Articles

Discover articles and tips on everything related to maintaining your home—inside and out.

how to plan a house remodel

How do I plan a remodel of my house?

So, you are tired of your house and are considering a remodel, or perhaps an addition.  Where do you start?  Overwhelmed already?  That’s okay. ...
find a house designer

How Do I Find a Designer?

In considering a building addition or remodel, or perhaps a new home, one of the first steps in pursuit of your dream is finding...
things to consider when buying a new build house

What are things to consider when buying a new house?

What are some important things to consider when buying a house? - Well, that is a loaded question with unlimited topics. First, consider the...
Common Electrical Problems

What are Common Electrical Problems in Houses?

A home inspection was just performed on your house and a list of electrical problems was created.  Or maybe you are tired of the...
brick wall crack

Should brick cracks be a concern to me?

Your level of concern on brick cracks in your wall is directly associated with the type, location, and nature of the crack. Keep in...
stucco crack

Do stucco cracks mean the stucco is not installed correctly?

The location and type of stucco crack may provide some insight into if the stucco is installed correctly. But not every crack means there...
Common House Foundation

What are Common House Foundations?

All houses are constructed on foundations - we all know that!  But what type of foundation do you really have?  Most people readily recognize...
foundation failure

How can I tell if I have foundation failure?

First, we need to understand what a foundation is designed to do and what the term “foundation failure” means. A foundation is essentially that...
post-tension foundation

How can I tell if I have a post-tension foundation?

In residential construction, post-tension foundations are associated with concrete foundations resting on the ground, or slab-on-grade foundations. If your home is raised off the...
Types of Wall Insulation

What are Common Types of Wall Insulation?

Wall insulation requirements vary for different regions of the country according to building codes.  The purpose of the insulation is to manage thermal (hot...
attic insulation

How thick should attic insulation be installed?

The answer depends on where your house is located and the type of insulation in your attic. Building codes now prescribe how much energy...
floor insulation

Should insulation be installed between the floors of my house?

Keep in mind the purpose of insulation is to impede the transport of energy in the form of heat, between conditioned and unconditioned space....
House drainage

How Do I Manage My House Drainage?

Let’s be real – no one likes drainage problems near their house.  Stormwater management is critical to resolving drainage issues in your lawn and...
house slab

Concrete Slab Height – How high should my slab be compared to my yard?

The most important consideration is getting the water away from the foundation of the house. To do so, local governmental regulations dictate the height...
how to inspect roof for leaks

Where do I look for roof leaks?

Quite often roof leaks first show up as damp spots on the drywall ceiling somewhere in the house. And since most of our houses...
The goal of HOUSETIPS is to help homeowners better understand the various systems of their house and provide insight to common and unusual issues that may occur. With decades of experience as forensic engineers, plan designers, home inspectors, and contractors, our team has unique experience in diagnosing failure patterns in houses. Our team has witnessed needless, costly repairs without repair of the actual cause of the damage. We want you better informed to save time and money so we tailored our content to help homeowners identify issues, possibly solve problems, and consider practical repairs. We hope you enjoy and benefit from the content presented by HOUSETIPS.

Why are my wood floors buckled?

Frustrated?  Did you recently replace the floors in your house and find your new wood floors are buckled or “cupped”?  Do you have an...
Home Inspections Mortgage

Home Inspections and Your Mortgage Application

Now that your offer to purchase a home has been accepted, you are on the clock!  Due diligence requirements start, and you generally have...
how to prepare for a mortgage

Mortgage Preparation Tips

Now that you have decided to refinance your house or perhaps purchase a new home, you may need a mortgage on the property.  Simply...

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