Water is one of the most common reasons that damage occurs to homes. The exterior is especially vunerable to the onslaught of water and moisture, the slow but sure deterioration of a homes cladding, windows and foundation if not properly maintained. I have written many articles on the value of proper drainage and grading of...
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 ‘ water ’
Eave Troughs – Winter Maintenace
Eave Troughs – Care and Maintenance Winter and eave troughs – This is where most home designers fail to take winter into consideration when designing homes. Most home owners buy homes in the Spring, Summer and Fall, and never think about their homes eave troughs and downspouts. As a home inspector in...
Observational Diagnostics for Home Energy Audits
Observational Diagnostics, Section One There are many Observational Diagnostic techniques and experiential knowledge that have been learned by many individuals through the time that they spend in buildings which, in general, may not have made its way into the typical building evaluation resource materials. This Observation Diagnostics, Section One document was created as a...
Peroxide Uses and Tips – Great Stuff
This is what Oxi clean is… did you know that???? 3% peroxideThis was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana “I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical...
Foundations – Cracks and Cures
Concrete foundations are of two types – poured concrete and concrete block. Poured concrete is a modern manner of laying foundations, while concrete blocks are more traditional. Concrete blocks are preferred for their visual appeal and strength. Yet, as time passes, there may be degradation of concrete. The prime cause of cracks in concrete...
Fix Your Damp Basements
A wet basement can be obvious – water trickling across the floor or standing several inches deep at the base of the stairs. But there also are less obvious signs. A wet basement may just feel humid and have a damp, stuffy smell. If so, wood in contact with concrete may be wet or...
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...
Copper Plumbing and Your Residential or Commercial Building
Copper Plumbing and Your Home Older homes which have not had their plumbing distribution upgraded can sometimes experience pin hole leaks in their pipes which is the first sign that their whole plumbing supply systems may require replacement. Copper pipe can be eaten away by corrosion. The common causes of corrosion are;...
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...
Concrete Crack Repair – Types and Methods
Polyurethane Foams for Low Pressure Injection Crack Repair What is the better choice: polyurethane or epoxy? Epoxy is the better choice if structural strength is required to be maintained. If the crack is only repaired to prevent water leakage then either product can accomplish this task. Cause of Cracks Lack of joints, to accommodate...
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. […]