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There is a great brochure created by the Minnesota Department of Health, "Keeping You Safe from Radon". In Minnesota 2 in 5 homes have high radon. It is estimated that 21,000 people die each year in the United States from lung cancer due to radon exposure. A radon test is the only way to know how much radon is in your home. Radon can be reduced with a mitigation system. Radon is a serious public health concern in Minnesota. The average radon level in Minnesota is more than three times higher than the U.S. radon level. This is due to our geology and how our homes are operated. Minnesota homes are closed up or heated most of the year, which can result in higher levels of radon. I am licensed in the state of MN for radon measurement. Contact West Egg today to have your home measured for levels of radon. Additional information can be found below:

There's nothing worse then having your air conditioner fail in the sweltering summer. To prevent this, be sure your AC condenser is free of dust, dirt and other debris. Tools Required Cordless drill Hose and spray nozzle Screwdriver w/socket Soft-bristle brush Full article below.

Summer is one of the best times for you to do maintenance at home. While the sun is up and it’s safer to stay outside you can take the opportunity to repair or maintain areas of the home to avoid future major repairs as well as for your peace of mind. Found below are some areas of the home that you can give extra attention to during the summer.

Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos and could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Full article found below:

Check your furnace filter monthly and change it when it’s dirty. You’ll get better heating in the winter and air conditioning in summer. You’ll save on your utility bills and extend the life of your furnace too. Full article below.

During my time as a home inspector, and as a home owner, I have seen a wide range of electrical issues. I thought it would be interesting to our readers to compile the top electrical issues that I have observed: GFCI Outlets Missing or Defective Ungrounded Outlets Reverse Polarity Outlets Electrical Panel Age Concerns Smoke Detector or Carbon Monoxide Detector Concerns Full article below:

First time homebuyers and others that are unfamiliar with how a house is constructed will benefit from this article. There are many occasions where a homeowner will need to know how to. find the "studs" to hang a heavy object, picture, etc. Wall studs are structural elements in the construction of homes. Studs are part of the framing of the building and are typically vertical wood beams that run from floor to ceiling. Full article below.

Something a little different to start off the new year. Rogers was the sort of TV host that both kids and parents trusted and enjoyed. The series ran for 31 seasons, from 1968 through 2001. On the show, Rogers dispensed timeless wisdom about how to be kind to others, how to feel good about yourself, and what to do when you’re up against your worst fears. Found below are 20 of Rogers’ most memorable quotes, reminders of the good old days of turning on the TV and spending an afternoon in the neighborhood.

A home inspection helps you make a more informed decision about the home you're considering buying. A home inspector can identify potential issues, plus give you a better idea of the ongoing maintenance the property will require. When you’re buying a house, a thorough home inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs — or from unwittingly buying a money pit. Found below is the full article.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that: Radon is the Leading Cause of Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. You can take steps to reduce and control the amount of radon in your home. Testing is the only way to determine radon levels. EPA guidance suggests mitigating if levels are at or above 148 Becquerels / cubic meter or 4 picocuries / liter, typically abbreviated as 4 pCi / l. Usually, radon problems are resolved using an underground ventilation system, or ASD (Active Soil Depressurization). I am investing in equipment and the appropriate certifications / licenses required by the state of Minnesota to perform this testing service for my clients. My hope is to have everything in place starting in 2022. Full article is found below.

Consider a few steps you can take on your own to ensure a smooth inspection. Based on feedback from an earlier entry on this same subject, I've included a one page summary checklist found below.

House plumbing can be a mystery to the average homeowner. This is numero uno of a series of miscellaneous blogs over time to help with shedding some light on this area. Understanding the pipes in your home and their function starts with this one page primer on the different materials used and their pros and cons. This covers copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX. Full article found below.