What Is a Double-Tapped Breaker?
A double-tapped breaker has two electrical conductors connected to one breaker terminal. Some breakers permit this, while others do not. Learn how to tell the difference and why the connection may require evaluation.
6 min readRead articleWhat Is an Open Ground?
The ground wire provides a backup safety path when something goes wrong. Learn how electricity normally flows and what it means when that grounding path is open.
6 min readRead articleShould I Buy a House With Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring is not an automatic reason to reject an older home. Learn what buyers should understand about condition, insurance, and possible upgrades.
6 min readRead articleWhat Is a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels deserve careful attention. Learn why certain breakers are a concern and what buyers should do before closing.
7 min readRead articleWhat Is a Zinsco Electrical Panel?
Zinsco electrical panels deserve careful attention. Learn how to recognize this legacy equipment, why concealed connections matter, and what buyers should do before closing.
8 min readRead articleWho Inspects Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms When a Rhode Island Home Is Sold?
Rhode Island generally requires a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm certificate before a residential property is transferred. Learn who performs the inspection and who arranges it.
4 min readRead articleHow Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?
An asphalt roof does not have a precise expiration date. Learn the common planning range, what affects service life, and what a home inspection can determine.
6 min readRead articleWhat Is AFCI Protection?
An AFCI is an electrical safety device designed to help reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by dangerous arcing conditions in household wiring. Here is how it works, where it is commonly found, and what to do if one trips.
5 min readRead articleWhat to Expect During a Home Inspection
A home inspection is one of the best opportunities you'll have to learn about the home before you purchase it. Here is what happens, what is covered, and how to get the most out of the process.
5 min readRead articleShould I Attend My Home Inspection?
Attending your home inspection is one of the best things you can do as a buyer. Here is what to expect, what to bring, and what questions to ask.
4 min readRead articleHow Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
Most home inspections take about two hours, but the actual time depends on the size, age, condition, and complexity of the home. Here is what to expect.
3 min readRead articleWhat Does a Home Inspector Look For?
A home inspector looks for visible conditions that may affect the safety, function, and maintenance needs of a home. Here is what gets reviewed and why it matters.
3 min readRead articleCan a House Fail a Home Inspection?
No. A home inspection is not a pass or fail evaluation. Its purpose is to help you understand the home's condition so you can make informed decisions before purchasing.
4 min readRead articleWhat Does a Home Inspection Not Cover?
A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation. Understanding what it does not cover helps set realistic expectations and allows you to make better-informed decisions.
4 min readRead articleWhat Happens After the Home Inspection?
The inspection is just one step in the home buying process. Here is what typically happens after you receive your report and how to move forward with confidence.
4 min readRead articleUnderstanding Your Home Inspection Report
Receiving your inspection report is an important step in the home buying process. Here is how to read it, what the different types of findings mean, and how to use it after closing.
4 min readRead articleShould I Buy an Older Home?
Older homes offer exceptional craftsmanship and character, but they also come with unique considerations. Here is what buyers should understand before purchasing an older home in New England.
5 min readRead articleFirst-Time Home Buyer Home Inspection Questions
Buying your first home? Here are the home inspection questions first-time buyers ask most often, plus the questions worth asking that most buyers never think of.
4 min readRead articleWhat Is GFCI Protection?
A GFCI is an electrical safety device designed to help protect people from electrical shock. Here is how it works, where it is commonly found, and what to do if one won't reset.
5 min readRead article
Learning Center
Educational articles about home inspections, buying a home, and maintaining your property in Rhode Island. Written by licensed inspector Dan Gerade, HI-44307.
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19 articles