Have you ever heard of a bollard?  Probably not.  Don't feel ashamed, you're one of millions of Americans that simply are in the dark on the subject.  It's actually a very rare Northeast African bird... just kidding.

Maybe the picture below will help you?

Okay, that was a trick, I admit it.  The bollard is missing in the picture.  A bollard is a pole that is installed in front of water heaters and furnaces located in garages that prevents vehicles from hitting those units to promote safety.  Not only do you want to protect the appliances but you also want to protect the gas lines from separating and preventing an obvious hazard and from the water lines of the water heater from breaking and flooding the garage and possibly the house.

So now you know.... and as G.I. Joe you used to say, "and knowing is half the battle."

I hope this gives you a little more information about a home inspection and its value.  Be safe out there.

Posted by Joseph Lang of Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection

(c) 2009 Joseph Lang dba Pillar To Post