Home

Basement water heater raises flood concern

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

Q: In my 1938 home, I have a square well or sub-basement about 10 feet by 7 feet by 4 feet deep (a box). I step down two steps into this small area. My problem is, my water heater is here, strapped and on a 2-foot-high platform. The furnace is right next to the heater.

There is no drain and putting one in is not practical, although I have not talked to a plumber or contractor about this. If my water heater, which is 6 years old, breaks down and I have a flood, I would lose my furnace.  more...

Restaurant patron sues Denny's for serious injury

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

Some time around 1:30 a.m. Andre Taylor and several of his friends left a social gathering to visit a nearby Denny's restaurant to get something to eat. After they ordered, Taylor realized he left his wallet in the car.

He was not in a hurry, running or intoxicated as he pushed open the restaurant's exterior door. Although he put his hand on the door's narrow brass plate, it slipped onto the door glass.  more...

Big drawbacks of buying home on leased land

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

DEAR BOB: We are considering buying a retirement home in a very nice new golf course development near where we frequently vacation. However, we learned the houses are on 99-year land leases. Although we don't plan to be around when the lease expires, won't that hurt the value of the homes as they become older? Are there any advantages or disadvantages? --Connie S.

DEAR CONNIE: That 99-year land lease is a great deal for the developer, but not so good for the home buyers. The reason is at the end of the 99 years, title to the houses reverts to the landowner.  more...