BK Home Inspections > Articles by: Bob Beisbier

Thermostats

Turn down the heat at night or while you are away? A common misconception associated with thermostats is that a furnace works harder than normal to warm the space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been turned down, resulting in little or no savings. This misconception...

Basement Seepage

It’s that time of the year again! Unfortunately, heavy spring rains bring water problems to many basements. Basement leaks not only make life miserable for a home owner, but they can weaken the foundation of your home. Basement walls should seal out a moderate amount of water, but few...

Asbestos

In 1977, the official state rock of California was found to cause cancer. Asbestos–a building product hailed through most of the 20th century as a “wonder fiber” was killing workers who breathed its microscopic dust in mines, asbestos plants and shipyards, decades after their exposure. When the Environmental Protection...

Lead In The Home

A Serious Health Hazard: Lead affects practically all systems within the body. Lead in your home is nothing you should ignore. It poses a serious health threat to you and your family. High levels of lead (lead levels at or above 80 micrograms per deciliter (80 µg/dl) of blood)...

Facts About Mold

Molds can be found almost anywhere. Mold can grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present. Outdoors many molds live in the soil and play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Without molds we would all be struggling with large amounts...

Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny animals you cannot see. Every home has dust mites. They feed on skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric or other fabric-covered items. Dust mites are mostly harmless, but the body parts and feces of...

Efflorescence

Masonry or plaster with white-ish crystallization is called efflorescence. Efflorescence is primarily an appearance problem that occurs with masonry and often plaster. Rarely do these deposits of crystalline salts do any harm to masonry surfaces. In most cases, the efflorescence appears as a white dust or deposit on the...

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans have been around since before electricity! Why this lasting popularity? Certainly charm is one big factor. A fan fixture can bring distinction to a room. And for some people, the steady, quiet whirl of paddles evokes the romance of bygone days, of sultry summer afternoons. More importantly...