I grew up in an older home and my father Ed Levitch MHRIP was an Architect and remodeling contractor in and around Berkeley California and the surrounding cities since 1958. Growing up I learned so many things from him, he taught me the value of family, respect and everything I know today about remodeling homes safely.
I remember a time at Levco Builders when I received a call from a man who shared a personal story about lead poisoning. He thanked me for advocating for the rule. I assured him of my commitment to safety. I was an early supporter of the EPA’s RRP rule, and I’m still a strong advocate today for ensuring people are safe in their homes.
What is a Healthy Home?
We all believe our homes are healthy places but all too often the opposite is true. As a remodeling contractor too, I deal with it every day. From the materials we use to how they are installed and the environment we create within the envelope of your home is unbelievably important. The CDC describes a healthy home as “One that is designed, built, and maintained to support our health” I couldn’t agree more. The other pivotal moment in my quest to promote healthy homes was a document written by the then Surgeon General, Steven Galson in 2009 who articulated the need for a healthy housing stock. This blog is dedicated to all things related to healthy homes with an emphasis on lead, lead detection as well as protection of humans and pets.
Natural Gas
A neighbor is just getting natural gas piped to their home and I am being kind enough to assist Intermountain Gas in allowing them to tap into our line and essentially branch off. This is the second time this has come up so far. It turns out that the system's pressure...
Where is My Heat Going?
For years now I have noticed an interesting phenomenon that I am not sure anyone else notices. It has to do with recognizing roof patterns in the winter. This is clear evidence that heat is escaping through your roof. Head down the block and check out your roof and...
Sway Back Structure
I was looking at a home inspection book that it had a picture of a structure that had several distinct problems. The roof had peaks at each gable end and a sway back in the middle. It also had bulging walls. This turned out to be a symptom of missing ceiling joists,...
Little Tricks I Have Learned
There are many of life's little lessons that have been learned along the way. Here are a few in the Understanding Your Home category to make living in your home easier. ELECTRICAL Put some anti oxidizing grease on the bottom of light bulbs and on the threads will make...
I Got up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Did you ever have one of those days? I awoke groggy I inadvertently kicked the cat water bowl and tipped over their food. While cursing and cleaning it up I noticed another spot of water near the corner of my refrigerator that was suspicious. Those that live on...
What Can’t go Down the Toilet
I was just going about my normal morning routine when I noticed that my wife had left some dried house plant leaves floating in the toilet. This got me thinking, what should not be flushed, and why? I recalled taking this toilet off a few years ago because water was...
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How cold is it?
Its so cold I saw a dog stuck to a tree. Just kidding, but it did freeze a vinyl window shut. Egress windows are giving a false sense of security if they don't open when they need to. To say the least it has been a hell of a winter. I am exhausted and frustrated with...
Hissing sound turns out to be serious
A past client called to report a strange hissing sound emanating from beneath her kitchen area. She said "It sounded like a machine running or air moving". It seemed like no big deal until she noticed a crack in her drywall in the same general area. That is when I got...
Holiday appliance advice
Hello LevcoCare Nation! The Holiday Season is rapidly approaching, at least on the calendar. I know in Boise it seems like we just can't shake fall, but winter is lurking just around the corner, Trust me, I about froze my buns off at the football game last night. I...
What are you getting for your money?
I was talking with my plumber the other day and several cool things jelled when it comes to value. I have known for years that although things look alike they are not. Let's take anything, cars are a good example. Why is there such a disparity, they all do the same...