Home Hazards 101
Keep yourself and your family safe by ensuring the home is free of these 5 hazards every home owner - or prospective buyer - should be aware of.

1. Radon
A colorless, odorless gas that can seep into your home from the ground, radon is often referred to as the second most common cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
What to look for: Basements or any area with protrusions into the ground offer entry points for radon. The Environmental Protection Agency publishes a map of high-prevalence areas.  A radon test can determine if high levels are present.

2. Asbestos
A fibrous material once popular as fire-resistant insulation, asbestos was banned in 1985.  However, it's often been found in the building materials, floor tiles, roof covering, and siding of older structures. If disturbed or damaged, it can enter the air and cause severe illness.
What to look for: Homes built prior to 1985 are at risk of having asbestos in their construction materials.   ...

(Photo by Keagan Henman)

Summer didn't ease us into fall this year, did it?  Remember when it went from 75 degrees to 38 degrees all in the same day?  Pretty harsh.  And now snow is coming!
Since you didn't have a lot of time to adjust, we thought we'd share a list of some of the important ways to winterize your home and yard, before winter sets in.
Doors and Windows - Replace worn out weather stripping and broken glass. Weather stripping and caulking helps keep your house weather tight, and lowers your heating and cooling bills. Install storm windows or use window insulation kits.
Ceiling Fans - Reverse your ceiling fan blades to keep the warm air down. Blades should turn clockwise.
Gutters - Maintain and clean your gutters by removing all debris so water can properly drain.
Roof - Replace damaged shingles. If you have a fireplace, check for gaps around the flashing.
Water Heater - Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket.
Furnace - Have your! ...