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by BRITTANY ANAS
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When it comes to home design, the popular trends don’t always heed a “safety first” warning. Here are five home trends that give property inspectors pause.
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While adding floating shelves may seem easy, many of the DIY installations don’t have adequate support. Make sure you use molly bolts or wall anchors.
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Vintage appliances may add a little whimsy to your kitchen. But not only are replacement parts hard to source, some of these can be a fire hazard.
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Tip: If you love the retro look, there are many appliance manufacturers who are replicating the designs to meet modern standards.
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Brick is porous, and not a great insulator, meaning your home is less energy efficient and insects can get into your home.
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Tip: if you do move into a home with exposed brick walls, be sure to apply a sealant to the wall to help protect it from moisture.
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Handrails may not be the most exciting design element in your home. Still, they exist for safety reasons and can help prevent nasty falls.
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They're ultra-contemporary but are often plagued with safety problems. Many don’t have handrails, or ones that wouldn’t be considered graspable.