Oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are wood structural panels made by compressing and gluing pieces of wood together. While OSB and...

As energy efficiency has become an increasing concern among builders and homeowners, the attributes and performance of building materials...

Winterization is the process of preparing a home for the harsh conditions of winter. It is usually performed in the fall before snow and...

The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire...

"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...

While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can...

Basic Electrical Measurement Units Voltage, measured in volts (V), is the measure of potential energy per unit of charge. Using a...

Efflorescence is the white chalky powder that you might find on the surface of a concrete or brick wall. It can be a cosmetic issue, or...

Clothes dryers evaporate the water from wet clothing by blowing hot air past them while they tumble inside a spinning drum. Heat is...

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you...

The number one hazard for children is falls, which are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the U.S. for this age group. About...

A central vacuum system (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in...

Humidifiers are devices that humidify air so that building occupants are comfortable. Central humidifiers are hard-wired into a house’s...

Carpeted bathrooms are bathrooms that have carpeted floors instead of traditional floor surfaces, such as tile or vinyl. Despite their...

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied...

Purchasing foreclosed homes in desirable areas at below-market values can be a sound investment strategy. Appreciation on their original...

There are a number of measures that homeowners can take to ensure that their homes are not attractive to burglars. If clients are...

Common in much of Europe and Asia, bidets are toilet-like plumbing fixtures designed to promote posterior hygiene. Although bidet...

Bathroom ventilation systems are designed to exhaust odors and moist air to the home's exterior. Typical systems consist of a ceiling fan...

Bats are nocturnal mammals found in most inhabited places throughout the world. Bat infestation in homes, especially in attics, can be a...