may be tax-free.  Buying foreclosed rental properties can provide positive cash flow, as well as valuable tax deductions. On the other hand, buying a foreclosure involves homework, patience, and a […]

by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko Original Article Link Building orientation is the practice of facing a building so as to maximize certain aspects of its surroundings, such as street appeal, to capture a scenic view, for drainage considerations, etc. With rising energy costs, it’s becoming increasingly important for builders to orient buildings to capitalize […]

Original Article Link If you want to build a new home, there are things you need to know before you begin. Learn about construction standards and about buying land, so you know your rights. MPS Supplementing Model Building Codes   The Minimum Property Standards (MPS) establish certain minimum standards for buildings constructed under HUD housing […]

by Nick Gromicko Original Article Link Biowalls — also referred to as living walls, vertical gardens, green facades, and green walls — are interior or exterior walls that are covered with living vegetation. Biowalls have practical applications for both indoor and outdoor use. Many indoor biowalls are implemented in homes and offices for their natural air-filtration properties, […]

Original Article Link Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continue to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But 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, […]

by Nick Gromicko Original Article Link Water Damage Concerns Basements are typically the area of a structure most at risk for water damage because they are located below grade and surrounded by soil.  Soil releases water it has absorbed during rain or when snow melts, and the water can end up in the basement through leaks or […]

by Zach Brown. Voltage drop is something that I commonly find when doing home inspections, and it isn’t always easy to understand. Is it dangerous? Will it affect my electrical equipment I have plugged in? Why didn’t my last home inspector test for voltage drop? I usually go over these sorts of questions during or after my […]

by Nick Gromicko Original Article Link Attic pull-down ladders, also called attic pull-down stairways, are collapsible ladders that are permanently attached to the attic floor. Occupants can use these ladders to access their attics without being required to carry a portable ladder.   Common Defects   Homeowners, not professional carpenters, usually install attic pull-down ladders. Evidence […]

by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard Original Article Link Anti-tip brackets are metal devices designed to prevent freestanding ranges from tipping. They are normally attached to a rear leg of the range or screwed into the wall behind the range, and are included in all installation kits. A unit that is not equipped with these devices […]

by Nick Gromicko Original Article Link Aluminum siding is generally in decline as an exterior cladding material because vinyl siding and other materials have become more popular choices.  However, it is still among the most common forms of siding found today.  It provided many advantages over other materials when it was introduced in the 1940s.  It […]