DIY & the Dangers of Electrical Shock

D-I- Why?

If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market? If so, you may be considering taking on some household upgrades and repair needs DIY style. Many Americans choose to go DIY in hopes of keeping market preparation costs down to a minimum. But unless you are knowledgeable and experienced in electrical work, you should probably think twice. The statistics regarding electrocution among unskilled consumers in the home are sobering. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between DIY and the Dangers of Electrical Shock in the home.

Household Appliances

Did you know that 17 percent of consumer product related electrocutions are due to small appliances? It’s true. The majority of these incidents are the result of unskilled individuals attempting to perform repairs themselves. Whatever you do, don’t forget the basics. First, always unplug an appliance at the outlet before working on it. Next, be sure all kitchen and bathroom circuits are protected by GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets.

Power Tools

After household appliances, 10 percent of consumer-related electrocutions are due to contact with electrical wires while operating power tools. Sources of danger include frayed or damaged power cords, working with power tools in wet locations, and working without a GFCI outlet in damp areas.

Lighting Equipment

Coming in at 9 percent of electrocution deaths among consumers are lighting equipment. In addition to electrocution, faulty lighting wiring is also responsible for 28 percent of fires. Bearing this in mind, using a qualified electrician is always the wisest choice for the unskilled homeowner. Should you persevere, the same basic safety rules apply. Be sure to unplug or turn off power at the electrical panel before beginning work - especially when attempting to remove a broken bulb. Remember, with electric lighting equipment, the risk is doubled. The initial danger is electrocution, but improper installation can lead to devastating electrical fires.

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At From the Ground Up Inspections, We’re Here for You.

Having an expert you can count on makes all the difference. For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, contact From the Ground Up Inspections. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922. We look forward to serving you!

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/

5 Common Home Construction Mistakes

Everyone Makes Mistakes.

That’s why we need accountability and closer inspection. When you’re preparing to sell or buy a house, both are important. That’s why having a professional home inspection is so important. You see, there are many things that slip past the untrained eye. Even worse, there are plenty of things that slip past even the trained eye, including the eyes of a trusted professional contractor. Whatever you do, resist resting upon the assumption that nothing was missed or installed incorrectly, as this can be a very costly or dangerous mistake - or both. Take a look at this list of the top 5 things your builder may have missed.

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5 Common Home Construction Mistakes

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1. The Emergency Egress

Specific egress requirements, also known as an emergency exit, must be considered and implemented throughout the home. Considering many house fires occur during sleeping hours, bedroom windows are particularly key spots for egress. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, especially during window maintenance and upgrades.

2. The Fire Separation Wall

Like egress requirements, a home with an attached garage also must adhere to specific garage/dwelling fire separation requirements, which calls for the installation of a fire separation wall between the two. Garages tend to contain more flammable and combustible substances than any other part of a property. Without such a barrier, they can quickly spread and consume the rest of the home.

3. The Missing Joist Hanger Nails

Joist hangers attach joists to girders, beams or ledger boards - except when they don’t any more. Missing joist hanger nails can cause a hanger to fail, potentially resulting in great damage to your home and possible injury to anyone in the vicinity.

4. The Missing Kickout Flashing

Kickout flashing is the flashing installed where your home’s gutters stop at a wall or chimney. It channels water into the gutter, rather than allowing it to trickle down or behind the siding. Without kickout flashing, the siding or sheathing may begin to deteriorate. Eventually, it can descend as far as the crawlspace, spreading that same deterioration along the way.

5. The Recessed Lighting Fire Hazard

It would seem common sense that hot lighting components must be installed a considerable distance away from insulation. If not, the lighting kits themselves generally include a clear warning label, stating they must be at least 3 inches away. Still, this is a commonly discovered installation error that could prove costly and dangerous.

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From the Ground Up Inspections is Here for You!

Having an expert you can count on makes all the difference. For all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs, contact From the Ground Up Inspections. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922. We look forward to serving you!

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesborotn.com/