Recent Essays
The Spill Test
Hard surface flooring tested against real household abuse — tomato sauce, red wine, baby-food puree, wet dog paws, and the one-hand-mop test (because the other hand is holding a toddler). Covers LVP, engineered hardwood, tile, and laminate. Every entry includes VOC off-gassing data.
01
Legacy Home Inspectors: How to Vet the Person Who Vets Your HouseLearning how to choose legacy home inspectors can save you thousands on a bad home. Here's...
The Spill Test
Aug 15, 2026
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02
New Home Inspection: What I Check Before I Sign the Closing PapersA new home inspection catches problems before closing. Here's what I check, what it costs,...
The Spill Test
Aug 14, 2026
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03
Pros and Cons of a Tankless Hot Water Heater: My 3-Month Field TestPros and cons of a tankless hot water heater from a 3-month real-life test: costs, install...
The Spill Test
Aug 13, 2026
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04
Tankless Gas Water Heater: What 90 Days of Testing in My 1998 Austin House Taught MeShould you buy a tankless gas water heater? After 90 days of testing in my 1998 Austin hou...
The Spill Test
Aug 12, 2026
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05
Thermal Imaging Inspection Experts: What to Expect From a Home Energy AuditThermal imaging inspection experts find hidden leaks, missing insulation, and hot circuits...
The Spill Test
Aug 11, 2026
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06
Why I Sent Back 6 Boxes of "Waterproof" FlooringSix different “100% waterproof” LVP products failed my real-home tests—edge swelling, seam...
The Spill Test
Aug 10, 2026
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07
The VOC Report: What's Off-Gassing in Your Nursery, Room by Room SummaryI tested VOC levels in our 1998 house before and after bringing in new flooring, furniture...
The Spill Test
Aug 09, 2026
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08
The Budget Flooring That Outperformed the $12/sq.ft. Option in Our TestWe ran the same spill, abrasion, and real-life traffic tests on a $12-per-square-foot “pre...
The Spill Test
Aug 07, 2026
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09
Why I Quit My Job to Test Furniture Like a Civil Engineer — With a Toddler in the RoomI left furniture purchasing after watching $10 sofas become $2,400 “Scandinavian” pieces a...
The Spill Test
Aug 04, 2026
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10
LVP vs. Engineered Hardwood: The One-Hand Mop TestI poured tomato sauce, red wine, and sweet-potato puree on eight flooring samples and left...
The Spill Test
Jul 30, 2026
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