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Houses to flip over!
Posted on April 30, 2018 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItIn this market many folks have found investment opportunities fixing up run down houses. As an inspector I’ve entered countless “flips” and there are some things that are good signs, and some not so good signs. I operate from the perspective that we ought to do right by one another – it doesn’t take Biblical […]
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Ladder Advice
Posted on March 10, 2018 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItI’m convinced that the most dangerous tool that homeowners own is a ladder. One of my recent continuing education courses reviewed ladder safety. Watching the re-enactment videos was sobering and put a healthy fear in me about climbing to places that only monkeys, squirrels and birds dare live! Here’s some advice I have for those […]
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Sabbath Mode
Posted on February 28, 2018 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItI’ve looked into a lot of refrigerators over the years and given a cursory look at the controls. One stood out to me recently that I don’t ever remember seeing before… “Sabbath Mode.” From my reading of the Bible I’m familiar with the ancient Jewish practice of the Sabbath day; this was the seventh day […]
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2018 Northwest home and fashion style
Posted on February 20, 2018 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItIf you are looking for modern approaches to Seattle house decor and design there are some terrific trends to get ahead of! No need to credit me when a guest comments or you get a letter from the neighborhood association – please enjoy all the praise and accolade for your self! The 2018 Northwest home […]
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Creativity abounds in the Northwest!
Posted on December 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItHere are more creative home repairs that I have seen in recent inspections. These prove that while some things have a single right way, there are many more areas where creativity abounds. Is there such a thing as a wrong way? You will have to decide! Rain barrel slide Why have one rain barrel when […]
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Outdoor electrical components 101
Posted on December 10, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItHave you ever noticed those components outside your garage wall? Ever hit that metal rod sticking out of the ground with your weed wacker? Ever wondered what that big braided wire is for? Here is a quick 101 crash course on those exterior components for those of you interested. First, let me introduce you to […]
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Problem panels and wiring
Posted on November 30, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItElectricity evokes fear for many people. It is a powerful energy that has been harnessed for much good use. I wanted to briefly point out the two panel types and one wiring material that have been problematic in houses of the 1960s and 1970s. If I find these issues I recommend additional evaluation and necessary repairs […]
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Clean the screen!
Posted on October 30, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItWhere does the water go as you boil the pot and see the water level decrease? What happens when you reduce juicy tomatoes to a thick, rich marinara sauce? How come your neighbors smell your dinner when they walk by your house? The answers to these questions can be found with the ventilation fume hood […]
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Love those DIY-ers!
Posted on October 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItOften I ask my clients their do-it-yourself comfort level. Recently I have seen some do-it-yourself work that had me thinking that some people’s confidence far exceeds their ability (or at least their foresight!). Joining the many previous posts on creative home repairs I offer these ideas for those of you who enjoy doing home projects […]
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SCARY MOMENT! Use the right panel screws!
Posted on September 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use ItFew people would ever consider it safe to remove an electrical panel. It is why home inspectors and electricians have their jobs! This story may further discourage anyone from opening a panel… I had one of my top 5 scariest moments at an inspection this summer as I re-installed a panel cover. As I removed […]
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