Blog & Resources

Expert insights on waterproofing, home improvement, and building science — from our team of professionals.

Real Estate What Is a Title Insurance Commitment? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You are a week from closing and your lender emails you a document called a “Title Commitment” or a “Commitment for Title…

Real Estate What Is a Survivorship Deed? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You and your spouse bought a house together twenty years ago. The deed you signed at closing named both of you as…

Home Improvement How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement? A Practical Homeowner Guide

You have 800 square feet of empty basement space. It is currently concrete floors, exposed joists, and a single bare lightbulb. You…

Real Estate How Much House Can I Afford? The Money Guy Approach — A Practical Homeowner Guide

Your lender says you are approved for four hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Your real estate agent sends you listings at four…

Real Estate What Is the Instrument Number on a Deed? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You pull out the deed to your house and look at the first page. In the top corner, stamped in black ink…

Real Estate What Is a Personal Representative’s Deed? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

Your mother named you as the personal representative of her estate in her will. She passed away three months ago, and the…

Home Improvement How to Install a Wax Toilet Ring: A Practical Homeowner Guide

You noticed a small puddle of water at the base of the toilet. It appeared after someone showered, so you assumed it…

Real Estate What Is a Quitclaim Deed for a House? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

Your brother wants to add you to the deed of the family cabin so you both own it equally. He hands you…

Real Estate What Is a Security Deed? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You are buying a house in Georgia and the closing attorney hands you a document called a security deed instead of the…

Real Estate What Is a Special Warranty Deed? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You made an offer on a foreclosure property. The price was below market, the inspection came back clean, and you were ready…