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Leaking Faucet Creates Ice Dome

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What happens when an exterior faucet drips in Minnesota in the Winter? You get an Ice Dome. Two things you want to make sure of is that faucets ar completely shut off and that you don't leave garden hoses hooked up. It is important that the anti frost valve is allowed to drain properly to prevent damage to the faucet

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Here Come The Ice Dams

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Now that we have finally had our first appreciable snowfall in the Rochester MN area we have to be on the lookout for Ice Dams. Ice dams are the result of snow melting on the roof due to poor insulation.

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Who says this circuit can’t “support” 50A 220V….

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This inspection photo shows a 50A, 220V circuit that serviced the homes Range, Dryer and the Air conditioner, yes, all three appliances on one breaker. The junction box was hanging in mid air, was missing grommets. You may also notice limestone basement walls and a dirt floor. You can’t even begin to list all the reasons this is wrong and unsafe.

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wood Burning Fireplace

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There are many reasons to keep your homes fireplace and chimney clean and in tip top operating condition. A dirty chimney will reduce the effectiveness of a fireplace as a heat source. Severe neglect and lack of maintenance may result in a chimney fire. Chimney fires can lead to home fires.

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Dangers Of A Vacated Electrical Enclosure Space At A Rochester MN Home Inspection

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In older homes it is common to have an old electrical panel vacated and a new one installed at a nearby location.. At this particular home inspection I came across a door in the stairwell. The original panel had been removed from the enclosure space.

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The Key To A Beautiful Deck

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Most of us will agree that the key to a great looking deck is to keep it maintained. That may mean staining it every couple of years. Most people can handle the process by themselves, but have a hard time finding the time, the right approach and the right products

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Creating Curb Appeal On a Small Budget

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Summer is here, and most of us and our neighbors are outside planting, trimming and preparing the patios and deck for cookouts. We're also taking time for evening strolls through the neighborhood. Looking around at what your neighbors are up to may result in a desire to improve your home's curb appeal.

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Reveals Some Not So Obvious Fire Hazards

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Not all fire hazards are as obvious or predictable. Some of these lesser known hazards are just as concerning because we don't see them coming until it's too late. Below is a list of the top ten unexpected fire hazards that may be in your home.

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Shares How To Keep Your Home Comfortable Year Round

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Homeowners are always looking for ways to update their homes. Upgrades to the kitchen and bath, or a fresh coat of paint can add value and look nice. Sometimes the most effective Do It Yourself projects aren’t visible at all.

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Why You Should Keep Your Water Heater Properly Maintained

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During the course of a home inspection I remind clients that in order for appliances to operate safely and efficiently, they should be maintained on a regular schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. In the photos above you will see a water heater that I came across at a home inspection. Clearly there are some combustion issues.

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Protecting Your Landscaping During The Snowy Season

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We all put a lot of time and hard work into your yard during the summer. It’s late fall and you have taken the time to get things ready for winter. You know the drill: make sure your plans are all well watered before the ground freezes. Move house plans indoors. Clean up the flower beds, remove, cut back, mulch…etc.

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Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Here we are, the end of October. Summer is over and we need to start thinking about preparing for winter. Below are some recommended home maintenance tips you should consider before the snow starts to fly.

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