When starting a buildings it is typical to start with a foundation which may be then followed with block or poured cement walls. Every block wall requires a footing that is built below the frost line to prevent heaving in the winter. The footing should be twice as deep as the thickness of the...
Barrie Home Inspector Tips
- Inspection of a Commercial PropertyThe Commercial Property Inspector is a qualified Building Code inspector. He is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association and is fully qualified on Large Buildings and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code. An unknowing inspector may lead you to believe your property is code compliant when you could in […]
- Aluminum Wiring – Hazards and SolutionsPrimarily in the 1960s and 1970s, many electrical contractors used aluminum wiring instead of copper wiring as a way to save money and lower construction costs. However, a number of electrical fires have been attributed to aluminum wiring. Many building codes have been rewritten to not allow the use of aluminum wire for branch circuit wiring in houses. […]
- Deck Collapse – Is Your Deck Safe?Safety Alert: Study Reveals Sharp Increase in Deck Failures A landmark study reveals that there have been 179 reported deck collapses from January2000 through December 2006, killing 33 and injuring 1,122.By: Michael Morse, Brittney Corwin, Robert Morse and Andrew JohnsonIn September 2006, a particularly violent deck collapse occurred. What made this collapse […]
- Why You Need a Home InspectionWhy You Need A Home Inspection by Roger Frost A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and […]
- Solving Basement Water ProblemsMany “how-to” magazines run articles touting miracle products that stop water from permeating through foundations or basement walls and floors. While some products may be effective at mitigating water migration through cracks or flaws in a wall, blocking groundwater can be as tough as keeping water from leaking through split seams of a wooden boat. […]
Posts Tagged ‘ system ’
Energy Audits and Your Home
Grant Table for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Effective March 30, 2009 Thinking of ways to make your home more energy-efficient? Here’s what you can do to reduce your energy consumption and receive grants through ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is offering residential energy efficiency evaluations through licensed service organizations to owners...
How A Septic Tank Site Evaluation Is Performed
When a property for either a home or commercial building is evaluated for a septic tank installation, the inspector is checking to see if the site is suitable for onsite waste water treatment. An evaluation is very important because it helps protect homeowners from incurring costs in the future if there is a...
Chimney Fires and WETT Inspections
The first indication of a chimney fire is usually the noise-a roaring sound that grows louder as the fire’s intensity increases. Clouds of black smoke and sparks will be seen exiting the top of the chimney; in severe fires, flames can extend several fee about the chimney. A chimney fire occurs when a creosote...
Waterfront Cottage Inspections in Barrie ON
"Cottages" in Eastern Canada are generally located next to lakes, rivers, or the ocean in forested areas. They are used as a place to spend holidays with friends and family; common activities including swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, fishing, hiking, and sailing. There are also many well-known summer colonies. How many times has your cottage been...
If Your Home Could Talk, What Would It Say?
I’m sure it would paint a picture of warmth, happy times, upgraded features and most of all how it’s current owners have lovingly cared for it, but now must sell. All of our listings receive FREE Talking House, this innovative system allows potential buyers to hear all the great features of your home 24/7,...
Fireplaces – Care and Maintenance
When you cozy up next to a crackling fire on a cold winter day, you probably don’t realize that your fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources you can possibly use. It literally sends your energy dollars right up the chimney along with volumes of warm air. A roaring fire can exhaust...
Septic Tanks Explained
A septic tank is a sealed underground container — generally made of reinforced concrete — that collects and processes sewage discharge from residential or commercial structures. Common sources of wastewater include toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. Septic tanks are used wherever it is not practical or cost-effective to tie into a city...
Home Inspection News
- Ask a Realtor: Is a Home Inspection Worth it? - Huffington Post Canada (blog)Ask a Realtor: Is a Home Inspection Worth it?Huffington Post Canada (blog)Well, if your house is your biggest investment, I think you want to know how solid that investment is. Four hundred and fifty dollars is the cost for a home inspection on an average three-bedroom house. The price is calculated on the size and price of ... […]
- Town to inspect burnt out home for possible demolition - TowntimesnewsTown to inspect burnt out home for possible demolitionTowntimesnewsBy Jim Taylor WATERTOWN — The town has gained permission to inspect a home located at 6 Taft Avenue, Oakville, that residents have been asking to have torn down for five years. Building Inspector Dino Raddochio and Town Manager Chuck Frigon are ... […]
- Inspection, appraisal, fees -- homebuying costs add up - NewsdayNewsdayInspection, appraisal, fees -- homebuying costs add upNewsdayThere are other outlays: appraisal, inspection, deposit, cash reserves and more. The costs add up. "How much cash you'll need depends a lot on the size of your home purchase and how much you intend to finance," says Tim Ross, president and chief ... […]
- WIN Home Inspection Named 2012 Military Friendly Franchise by G.I. Jobs ... - DigitalJournal.com (press release)WIN Home Inspection Named 2012 Military Friendly Franchise by G.I. Jobs ...DigitalJournal.com (press release)MADISON, Ala., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WIN Home Inspection announces its achievement of being ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide, and being named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise® by GI Jobs Magazine.and more » […]
- Painting fixer-upper will make it a home - San Francisco ChroniclePainting fixer-upper will make it a homeSan Francisco ChronicleQ: We just bought a house in Alameda. It was built in the 1930s and hasn't been touched since. We got it for a good price and are viewing renovations as a long-term project. We had a termite inspection, a roof inspection and a home inspection. […]