If you have an upcoming home inspection and dont know what to expect message me and I will share a checklist that will let you see what the home inspector will be looking for. Following are a few tips for you as you prepare for for that upcoming inspection:
You dont have to clean particularly but remove the clutter that may obstruct the inspectors view or the china that he may be concerned about breaking. Issues most often found on Home Inspections Shingles worn out, Elec outlets badly wired (get a plug in tester for about $10 from Can Tire) Joist hanger nails missing, junction boxes no cover, Grading pushing water to foundation, gas appliances not serviced, smoke detector not working Have gas appliances serviced make it easy to access attic hatch get out receipts for repairs completed
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Inspect Before You Renovate
Inspect Before You Renovate
A professional building inspection by a qualified engineer can help you separate the NEEDS from the WANTS.
The time has finally come. Your cramped kitchen and dining room is making way for the state-of-the-art dining and entertaining center. But first that wall has to come out. Is it load bearing? What about the electrical service – can it handle the SubZero fridge?
The best person to answer these questions is your friendly neighborhood building inspection engineer. While it may seem like an odd call to make, hiring an inspector to check out the house systems before you start ripping things apart makes sense when you stop to think about it.
One unpleasant aspect of home renovations is that doing what you want almost always leads to doing things you weren’t planning. Sometimes it’s because hidden problems are found when the work progresses. Often it is because it makes sense to do one thing while you are in the middle of doing another.
Your building inspection engineer is trained to treat the whole house as a livingsystem. He or she is uniquely qualified to understand the impact doing work on one part of the house will have on the others. The engineer can also help you sort out what additional work should be done, and what would be okay to avoid or defer.
Mechanical Systems
You may have to decide that the electrical service, heating system, or plumbing should be upgraded to support the new work. The inspector can guide you.
Structure
Changes to interior walls may compromise structural support. An inspector can help you determine if a wall is load bearing, and how you may work around it.
Roof
Adding onto a house or simply providing a dormer or skylight will require roof work. Should you replace all the existing materials, or is it safe to tie in the new work with the old? The inspector can illuminate your options.
Basement
Finishing a basement in an old house can be the beginning of an experiment in mould growth. A professional inspector can advise you on how to reduce or eliminate dampness, often with easy to implement and low cost suggestions. He can also prescribe how to install basement finishes to minimize the risk of water damage and mould growth.
Pre-Purchase
The renovation consultation is a different service than a pre-purchase inspection.The inspection before you buy determines the big picture of the house condition, focusing on the major systems like roof, furnace, plumbing and wiring. It’s a must in the purchase of any house, new or old.
The pre-renovation consultation has a scope that is defined more by the homeowner, the work planned, and the details of the house. It is a less rigid inspection, and requires an experienced inspector.
By taking stock of the house before you get started, you will be able to plan your work better. This will mean fewer unexpected repairs as the job proceeds. And you have the chance of making improvements to corollary systems as you go, increasing the efficiency of your upgrades.
Whether you are establishing your roost in a previously enjoyed house, or you are upgrading the family estate, a pre-renovation consultation with a professional inspection engineer can smooth the transition.
A professional building inspection by a qualified engineer can help you separate the NEEDS from the WANTS.
The time has finally come. Your cramped kitchen and dining room is making way for the state-of-the-art dining and entertaining center. But first that wall has to come out. Is it load bearing? What about the electrical service – can it handle the SubZero fridge?
The best person to answer these questions is your friendly neighborhood building inspection engineer. While it may seem like an odd call to make, hiring an inspector to check out the house systems before you start ripping things apart makes sense when you stop to think about it.
One unpleasant aspect of home renovations is that doing what you want almost always leads to doing things you weren’t planning. Sometimes it’s because hidden problems are found when the work progresses. Often it is because it makes sense to do one thing while you are in the middle of doing another.
Your building inspection engineer is trained to treat the whole house as a livingsystem. He or she is uniquely qualified to understand the impact doing work on one part of the house will have on the others. The engineer can also help you sort out what additional work should be done, and what would be okay to avoid or defer.
Mechanical Systems
You may have to decide that the electrical service, heating system, or plumbing should be upgraded to support the new work. The inspector can guide you.
Structure
Changes to interior walls may compromise structural support. An inspector can help you determine if a wall is load bearing, and how you may work around it.
Roof
Adding onto a house or simply providing a dormer or skylight will require roof work. Should you replace all the existing materials, or is it safe to tie in the new work with the old? The inspector can illuminate your options.
Basement
Finishing a basement in an old house can be the beginning of an experiment in mould growth. A professional inspector can advise you on how to reduce or eliminate dampness, often with easy to implement and low cost suggestions. He can also prescribe how to install basement finishes to minimize the risk of water damage and mould growth.
Pre-Purchase
The renovation consultation is a different service than a pre-purchase inspection.The inspection before you buy determines the big picture of the house condition, focusing on the major systems like roof, furnace, plumbing and wiring. It’s a must in the purchase of any house, new or old.
The pre-renovation consultation has a scope that is defined more by the homeowner, the work planned, and the details of the house. It is a less rigid inspection, and requires an experienced inspector.
By taking stock of the house before you get started, you will be able to plan your work better. This will mean fewer unexpected repairs as the job proceeds. And you have the chance of making improvements to corollary systems as you go, increasing the efficiency of your upgrades.
Whether you are establishing your roost in a previously enjoyed house, or you are upgrading the family estate, a pre-renovation consultation with a professional inspection engineer can smooth the transition.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Septic Tips
Removable/ Cleanable filter on outlet of tank - Required after 2008 for all new installations. Clean every 6 - 12 months or as required
Dual compartments on tanks and PVC piping - Required after 1978
Life of Steel tanks 15 - 20 years
Check for corrosion of Concrete tanks especially on exit areas
When originally designing your system OVERSIZE the tank as home modifications over the future life of the home may overload a marginal system
Maintain 16 feet to tree line from all components
Permits ARE required for ALL modifications to system
Life of well Maintained and Designed system - 30 / 40 years
Do NOT over use Liquid fabric softenersSodium Fluorocene is the dye used when testing the discharge area of the weeping bed and may take many days up to multiple weeks to show results
Dual compartments on tanks and PVC piping - Required after 1978
Life of Steel tanks 15 - 20 years
Check for corrosion of Concrete tanks especially on exit areas
When originally designing your system OVERSIZE the tank as home modifications over the future life of the home may overload a marginal system
Maintain 16 feet to tree line from all components
Permits ARE required for ALL modifications to system
Life of well Maintained and Designed system - 30 / 40 years
Do NOT over use Liquid fabric softenersSodium Fluorocene is the dye used when testing the discharge area of the weeping bed and may take many days up to multiple weeks to show results
Friday, February 10, 2012
EcoRETROFIT Programme
On January 29, National Resource Minister Joe Oliver announced that registrations for the ecoENERGY retrofit for homes program had closed due to a 250,000 participant limit. This solidifies suspicion that the ecoENERGY Retrofit program will not be renewed again. If you already have a Natural Resources Canada registration number, you can still add these quick jobs to your list to get the most possible out of the final 40 days of the ecoENERGY retrofit program. If you already have your approval and number, the structure of the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program is set around the following key dates, which changed in the announcement on January 29:March 31, 2012: All work must be completed. June 30, 2012: The post-renovation evaluation must be completed. If you already have your number, this change in dates actually extends the time you have to get the last bit of work completed in your home because only the work has to be completed by March 31, and the inspection can be done later. This means there is still time for you to add a few ecoENERGY rebate-qualified updates to your home. Click here to see the revised wording on the Natural Resources Canada website. This is likely your last chance to make the most out of tax savings to retrofit your home, so make sure you don’t miss out.Before deciding to make some additions to your planned retrofit renovations, there are two key components to the process you should consider.How much of the renovation cost will be covered by the retrofit? Take into consideration the cost of the materials, labour and potential savings. How long will this renovation or addition to your plan take? Consider what type of preparation you can do yourself, and what guarantees you can obtain from the contractor doing the work. Although there are quite a few major projects that you probably don’t have time for, the ones listed below can be completed within your timeline have the potential to make a noticeable difference in your home and have a strong upfront cost to ecoENERGY rebate ratio.Upgrade to low-flush toilets This is one of the simplest changes to make and if you are looking for a really strong upfront cost to rebate ratio you should do a little digging and watch for a sale. It is entirely possible for the cost of these toilets to be the same as the rebate.Time to complete: One to two weeks (including time to book)Potential rebate: $65 per toilet (max. of four per household)Upgrade to a tankless water heaterAn inefficient water heater can waste a tremendous amount of energy. The rebate for the qualified upgrade should be factored in with future savings to calculate the overall value of this option. Best of all, the installation of a rental water heater will still qualify for this rebate.Time to complete: One to two weeks (including time to book)Potential rebate: $375Increase the air sealing of your homeThis is one you may be able to take care of yourself with some research and a little bit of time. Although the rebates for this one are not as large as others, you will see on the ecoENERGY program list that the potential for heating cost savings is tremendous. For more information on doing this one yourself, have a look at the ENERGY STAR website http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_indexTime to complete: Allow 3-4 days for DIY jobs, and 1-2 days for a pro.Potential rebate: $245 when your result is 20% better than your target.Upgrade your furnace and air conditioner system (HVAC)This is one of the largest jobs on the list but it also comes with quite a few options. Because the requirements of the ecoENERGY program are based on installation, financing and rental options can qualify for the rebates (but be sure to confirm your options with your provider).Time to complete: One week (based on Reliance’s average install time)Potential rebate: $1040 (not including OPA rebates, which qualify as well)For more information on all of the ecoENERGY rebate options and answers to the most common frequently asked questions, visit the Natural Resources Canada website or click on the following link: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit/4171
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Spray Foam Insulation
If you are in the market for upgrading your insulation then the fashionable alternative and Hi efficiency recommendation is sprayed on Foam Insulation. If you are making the commitment become informed before you do about the process, options available and costs. Many contractors are seeing this as a new cash cow to add to their business or starting new businesses without being fully trained and aware.
Ill informed contractors are jumping on the bandwagon and incorrectly applying this very efficient and useful component without properly controlling the process and /or not effectively ventilating the workspace. This can lead to toxic gases being left to offgas from the insulation over time as it cures and can be identified as a "Fishy" aroma, so be careful in the selection of the contractor for your job and don't become 1 of the 1% that may have to go so far as to need removal of the insulation to make your space rehabitable
Ill informed contractors are jumping on the bandwagon and incorrectly applying this very efficient and useful component without properly controlling the process and /or not effectively ventilating the workspace. This can lead to toxic gases being left to offgas from the insulation over time as it cures and can be identified as a "Fishy" aroma, so be careful in the selection of the contractor for your job and don't become 1 of the 1% that may have to go so far as to need removal of the insulation to make your space rehabitable
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)