Bump Keys and What Inspectors Should Know About Them

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kenton Shepard What Is a Bump Key? Most people think a locked door affords them security, but to anyone who knows how to use a bump key, a door lock is...

January 26, 2023

Building Orientation for Optimum Energy

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko Building orientation is the practice of facing a building so as to maximize certain aspects of its surroundings, such as street appeal, to capture a scenic view, for...

January 26, 2023

Building Cavities Used as Supply or Return Ducts

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko Nearly all building codes restrict the use of cavity spaces as supply ducts. However, it has been common practice to use cavity spaces as return-air pathways. Building cavities...

January 26, 2023

Building a Home

If you want to build a new home, there are things you need to know before you begin. Learn about construction standards and about buying land, so you know your rights. MPS Supplementing Model Building...

January 26, 2023

Bug Zappers

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® A bug zapper is a popular exterior appliance installed by a homeowner or food handler to attempt localized control of flying insect populations. Its name comes from the characteristic “zap” sound ...