Michael Petruccelli asks; What is a construction loan?

Michael Petruccelli says;  A short-term, interim loan for financing the cost of construction. The lender makes payments to the builder at periodic intervals as the work progresses.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What is a contingency?

Michael Petruccelli says;  A condition that must be met before a contract is legally binding. For example, home purchasers often include a contingency that specifies that the contract is not binding until the purchaser obtains a satisfactory home inspection report from a qualified home inspector.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  GFCI or GFI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an electrical current monitoring device designed to detect a ground fault in as little as 1/40 of a second, subsequently stopping the flow of electricity. These are required in bathrooms, garages, kitchens, laundries, exteriors and more. GFI circuits are designed to prevent electrocution.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Electrical Service Rating - Refers to the amperage rating supplied to the home, typically 100, 125, 150, or 200 amps.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (7)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Drip loop - Overhead electrical service. Refers to slack in the electrical wires as they arrive at the roof masthead, which if configured properly, will prevent water from running into the conduit.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (6)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Double Tapping - adding or "doubling" wires at a fuse or breaker connections for the purpose of increasing the number of circuits available to the electrician system. Most breakers are designed for one wire attachment. Double tapping is not allowed by electrical code and can be a serious safety issue unless such breaker is intentionally designed for multiple wire connections.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (5)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Dedicated Circuit - A circuit provided for the exclusive use of an appliance or component such as a sump pump or sprinkler system.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (4)

Michael Petruccelli says;  AFCI - Arc Fault Interrupter is a circuit breaker designed to detect and errant electrical arc and terminate power before starting a fire.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Look at the top of the chimney, called the splay or cap. Is it cracked or otherwise allowing water to penetrate the chimney interior?

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(2)

Michael Petruccelli says;  When attempting to do roof work or inspect your roof, 

don't forget to check for over head electrical lines when carrying your ladder to 

the access point and again when walking on the roof. Check the roof sheathing 

from the attic for deterioration BEFORE walking on the roof. And do not walk on 

tile, slate, or a wet and/or mossy wood shingle/shake roofs.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(1)

Michael Petruccelli asks;  Roof Safety Precautions- An all too common 

injury for men over the age of 45 is falling off a ladder. Thus, it is very 

important to be cautious and know your ladder when ascending or 

descending from roof surfaces. If you are not comfortable on a roof, 

you can use binoculars. With that said, no matter how comfortable 

you are, it is never recommendedto walk on a roof greater than 

6/12 (6 feet rise for each 12 feet of lateral travel; that's 45 degrees).