The HTRC – Page 25 – The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

FAQ: Who reigns supreme? Codes Vs. Manufacturers Vs….

If you have been in the building industry any length of time, you know how confusing things can get with manufacturers stating you need to do X, which might be opposite of what the codes state, or figuring out which code applies. Recently, I got the following note regarding our article on attic hatches: Corning […]

Wacky Weds: A distilleries secret weapon – Power

A couple of weekends ago we arranged a mini-vacation up to Galena, Illinois. As part of this mini vacation we took a trip to Blaum Brothers Distillery for one of there tours. Like many other similar tours there is the obligatory pallets of hops, barley, &/or corn… The smiling tour guide & the nice shiny equipment & wow – […]

Wacky Weds: A very bad money saving technique

Oh my, just from the distance I figured there was an issue, which when one considers this house is probably worth half a million or more… Can’t see it, well lets move in a little closer I know a few sharp eyes have probably figured it out, but how about we get a little closer… […]

Fix a Leak Week Reminder

This is the EPA’s 6th Fix a Leak Week program & since it’s inception they have chosen March to time to remind Americans to check their household fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. Unlike past years where we delved into a specific area or aspect, I am simply going to share with you their fact sheet. The […]

FAQ: What decking material should I use

You can say one nice thing about lawsuits, they tend to grab ones attention & ask questions that they probably had never even considered before. For example after being quoted in a recent article saying “In some cases decking is installed in places where it wouldn’t be recommend…” I received the following email; I am trying […]

FAQ: How often should I replace my smoke detector?

This is the final piece on Daylight Savings Time & Smoke Detectors. In this one we ask the final question, just how long is the unit good for aka when should I replace it? While many manufacturers state 10 years (and for newer units a “replace by date” is listed) we recommend every 5 years […]

FAQ: Do I really need to test smoke detector monthly?

Yes, for a few reasons. The primary reason for a stand-alone system is to make sure the battery is still alive & the unit is working properly. For interconnected units which will set every unit off, this is to ensure that a mouse or other critter hasn’t done any damage. Most have a simple “test” […]

FAQ: Smoke Detectors, Batteries, & DST?

I am not sure you have caught it yet on the news or around the water cooler, but this Sunday marks the start of Daylight Savings Time (DST.) You can almost be guaranteed a piece on a clock shop & a reminder to change out your smoke detectors batteries. Amazingly most forget to mention your carbon monoxide batteries. When […]

Renovations That Are Kid Friendly and Home Friendly

This week we have a guest post from Michelle LaRowe who has “over 20 years of experience in the nanny world as an award-winning nanny, agency director, parenting author, and considered a leading industry expert. A mom herself, she loves to educate parents and nannies on the importance of quality in-home childcare. You can find out more about […]

Getting the details right: Air barrier behind the shower & tubs

Table N1102 is an interesting part of the codes as much of what is required isn’t listed elsewhere in the codes & can even occasionally be contradictory to what is allowed in other sections. (i.e. all headers must be insulated while ones under 4′ can use solid 4x stock) While not a huge issue, one item […]