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You can test your ductwork by hiring a technician to attach a vacuum to the ductwork near the HVAC unit and put the vent system under pressure. Your pro can use a duct leak tester to measure the amount of pressure that's escaping. 

You can also do a DIY test using an incense stick or smoke pencil. With the HVAC system running, pass the stick or pencil across the ductwork. Pay attention to the movement of the smoke. When you notice it changing, it could be a sign there’s a leak or bad connection in the duct.

Stucco should be inspected yearly or every few years, depending on where you live. Stucco homes in wet or humid climates are at higher risk for damage and should be inspected once per year. Homes in drier climates can wait longer between inspections, and get one every three years or so.

Ideally, no one will live in a house with elevated radon levels, as prolonged exposure increases the risk of serious health issues like lung cancer. However, homes with radon can be made safe through mitigation systems, such as active soil depressurization. Testing for radon regularly and addressing high levels helps ensure a safe living environment.

There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.

• Lintels: Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion

• Mortar: Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.

• Walls: Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.

• Cracks: If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.