Most homes have a multitude of electrical appliances ranging from small kitchen items such as toasters and microwaves to major appliances like clothes dryers and dishwashers. While appliances make our lives much easier, they also pose significant risks – including fire – if not maintained properly. Appliance fire safety is a matter of keeping your [...]
The Obama Administration today announced a multi-agency initiative to spur regional economic growth while making buildings more energy efficient. Seven federal agencies today issued a combined Funding Opportunity Announcement of up to $129.7 million over five years to create a regional research center that will develop new building efficiency technologies and work with local partners [...]
With the extremely heavy snowfall that the mid-Atlantic has seen this season, ice dams are becoming a common problem. Ice dams occur when when melting snow and ice refreeze around the gutter line of a roof and prevent water from flowing off the structure, thereby creating a dam. This dammed up pool of moisture then [...]
With the housing market on the brink of recovery, now is the perfect time to start your career as a building inspector. As foreclosed homes are snapped up for investment purposes the flip sale will be under closer scrutiny than ever. With damaged homes pouring into the market place investors will attempt to shortcut the [...]
Nearly 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year as the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations performing vital tax preparation services for low-income and elderly taxpayers. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance VITA Program offers free tax help to people who earn less than [...]