Home Inspection 101

Ask the Inspector: Heating Systems

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:06:31 -0600

Combustion appliances or mechanical systems, including fireplaces, gas stoves and gas heating systems, produce by-products that need to be removed using a system of vents or flues known as an exhaust system.

To function properly, exhaust systems must be free of holes, cracks or rust. They should be installed so that combustion products are carried out of the house before cooling and condensation occurs. (Warm gas is more easily moved from one place to another.)

Proper ventilation also requires enough fresh air entering the system to prevent backdrafting. Backdrafting occurs when the combustion gases flow back indoors instead of moving outdoors through the vent or flue. High air pressure outside the house, low air pressure inside the house or improper appliance operation can sometimes impact the effectiveness of vent systems.

Inspecting all visibly accessible parts of exhaust venting systems and testing for backdrafting is part of a general property inspection. A qualified inspector will evaluate the condition of the heating system, the location of master switches, functionality, the type of energy source used and the method of conducting heat throughout the home or business.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Handrails & Guardrails

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:30:48 -0500

A handrail is a support that people can hold on to while going up or down steps. A guardrail is a barrier around decks, landings or balconies that keeps people from falling off.

For safety reasons, handrails and guardrails should be inspected to ensure that they are installed correctly. Inspecting the handrail and guardrail of all interior and exterior stairs is part of a general home inspection. During the inspection, a professional will check stairs for even rise and run, properly separated balustrades, adequate spacing on landings and sufficient headroom.

An inspector will assess each of the exterior and interior staircases for their safety and condition. An inspector will note any areas in need of maintenance and recommend repairs.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

NPI Offers Continuing Ed Credit for Idaho Agents, Brokers

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:37:53 -0500

National Property Inspections (NPI) offers two new real estate education courses approved by the Idaho Real Estate Commission for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education courses are designed to familiarize agents with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.

The approved education courses: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" and "Exterior Home Inspection Education for Real Estate Professionals" each account for one hour of continuing education credit.

"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the home inspection process and how the setting of customer expectations regarding the conditions of the home and the home inspection process are critical to creating customer satisfaction. "Exterior Home Inspection Education for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the home's exterior components including siding, roofing, decks, their maintenance requirements and common conditions encountered during home inspections. The course will enhance the agents' and brokers' abilities to interact with customers and home inspectors on issues involving exterior components, which may become a concern to home buyers/sellers during the home selling process.

For information on these courses or for more information regarding home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

NPI offers Continuing Ed Credit for Ohio Agents, Brokers

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:26:25 -0500

National Property Inspections (NPI) offers two new real estate education courses approved by the State of Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate & Professional Training for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education courses are designed to familiarize agents with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.

For information on these courses or for more information regarding home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Foreclosure Properties

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:57:45 -0500

Foreclosure properties provide new opportunities for home buyers, whether it is for first-time home buyers, home buyers looking for a bigger home or second-home buyers purchasing a vacation home.

There are many improvements and repairs necessary when preparing a foreclosure property. Here are some key areas:

Exterior Paint: Peeling paint is one of the most common problems associated with foreclosure properties. Refreshing the exterior paint as a first step helps attract the interest of renters and buyers to the outside of the home while repairs inside the home are still being completed.
Landscaping: Foreclosure properties may have overgrown lawn, trees and shrubs. A clean and updated landscape can add curb appeal to the property.
Plumbing: Repair leaky faucets and worn parts. Check and repair clogged drains in the bathrooms and kitchen.
Interior walls: Chipped paint and ripped wallpaper are common in foreclosure properties. Removing wallpaper and repainting the interior a neutral color increases the home's appeal.

Most foreclosure homes are sold without a seller's disclosure document. Any history or problems associated with the home are unknown. A property inspector can help pinpoint areas of concern and supply you with essential information regarding the home.

For information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Gutters

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:13:02 -0500

The purpose of guttering is to collect rainwater off a roof and send it away from the house. Inspecting the gutters is a part of a general home inspection.

The first thing an inspector will check is the downspouts. The downspout sections must be solidly connected to each other and to the building to hold the heavy weight of the water running through them. The water flow at the bottom should be diverted away from the building. The NPI inspector will walk under the guttering to observe if any seams appear to be broken.

One of the biggest problems with guttering is the attachments to the house. The inspector will check for sagging gutters, loose gutter strapping or spikes, and clogged gutters. The inspector will note any concerns and recommend repairs.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Kitchen Upgrades

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:53:16 -0500

The kitchen used to be a welcoming place for eating and conversation, but today's kitchen has transformed into more than that. It is a room where cooking and baking meets studying, crafting, social gatherings and more.

Creating an inviting kitchen can make a big difference in a home's overall appeal, and with simple updates, the kitchen can also impact the buying decision.

If the existing cabinet finish is looking distressed, a paint job can turn it around. Make sure the appliances (dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, etc.) match. If the flooring is worn, look to replace it (if the budget allows). An easy way to update the kitchen is by replacing metal features - faucets, kitchen hardware, lighting and outlet covers.

Hiring a qualified inspector to perform a kitchen inspection can help identify any areas of concern. Inspecting the kitchen is just one part of a general NPI home inspection.

For information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Exterior Siding

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:04:25 -0500

Siding is a key part to the exterior inspection. Because siding is highly visible, its condition is a big factor in the salability of the house. Siding is designed to protect the house from rain, snow, wind, cold and/or heat. When it cannot keep the elements out, energy bills sky-rocket and the house structure is exposed to decay.

A qualified property inspector will inspect your home's siding as a part of a general home inspection. An inspector will first note the type of siding on your home (brick, vinyl, stucco, exterior plywood, etc.). A professional will then check the condition of the exterior surface, including the presence/absence of any cracks, blisters, chips, evidence of moisture intrusion and improper installation practices.

Each siding type and style reacts differently to weather conditions and age. A professional will note any areas in need of maintenance and recommend repairs.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

National Property Inspections Offers New Hampshire Real Estate Continuing Ed Course

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:23:41 -0500

National Property Inspections (NPI) offers a new real estate education course approved by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education course is designed to familiarize agents and brokers with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.

The approved education course: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" accounts for one hour of continuing education credit.

"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents with general information regarding a home inspection and the home inspection process.

For information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

National Property Inspections Offers New Colorado Real Estate Continuing Ed Courses

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:16:29 -0500

National Property Inspections (NPI) offers two new real estate education courses approved by the State of Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Real Estate for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education courses are designed to familiarize agents with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.

The approved education courses: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" and "Prelisting Inspections for Real Estate Professionals" each account for one hour of continuing education credit.

"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents with general information regarding a home inspection and the home inspection process. "Prelisting Inspections for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the purpose of a prelisting inspection and how it impacts the sale.

For information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

National Property Inspections Approved as Home Inspector Fundamental's Educator

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:29:10 -0500

The Home Inspector Licensing Advisory Board of the Washington State Department of Licensing approved National Property Inspections, Inc. as a provider of Home Inspector Fundamentals education. As an approved educator, National Property Inspections, Inc. can instruct the necessary courses for individuals seeking their home inspector licensure in the state of Washington.

The three-week pre-licensure training, which takes place in Omaha, Neb., instructs pre-licensed inspectors on topics in multiple aspects of the property inspection business, including technical issues and business and marketing practices.

Pre-licensed inspectors are also required to receive hands-on experience with in-field ride along training in which a pre-licensed inspector will spend time with an approved, licensed In-Field Training Provider.

NPI inspectors offers a full menu of residential and commercial inspections, including new and existing home inspections for homebuyers, draw inspections for banks, pre-listing inspections for homesellers and commercial building inspections for investors and lenders.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Basements & Crawl Spaces

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:56:57 -0500

There is possibly more to inspect in a basement than in any other part of a house. Inspecting the basement or crawl space is part of any general home inspection.

The first thing your inspector will note is whether the basement is finished, unfinished or a combination of both. The inspector will then check exterior stair wells and window wells to make sure there is a drain at the bottom of the landing to take rain water away from the house. Checking for water damage, cracked concrete walls and the condition of joists, gas lines, water lines, drain lines and appliances is all part of a basement inspection.

When inspecting a crawl space, almost everything that applies to a basement inspection also applies to a crawl space. The most significant difference is that a crawl space needs some type of ventilation. The inspector will check to make sure the crawl space has adequate ventilation.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an NPI inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Improving the Home's Environment

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:19:54 -0500

Your clients can make small adjustments to their lives in order to improve their health and to look and feel better. Likewise, small changes to the home can improve its living environment.

The colors used inside the home affect a person's emotional health. Bright, warm tones energize a room; soft, cool tones add calmness and balance. In bedrooms, clutter, televisions and other distractions can take away from the room's relaxing mood.
Clean inside air promotes a healthy living environment. Air purifiers, which help control indoor allergies and other indoor air pollutants, are available to fit any room or area of a home.
A healthy home takes into consideration the environment. Energy-efficient appliances help conserve natural resources and lower energy bills.
A safe home provides for a secure living environment. A home inspection can identify safety concerns and other problem areas of the home to provide homeowners with peace of mind.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections, or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Decks

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:15:18 -0500

Building a deck is one of the most popular do-it-yourself projects. Unfortunately, not all decks are constructed soundly. Typical problems fall into three categories: the support posts and attachments, the railing and the decking boards.

A certified inspector will inspect the deck as part of a general home inspection. The first thing a professional will do is verify that wood posts are in good condition without warp or major fracture and that they are securely attached to the structure. Masonry posts need to be checked for broken block or brick and deteriorating mortar joints.

The professional will check that railings are not rotting and are securely attached to the deck, stairs and house. The railings should not wobble back and forth and there should be no exposed nails. The inspector will also check the decking boards, regardless of the material used, to make sure they are not rotting or broken.

For more information on home inspections, commercial property inspections, or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Expanding Relocation Services

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:10:14 -0500

Real estate companies are looking for creative ways to meet the needs of today's consumers, and the relocation department is effectively increasing its scope. Relocation is an important part of many real estate companies, but its services may have been thought to be limited until recently.

Many real estate companies are expanding and rebranding their relocation services to focus on consumers who aren't necessarily relocating, and to speak directly to consumers who are looking for a variety of services they offer. Some of these services include those purchasing investment properties or second homes. By reorganizing and perhaps renaming their relocation and other departments to broader names, more leads are generated and agents can offer greater convenience to their clients.

Statistics show that about 80 percent of home buyers start their searches online, according to rismedia.com. Relocation departments are also adapting their services to meet the needs of homeowners by helping them with their online search. By exploring the Internet, companies are providing homeowners with online buyer's guides, step-by-step guides and helping them find agents. Companies are also actively blogging, which can help establish them as a local expert and allow homeowners see the personalities of the agents in order to build a relationship.

With the progression of the relocation department, companies can better suit consumers' needs and continue to expand their business.

For more information on relocation and home inspections, commercial property inspections or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Quick Home Fixes for Sellers

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:57:08 -0500

In today's real estate market, sellers need to know how to prepare their homes in order to sell quickly. Although some homes require major renovations and upgrades, many require small modifications. A little preparation in a tight market can go a long way.

Here are some quick and inexpensive fixes home sellers can perform to make their homes more appealing to prospective buyers:

Clear driveway and front walk from obstructions and trip hazards, and cut back overgrown bushes and limbs.

Make sure the deck and stair railings are secured correctly
Clean gutters of debris
Replace all burnt out light bulbs
Make sure the trim, especially around the door and garage, is freshly painted without chips or cracks
Make sure all rooms are accessible to potential buyers and free of clutter

Hiring a property inspector to perform a prelisting home inspection before the house is placed on the market also has many powerful benefits. A prelisting inspection can:

Identify problem areas that can be easily repaired
Help the seller receive top dollar for their home
Reduce the chance of price renegotiations
Avoid closing delays and sell the home faster

For more information on home inspections or commercial property inspections, or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Inexpensive Fixes for Home Sellers

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:54:15 -0500

Here are some quick and inexpensive fixes home sellers can perform to make their homes more appealing to prospective buyers:

Clear driveway and front walk from obstructions and trip hazards, and cut back overgrown bushes and limbs

Make sure the deck and stair railings are secured correctly
Clean gutters of debris
Replace all burnt out light bulbs
Make sure the trim, especially around the door and garage, is freshly painted without chips or cracks
Make sure all rooms are accessible to potential buyers and free of clutter

Hiring a property inspector to perform a pre-listing home inspection before the house is placed on the market also has many powerful benefits. A pre-listing inspection can:

Identify problem areas that can be easily repaired
Help the seller receive top-dollar for their home
Reduce the chance of price renegotiations
Avoid closing delays and sell the home faster

For more information on pre-listing inspections, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Garages

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:57:09 -0500

In more and more homes, at least some part of the garage is given over to living, working or playing. Many garages are fully equipped with electrical and plumbing facilities. In fact, sometimes there is as much to inspect in a garage as a small house.

The importance of making a thorough inspection is compounded by the fact that many house fires start in the garage. Inspecting the garage is included in a general home inspection. A qualified professional will inspect the garage as part of the exterior inspection.

The first thing an inspector will indicate is the type of garage. There are typically three categories: detached, attached and detached with breezeway. With gas fumes, oil spills, paint thinner and air that doesn't move, fire is a potential hazard in all garages. It's important that any fire that breaks out in a garage doesn't spread to any living space above or to the attached house. To contain a fire within the garage, surfaces between the garage and living spaces must be fireproofed. The inspector will check for the presence of a fire wall and fire door (if required).

For more information on home inspections or commercial property inspections, or to locate an inspector in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Windows and Doors

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:31:47 -0500

How do I determine the condition of my windows and doors for maintenance purposes and whether the condition of my windows and doors are a safety concern?

Windows and doors in a commercial or residential property are important for aesthetics, safety and energy efficiency. Understanding the type, function and condition of the windows and doors can help determine future maintenance projects.

A qualified inspector will assess the condition and safety of doors and windows on the exterior and interior of the home. On the exterior, the first thing the inspector will note is the type of front door. The professional will observe the door's condition to see if it is warped, split or scratched, and if the glass is cracked. The inspector will also perform a visual inspection of the condition of the windows. The most common problems for windows are cracked, missing or broken panes. The inspector will check the wood around the window frame to see if it is rotting out or in need of paint.

Inside, the professional will check the window and door operation, and insulation. The inspector will also look for the presence of screens or storm windows and breaks or cracks in the window panes. If conditions allow, the inspector will assess thermal pane windows for evidence of problems with the seal.

For more information on commercial inspections or home inspections, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Bathroom

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:11:39 -0600

The bathroom is one of the most used and abused rooms in a typical home. Bathrooms have plumbing, electrical and mechanical devices, along with cabinets and floors that need to be inspected.

Inspecting the bathroom is a critical part of any general home inspection. The inspector will check the toilet, and the sink and the tub/shower. Although the condition and proper operation of these fixtures are key parts of a functioning bathroom, there are other important things to take note of.

Streaks down the paint where the water has run after condensing on the walls, peeling wallpaper or wet drywall may be signs of moisture damage in the bathroom. The most common causes of moisture damage in a bathroom are not having an exhaust fan in the room, having too small a fan or not using the fan.

The inspector will note any moisture damage to the room or metal fixtures. They will also check for missing, mildew-stained or cracked grout, leaks in water lines, that the toilet is secure to the floor and the electrical outlets are GFCI protected.

For more information on a home inspection or commercial building inspection, go to www.npiweb.com.

Inspecting the Attic

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:11:27 -0600

Inadequate insulation means that 10 to 50 percent of energy is lost through walls, ceilings and floors. Proper insulation helps lower energy bills by resisting heat movement through the barrier. Where the interior of walls and ceilings is easily accessible, adding insulation can be a relatively inexpensive way to get a big return on energy savings.

The first place to look for missing insulation is in the attic. Attics, in general, are fairly accessible, but in many homes, even newer homes, insulation is inadequate. As part of a general home inspection, the inspector will examine the type of insulation present and its approximate thickness or "R-value."

The inspector will also examine (if the attic is accessible) the attic interior, including: roofing, framing, sheathing, insulation, ventilation and chimneys. Any visible signs of moisture intrusion will be noted. The attic is a key element in the home's ventilation system. Moist air from inside the home must be properly vented to the outside in order to protect roofing materials and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

The inspector will also look for areas of safety concerns to ensure proper rating and installation of canned or recessed lighting in order to prevent overheating and possible fires.

For more information on home inspections or commercial building inspections, go to www.npiweb.com.

Ask the Inspector: Driveways & Walkways

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:44:44 -0600

The type and condition of your driveway and walkway are things you should make note of, especially because these high traffic areas could pose a safety risk.

Typical materials used for driveways and walkways include dirt, gravel, asphalt, concrete, patterned concrete and pavers such as cobblestone, brick and concrete. Water destroys driveways and walkways. If the land around the driveway doesn't shed water, the driveway will start to break up, especially in cold climates. If the driveway is surrounded by saturated soil, freezing temperatures will cause frost heave and make the driveway buckle. Long driveways going downhill are especially vulnerable to erosion because of the water's velocity as it races downhill alongside and over the driveway.

The inspection of driveways and walkways is part of a general National Property Inspections home inspection. Your NPI professional will note any major cracks and degradation of the surface, any major potholes, low areas that saturate and hold water and raised sections of the surface. Cracks or potholes can mean ice accumulation, water pooling and possible trips or falls. These can undermine the surface of larger areas of the driveway. Your NPI professional will note any areas of concern and recommend any needed repairs.

For more information on home inspections or commercial inspections, go to www.npiweb.com.

Tankless Water Heaters

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:09:39 -0600

According to www.thegreenguide.com, tankless water heaters, also known as "instantaneous" water heaters, are up to 34 percent more efficient than storage tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters heat water as needed, unlike conventional storage heaters that heat water and store it in a tank where it cools and is reheated until it is used.

According to a Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory study, households waste 6.35 gallons of water a day just waiting for water to heat up. Tankless water heaters can deliver hot water in as little as five seconds, while storage tanks take 30 seconds or more.

Tankless water heaters cost between $650 to over $3,000. Although the initial cost is more expensive than a conventional water heater, you benefit financially in the long run with reduced energy and water use.

Before you purchase a tankless water heater, do your homework. Find out what your groundwater temperature is. Tankless water heaters draw directly from underground supply lines, and knowing the temperature will help determine the number of degrees the water will need to be heated as it moves from underground to your tap. Calculate your desired flow rate. Think about how many hot water appliances you may run at the same time (dishwashers, washing machines). Add up the gallons of water you will use at peak demand, and buy a water heater that can heat them to your desired temperature.

Don't Abuse Those Extension Cords

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:40:53 -0600

Extension cords are used and abused, and can be great annoyances, especially during the holiday season. The tangles and knots caused by improper extension cord usage and storage can not only be a problem for you during outdoor holiday decorating, but they also promote safety risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. Follow these tips, provided by www.thisoldhouse.com, to make sure you're using and storing your outdoor extension cords safely and correctly.

Proper use:

Make sure you are using extension cords labeled for outdoor use.
Never place an extension cord under rugs or through doorways where it can be damaged by heavy foot traffic.
Don't use staples or nails to attach extension cords to a baseboard or other surface - this could damage the cord and present a shock or fire hazard.
To keep your extension cords connected while you are on a ladder or roof, line the cords up side by side and tie them in a loose knot about a foot from the ends, or install locking cord connectors available at most hardware stores.

Proper storage:

After taking down decorations, coil up the extension cord.
Avoid wrapping the cord around your hand and elbow- this can kink the cord and result in a tangle.
One method to wrap up a cord is to hold the cord in one hand and make successive loops (similar to how a cowboy coils a lasso rope). Instead, tie a loop in one end of a rope. Make sure to twist the cord as you are making loops to avoid making figure 8's in your hand.
Another method is to use a device called a cord rewinder or retractor. You can store an extension cord without twists if you wind it up on a spool.

Holiday Light Safety

T. Sykes (National Property Inspections) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:15:57 -0600

Electrical holiday lights and displays attract adults and children alike. But holiday electrical lights are also potentially dangerous because too many people don't know how to perform safety checks on light strings and ornaments. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), it is estimated that 12,500 people go to hospital emergency rooms for falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday decorating.

Before stringing lights, inside or out, become familiar with CPSC's safety-watch list for your holiday season:

Use only lights that have been tested for safety, identified by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
Check light strings to see how many strings can be safely joined. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.
Never run extension cords through water, even those labeled for outdoor use.
Turn off all electrical decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Install automatic timers to ensure lights do get turned off, and to save electricity at the same time.
Brown or brittle needles are prone to fire, so always buy a fresh wreath or tree. Place the tree in a no-tip stand, and keep it watered. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it is flame-retardant.

Protect yourself, your family and your home by following safety procedures to ensure a safe holiday season.