Electrical receptacles may look simple, but when they’re wired incorrectly, they can create serious safety hazards. During Las Vegas home inspections , miswired outlets are a common finding , especially in older homes or properties with DIY electrical work. Understanding the most common types of receptacle wiring issues helps homeowners and buyers recognize risks and take appropriate action. What Does “Miswired Receptacle” Mean? A miswired receptacle is an outlet with electr

Garages are one of the most common areas where residential fires begin. Because of this risk, homes are designed with firewalls and fire-resistant barriers to help slow the spread of fire from the garage into the living space. During Las Vegas home inspections , compromised or improperly modified garage firewalls are frequently noted as a safety concern . What Is a Garage Firewall? A garage firewall (often called a fire-resistant separation wall) is the wall-and-ceiling ass

Homes with swimming pools offer great enjoyment, especially in Las Vegas — but they also come with serious safety responsibilities. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of accidental pool access is through door and window safety alarms . During Las Vegas home inspections , missing or non-functioning pool access alarms are a widespread safety concern , particularly in homes with young children. Why Pool Access Safety Alarms Are So Important Drowning accidents can

Kitec plumbing is one of the most important factors to consider when buying or owning a home built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While it was once marketed as a modern alternative to copper, Kitec has since developed a reputation for premature failure and costly water damage . During Las Vegas home inspections , the presence of visible Kitec plumbing is always documented so buyers can make informed decisions. What Is Kitec Plumbing? Kitec plumbing is a type of composite

Polybutylene plumbing — often referred to as PB piping — is one of the most important materials to understand when buying or owning an older home in Las Vegas. While once considered innovative, PB piping has since become known for its long-term reliability issues. During Las Vegas home inspections , the presence of polybutylene piping is always documented so buyers can make informed decisions. What Is Polybutylene (PB) Piping? Polybutylene piping was widely used in residenti

The door between your garage and your home plays a critical role in fire safety. During Las Vegas home inspections , one of the most common safety deficiencies found is a missing, altered, or non-compliant fire-rated door between the garage and living space. Understanding why these doors are required — and what makes a door fire-rated — can help homeowners better protect their families. Why Fire-Rated Doors Are Required Between the Garage and Home A large percentage of resid

Water heaters are heavy appliances that can become dangerous during seismic activity if they are not properly secured. In Las Vegas homes , water heater seismic straps are a critical safety requirement and one of the most common items reviewed during a home inspection. Understanding why seismic straps are required — and how they should be installed — helps homeowners stay compliant, reduce damage risk, and improve safety. Are Water Heater Seismic Straps Required in Nevada? Y

Smoke detectors are one of the most essential life-safety devices in any home. But many Las Vegas homeowners don’t realize there are different types of smoke detectors , each designed to respond to other kinds of fires . Understanding how photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms work — and why a combination is often best — can help you make smarter safety decisions for your home and family. The Two Main Types of Smoke Detectors There are two primary types of smoke alarms c

Smoke detectors are one of the simplest safety devices in a home — and one of the most important. During Las Vegas Absolute Home Inspections , missing or outdated smoke detectors are among the most common safety deficiencies inspectors encounter. Understanding where smoke detectors should be installed, how long they last, and when they should be replaced can make a real difference in home safety. What Is a Smoke Detector? A smoke detector is a device designed to detect smoke

If you own a home in Las Vegas, chances are the exterior is finished with stucco . With hundreds of thousands of stucco-clad homes across the valley, stucco cracking is one of the most common topics that comes up during home inspections. The good news? Not all stucco cracks are a big deal — but understanding which ones matter is key. What Is Stucco? Stucco is an exterior wall finish made from a mixture of: Cement Sand Lime Water It is applied wet over exterior wall material

If you’ve ever noticed a small, oddly shaped copper pipe in your yard topped with a black plastic cap, you might have wondered what it is — and whether it’s essential. That component is called an anti-siphon valve , and it plays a critical role in protecting your home’s clean water supply , especially in Las Vegas homes with irrigation systems. What Is an Anti-Siphon Valve? An anti-siphon valve is a type of backflow prevention device commonly used on landscape irrigation sys

Owning a pool is one of the great benefits of living in Las Vegas . Pools provide a place to cool off during hot summers, entertain friends and family, and enjoy outdoor living. However, pools also come with serious safety responsibilities and potential liability for homeowners. One of the most important — and often overlooked — safety components is the backyard gate that controls access to the pool area . This article explains why pool gates matter, what Las Vegas homeowner