Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Crowder, MS

By nature, two-prong outlets aren't grounded—but the box they run to might be, which makes them safer. The safest way to test if an outlet is grounded is to purchase a circuit tester, which cost about $20 at home improvement stores. 

If you discover your outlet (or outlets) aren't grounded, know that this greatly increases your risk of personal injury and electrical fires. You may want to consider installing new three-prong ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. On average, the cost to install GFCI outlets is about $210 per outlet.

You can start inspecting your roof from the ground by looking for unevenness in the roof lines and slopes. Keep an eye out for broken, damaged, or missing shingles, and look for visible gaps where the roofing material meets exterior walls or roof penetrations, like your chimney. If you’re comfortable getting up on your roof and using the necessary safety equipment, you can get a closer look at these areas to identify signs of damage. If you notice any potential issues, it’s best to call in a professional to confirm your findings.

While most house creaking is expected to some extent and under normal conditions, it's not a good idea to ignore new noises. If other problems accompany the creakiness, like cement cracks, wobbly or loose stair components, or moving trimwork, it's time to look into the potential for foundation trouble or other structural problems.

Yes, shipping container homes have a very high resale value if they’ve been well maintained over the years. You can resell this home similar to how you’d resell any home. The value depends on the market and the condition. As a bonus, you can transport many container homes depending on the design, which makes them easier to sell if the local market is challenging.