Back to Basics

What Is a Spark Arrestor and Does My Chimney Need One?

By |2025-12-09T11:07:07-07:00December 20th, 2025|Back to Basics|

A spark arrestor is one of the simplest—and most essential—parts of a chimney system, especially in Denver’s dry climate. This small mesh screen at the top of the chimney prevents embers from escaping, keeps animals and debris out, and supports safe, efficient fireplace performance. If you’re buying a home in Denver or reviewing a home inspection report, knowing whether a spark arrestor is installed (and in good condition) can make a big difference in long-term fire safety and chimney health.

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Water Heater Replacement Options: What Homebuyers Should Know

By |2025-11-04T14:06:42-07:00November 26th, 2025|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

When your water heater stops working, it’s more than just an inconvenience. It’s a decision point. Should you replace it with a traditional tank, go tankless, or upgrade to something more efficient? This guide breaks down the most common water heater types, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right system for your Colorado home.

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Why Do I Have Squeaky Floors (And What Can I Do About It?)

By |2025-11-04T13:39:10-07:00November 12th, 2025|Flooring|

Creaky floors can make even a brand-new home sound old but they’re usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, squeaky floors are caused by natural wood movement, loose fasteners, or small gaps between boards. Learn what’s behind the noise, when it might signal a bigger issue, and simple fixes to help quiet your floors for good.

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Explaining the Square D AFCI Breaker Recall

By |2025-09-30T12:45:09-06:00September 30th, 2025|Back to Basics, Electrical|

As electrical panels developed and evolved over the years, sometimes certain features turned out to be not so safe. If you do have an older panel, it's important to be aware of era-specific defects that might be present. There have been some pretty serious factory recalls throughout the decades - such as Federal Pacific [...]

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Inspecting Garages: What Home Inspectors Look For

By |2025-08-18T14:20:45-06:00August 18th, 2025|Back to Basics, Garage|

A garage is more than just a place to park your car or store those mountain bikes. It actually plays a significant role in the safety, security, efficiency and value of the home. However, because it is generally exterior to the living space, garage maintenance is often overlooked. Inspecting garages is always a crucial [...]

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Inspecting Electrical Panels: What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

By |2025-08-04T09:26:02-06:00August 4th, 2025|Back to Basics, Electrical|

In this day in age, electricity is a critical component in any household. The electrical panel essentially works as the heart of your electrical system - meant to safely and efficiently distribute electricity throughout the home. During a standard home inspection, the electrical panel (often referred to as the "breaker box") is a key [...]

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Understanding and Preventing Moisture Issues

By |2025-07-23T11:13:20-06:00July 23rd, 2025|Back to Basics|

Water is a force not to be underestimated. It can sneak its way into a home, causing structural damage, health issues, and expensive repairs. Having inspected over 66,500 homes in the span of 19+ years, we have certainly seen our fair share of mold and moisture issues. When left unaddressed, even the smallest traces [...]

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Crawlspace Inspections: What Do Inspectors Look For?

By |2025-07-01T09:52:37-06:00July 1st, 2025|Back to Basics, Crawlspace|

When considering a home, we often only focus on its aspects that are visible. But it is often the unseen components of a structure that play the most significant roles. One such area is the crawlspace - it plays a critically important part in the overall health, safety, and efficiency of a home. Crawlspace [...]

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Water Heater Maintenance: Tank vs Tankless

By |2025-06-05T13:18:40-06:00June 5th, 2025|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

Let's face it - we need our water heaters. Whether it's for those nice warm showers or sparkling clean dishes, most of us have our water heater working double time on a daily basis. It follows then that regular maintenance is essential for keeping your water heater running efficiently, preventing costly breakdowns, extending its [...]

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Understanding the Importance of Plumbing Ventilation

By |2025-03-10T13:02:00-06:00March 10th, 2025|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

The average residential home has a lot of vents - vents for your HVAC system, vents for your attic, a vent for your dryer, a vent for your gas water heater etc. But did you know that your plumbing system also needs vents? In fact, reliable plumbing ventilation is absolutely crucial for a healthy [...]

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