Here's an index of past home buying and selling feature articles that focus on home safety and maintenance.
Flood Insurance Tutorial
Guide to help you learn the facts about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Find out who can buy flood insurance, how much it costs, and more.
EIFS - Synthetic Stucco
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
Gas Fireplaces and Stoves
Gas fireplaces are an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the warmth of a fire without the chores of hauling wood and cleaning ashes. Here's a bit of information to help you understand the differences between vented and unvented gas appliances.
Powder Post Beetles
Powder post beetles can infest any item made of wood, and your new home may turn out to be the perfect retreat for these little critters. Learn what makes them tick.
Private Well Construction
Reluctance to live in a rural house just because it lacks community water often eliminates great building sites for your new home. Learning about well construction helps you ask the right questions about new and existing wells.
Protecting Your Home From Wildfires
From Florida to California, wildfires are increasing. Is your property ready if a fire approaches? Do you know how to evaluate your new home for fire risk? Learn what steps you can take to help protect your home and family.
Safe Rooms - Find Shelter in a Storm
Where do you go for safety when a tornado or hurricane threatens your home and family? One shelter choice that's becoming popular is the safe room, a structure designed to withstand battering by even the most ferocious winds and the debris caught up in them.
Septic System Maintenance
Simple steps you can take to ensure your septic system operates in a trouble free manner.
Tent Fumigation
Here's a start-to-finish look at a recent tent fumigation, performed to eradicate powder post beetles. The house was covered with a huge striped tent, then an odorless gas was circulated to get rid of the pests.
Toxic Black Mold - Stachybotrys chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum is a slimy, black mold that grows on moisture-laden cellulose. Nasty? You bet it is, and so are the health problems it can trigger.
Well Water Safety
When you make an offer to purchase a house with a private well, it's a good idea to test water quality, and to make your contract contingent on obtaining the desired test results.
Winterize Your Home
It's time to think about winterizing your home. But don't panic, the tasks aren't overwhelming when you prepare for winter one step at a time.
Winterize Your Vacation Home
Winterizing your vacation home, or preparing it for any off season, helps minimize the dangers your retreat might face while you are away.
Wood Burning Fireplace Maintenance
It's best to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney at your new home, and perform a thorough inspection to make sure it's safe. But there are a few things you can look at to help determine if cleaning or repairs are required.
Topics Index
Home Maintenance & Safety
Working With Real Estate Agents
