Author Archives: mikew
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Grandpa & the Elves: Part 2
Posted on December 16, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItIn the holiday season we are surrounded by the nostalgia of traditions, celebrations and the peculiar families we’re blessed with. Carrying this spirit forward I return with another compilation of admirable ways that grandfathers have left home handiwork for us to enjoy. Grandpas, and elves, are magical creatures that have uncanny mastery of the crafts. […]
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Brilliant! Home maintenance cleaning hacks
Posted on November 2, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItSUMMARY: This article discusses seven simple cleaning tools and seven everyday homeowner solutions that can remedy most spills, stains and unwanted blemishes on household surfaces. One of the most underrated aspects of home maintenance are methods of cleanup due to house living and repair. Here are some of the proven ways I have found to […]
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“Watch Out For Ants They Are Every Where”
Posted on September 22, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItWhat To Know About Spiders, Ants, Bugs and Our Houses Tis the season of creepy crawlies and the bugs that bring the heebie-jeebies! In the Seattle area October is the height of spider season. As an inspector moving through Rhododendrons and other shrubs near houses I brace for a face full of silky web. My […]
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Autumn Home Hacks
Posted on August 23, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use It12 Ideas to Save Money and Improve Quality of Life this Fall! Our houses are in a constant state of decline and disrepair. Seasonally they call for our attention and a short, intentional spurt of care. In the spirit of decreasing expenses and increasing home enjoyment I offer these home hacks. Clear the gutters of […]
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What’s-in-the-Chimney? Series
Posted on August 19, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItStanding with incredible views I take time to walk and inspect most roofs. When accessible I peer down the fantastical chute responsible for brightly wrapped presents Christmas morning – and I imagine. Or sometimes I don’t have to imagine. There are interesting finds when I shine my flashlight into chimney flues. Here’s quick photo series […]
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Zinsco put the HOLY into SMOKES!
Posted on July 14, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItThe old Zinsco brand of electrical panels are colorful and cool-looking until you see this! When home inspectors come to homes built in the 1970s and earlier we are looking at the main electrical panel for a variety of reasons. We carefully take the service cover off to see what the condition of the box, […]
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Things I Miss: Classic Ways Things Once Were in Houses
Posted on June 2, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItThe golden years of building were the 60s and 70s. This was the generation of homes being built just as I was born and considered new construction when I was a kid. A generation later it is becoming evident that there was something unique about the quality and design of these homes. I offer a […]
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Sequel to The Home Toolbox Essentials
Posted on June 2, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItThe list of tools every home owner needs for basic home repair This month projects are in full swing and many clients are moving into their first-time home! It is also time for the follow-up to an article I posted two years ago about what essential tools and maintenance items every home owner should have […]
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Pressure Washer Rules of Play
Posted on May 6, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItGuidance Using the Popular Spring Home Owner Cleaning Device The best of every child’s world is joined in the ever-important pressure washer! Anyone who has grabbed the plastic wand shimmering with pent-up power knows the brilliance of a gas-powered engine, water hose and Star Wars photon-torpedo blast. This spring essential is being borrowed, rented and […]
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So Many (mis)Uses of Tape!
Posted on May 5, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItThe popular adhesive unrolls in countless creative applications. A+ for creativity and a short-term fix. However, the tired and aging materials reveal a once temporary has become an indefinite, semi-permanent repair. Let’s get on with the fascinating ways people keep things up and in and on. #13 – Strap It To A Pole This automatic […]
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