This recall involves John Wood brand 50 and 70 gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50 gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678 through 1503A016643. The 70 gallon water heaters have model number JW717 and serial numbers from 1421M001517 through 436M000040. The water heaters are gray with “John Wood” printed in blue and white near the top. The model number, size and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate near the top of the tank. Only oil-fired water heaters are included in this recall
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Oil Fired Water Heater Recall
A.O. Smith Recalls John Wood Brand Oil-Fired Water Heaters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
This recall involves John Wood brand 50 and 70 gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50 gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678 through 1503A016643. The 70 gallon water heaters have model number JW717 and serial numbers from 1421M001517 through 436M000040. The water heaters are gray with “John Wood” printed in blue and white near the top. The model number, size and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate near the top of the tank. Only oil-fired water heaters are included in this recall
This recall involves John Wood brand 50 and 70 gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50 gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678 through 1503A016643. The 70 gallon water heaters have model number JW717 and serial numbers from 1421M001517 through 436M000040. The water heaters are gray with “John Wood” printed in blue and white near the top. The model number, size and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate near the top of the tank. Only oil-fired water heaters are included in this recall
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Changes Are Coming To Ontario's Home Inspection Industry
Monday February 22, 2016 a bill was introduced proposing to mandate the Licensing of Home Inspectors in Ontario, and to require inspectors carry liability E&O insurance.
Bill 165, the Licensed Home Inspectors Act is can be viewed at this link
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=3733&isCurrent=false&detailPage=bills_detail_the_bill
Currently in Ontario there is no regulation for home inspectors, no requirement certification, no requirement for insurance, no requirement for continuing education. This is an enormous risk for the Home Buyer. This poses a huge financial risk as well the condition of homes could also constitute a safety risk to homeowners
Currently only British Columbia and Alberta already licence their Home Inspectors.
With Bill 165, would make it illegal to perform a home inspection without a license and fines up to $10,000 per day could be imposed. It will be illegal for anyone without a licence to “take or use the designation “Licensed Home Inspector” or the initials “L.H.I.” or a description implying that the person is a “Licensed Home Inspector”. Again fines can be imposed
Licensees would be required to:
Feb 2016 - The first reading had a unanimous approval. There is nothing to suggest that given need to help protect consumers from huge financial disasters the members of the Assembly on both sides of the house will pass the Second and Third readings fairly quickly. March/April 2016 - The Bill may require 1 or 2 committee hearings and then be signed into legislation May/June 2016 - Expect the Minister of Government and Consumer Services (Hon David Orazietti MPP) to draw together the foundation for how a Designated Administrative Authority or DAA could be established. It is not known at this stage if a new DAA would be created or if an existing one would be tasked with taking on the Home Inspectors. Following that, the DAA would then have a number of items to create, for the regulation. Much of what they need is already in the Home Inspector Panel Report and Recommendations document
Based on past DAA formations in Ontario, the whole process to establish the initial announcement for regulation to be in the timeframe to fit BEFORE the house rises for the summer
Following that it is again estimated at 12-18 months to finalise the regulations, complete the transition process for which Home Inspectors will be required to meet licensing requirements and reach a point where licensing will be enforced
PHPIC
Bill 165, the Licensed Home Inspectors Act is can be viewed at this link
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=3733&isCurrent=false&detailPage=bills_detail_the_bill
Currently in Ontario there is no regulation for home inspectors, no requirement certification, no requirement for insurance, no requirement for continuing education. This is an enormous risk for the Home Buyer. This poses a huge financial risk as well the condition of homes could also constitute a safety risk to homeowners
Currently only British Columbia and Alberta already licence their Home Inspectors.
With Bill 165, would make it illegal to perform a home inspection without a license and fines up to $10,000 per day could be imposed. It will be illegal for anyone without a licence to “take or use the designation “Licensed Home Inspector” or the initials “L.H.I.” or a description implying that the person is a “Licensed Home Inspector”. Again fines can be imposed
Licensees would be required to:
- meet a prescribed standard of practice (likely the new CSA Standard for Home Inspection which is in the process to get the national standard designation from the Standards Council of Canada)
- comply with the code of ethics established in the regulations
- maintain minimum insurance requirements set out in the regulations
- and to meet other conditions specified in regulations that will likely be drawn from Home Inspector Panel Report and Recommendations to the Minister of Consumer Services December 10, 2013 http://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/showAttachment.do?postingId=14645&attachmentId=22811
Feb 2016 - The first reading had a unanimous approval. There is nothing to suggest that given need to help protect consumers from huge financial disasters the members of the Assembly on both sides of the house will pass the Second and Third readings fairly quickly. March/April 2016 - The Bill may require 1 or 2 committee hearings and then be signed into legislation May/June 2016 - Expect the Minister of Government and Consumer Services (Hon David Orazietti MPP) to draw together the foundation for how a Designated Administrative Authority or DAA could be established. It is not known at this stage if a new DAA would be created or if an existing one would be tasked with taking on the Home Inspectors. Following that, the DAA would then have a number of items to create, for the regulation. Much of what they need is already in the Home Inspector Panel Report and Recommendations document
Based on past DAA formations in Ontario, the whole process to establish the initial announcement for regulation to be in the timeframe to fit BEFORE the house rises for the summer
Following that it is again estimated at 12-18 months to finalise the regulations, complete the transition process for which Home Inspectors will be required to meet licensing requirements and reach a point where licensing will be enforced
PHPIC
England's Stove Pellet Stove Recall
Recall of Pellet Stove (Feb 2016) : If you
have an England's Stove Works Pellet Stove then please view this recall
information regarding smoke build up and possible damage to the glass in the
door to request a Free repair kit
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Friday, February 5, 2016
When is Aluminum Wiring NOT Aluminum Wiring
Inspecting older homes 1960's/70's vintage can sometimes expose problems with the wiring that maybe isn't the problem that you perceive it to be.
Wiring that looks like Aluminum wiring may not in fact be Aluminum. Care to try and see the ends of the exposed wires where they have been cut should be taken. This will confirm or contradict the fact that the wiring may be Aluminum. If signs of Copper colour at the cut surface will indicate that the wiring is "Tinned". The surface of the wire was covered with Tin during manufacturing, this was done for 2 purposes. 1 to reduce the interaction between the rubberised wire shielding and the copper wires as corrosion was a concern. 2 to give a better joint where a soldered joint was employed as this was a popular method of creating a secure effective connection.
If fact tinned wires were manufactured as early as 1915 so predating the popularity of Aluminum that was caused in the cost of copper spiking in the 60/70's so be careful not to flag Aluminum wiring and causing the stigma that has been felt by the Aluminum wiring being associated to your home.
The problem that may be existing with this type of wiring specifically is that during its lifetime the rubber shielding may have become brittle and become detached from the wire which then may become exposed. This is why a plasticised more durable shield was developed as is installed on modern wiring.
Aluminum wiring can very effectively and safely used in homes assuming the compatible fixtures, anti corrosion compound and components are used along with it or if "Pigtailing"is employed - Contact us for an inspection and / or advice on this issue.
Wiring that looks like Aluminum wiring may not in fact be Aluminum. Care to try and see the ends of the exposed wires where they have been cut should be taken. This will confirm or contradict the fact that the wiring may be Aluminum. If signs of Copper colour at the cut surface will indicate that the wiring is "Tinned". The surface of the wire was covered with Tin during manufacturing, this was done for 2 purposes. 1 to reduce the interaction between the rubberised wire shielding and the copper wires as corrosion was a concern. 2 to give a better joint where a soldered joint was employed as this was a popular method of creating a secure effective connection.
If fact tinned wires were manufactured as early as 1915 so predating the popularity of Aluminum that was caused in the cost of copper spiking in the 60/70's so be careful not to flag Aluminum wiring and causing the stigma that has been felt by the Aluminum wiring being associated to your home.
The problem that may be existing with this type of wiring specifically is that during its lifetime the rubber shielding may have become brittle and become detached from the wire which then may become exposed. This is why a plasticised more durable shield was developed as is installed on modern wiring.
Aluminum wiring can very effectively and safely used in homes assuming the compatible fixtures, anti corrosion compound and components are used along with it or if "Pigtailing"is employed - Contact us for an inspection and / or advice on this issue.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Radon - Can I get a subsidy for remediation?
A Tax Credit for Radon Remediation: Logical Next Step for Feds
Posted by Kathleen Cooper, Senior Researcher and Paralegal on January 18, 2016
There is no debate that radon causes cancer. It kills about 3300 Canadians a year and that’s a lot. Compared to other indoor pollutants, and using cancer risk lingo, the “lifetime excess cancer risk” from radon is orders of magnitude greater
Whether or not you’ve seen the Public Service or TV ads from the Holmes father/son team, a summary:
- Radon gas is a radioactive indoor pollutant
- Radon is the second leading cause of death from lung cancer in Canada (after smoking)
- It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground and enters building foundations, getting trapped indoors, even more so as we tighten buildings for energy efficiency
- Radon can only be detected via testing – a three-month test that needs to occur while doors and windows are closed up for winter
A quibble is leaving the Canadian radon guideline at 200 Bq/m3 (bequerels per cubic metre, a measure of the number of radioactive disintegrations per second). We agree with the David Suzuki Foundation, and others, that this number is based on out-of-date science and is double the 100 Bq/m3 level recommended by the World Health Organization
Nevertheless, the feds should be commended. They have tested over 19,000 federal buildings and about 18,000 residences across Canada and concluded that about 7% of homes in Canada (about 600,000 dwellings) have radon levels above the Canadian guideline
Some areas are known to be more of a problem. Up to 50% of homes have high radon levels in parts of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. But, radon occurs in all homes at some level and every home should be tested.
In our work in the Green Budget Coalition, CELA is again calling on the federal government to provide Canadians with a tax credit to help offset radon mitigation costs. Mitigation involves diverting radon away from a foundation and can run between $500 and $3000 per house. This tax measure would be revenue neutral as it would be offset by increased tax revenues from businesses conducting radon remediation
A tax credit is especially necessary for existing homes. Recent and ongoing changes to provincial Building Codes have resulted, for the most part, in radon protection measures. Given the seriousness of this issue, our recent Radon Policy Challenge to provincial and territorial leaders seeks a comprehensive, health-focused approach to legislative reforms at the provincial level where most jurisdiction rests relevant to radon
For most of us, radon testing is a key first step. But, public uptake of Health Canada’s message about the need to test has been limited. It seems to be human nature to more easily avoid action on something you can’t see/smell/taste, and when you know action might cost money. A federal tax credit would send a strong signal to Canadians to take this issue more seriously and help them pay for it, should remediation be needed. Hopefully the feds will take this logical next step in their radon work and create tax relief for homeowners
And, being early in the year, it is not too late for you to test. Since for most Canadians doors and windows will likely still be closed up for another three months, order a test kit today. Find out more at Take Action on Radon
Post Script: If your home is a recent build and still within Tarion Warranty then the initial costs of testing will be for your expense but the remediation fees may be covered by Tarion due to the clause regarding air quality being acceptable or otherwise
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Recalls of Propane, AC, Ceiling Fans, Blinds and Light Fixtures
Carrier AC and Heat Pumps http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Ceiling Fans http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Lutron Roman Shades http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Fontana Art Light Fixtures http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Fan Heaters Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond (16-096): http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
IKEA Ceiling Light Recall (Feb 2016) : Ceiling lights have plastic clips that may break and allow the shade to drop http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/IKEA-Recalls-Ceiling-Lamps/ Return for credit
Propane Without Odourant Added (Feb 2016) : If your heating is fuelled by Propane (or in tanks for BBQ etc) then check for the smell of propane when released into the atmosphere. There may be less than the required smell to confirm a leak http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Crescent-Point-Energy-Recalls-To-Inspect-Propane-Gas/ Contact YOUR supplier to confirm that you are not part of this supply line. DO NOT check yourself
Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Recall (Feb 2016) : York / Amana / Goodman Room air-conditioning units have an issue with the power cords. Overheating and subsequent fire can result. http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Goodman-Company-Expands-Recall-of-Air-Conditioning-and-Heating-Units/
Ceiling Fans http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Lutron Roman Shades http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Fontana Art Light Fixtures http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
Fan Heaters Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond (16-096): http://www.cpsc.gov/en/
IKEA Ceiling Light Recall (Feb 2016) : Ceiling lights have plastic clips that may break and allow the shade to drop http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/IKEA-Recalls-Ceiling-Lamps/ Return for credit
Propane Without Odourant Added (Feb 2016) : If your heating is fuelled by Propane (or in tanks for BBQ etc) then check for the smell of propane when released into the atmosphere. There may be less than the required smell to confirm a leak http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Crescent-Point-Energy-Recalls-To-Inspect-Propane-Gas/ Contact YOUR supplier to confirm that you are not part of this supply line. DO NOT check yourself
Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Recall (Feb 2016) : York / Amana / Goodman Room air-conditioning units have an issue with the power cords. Overheating and subsequent fire can result. http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Goodman-Company-Expands-Recall-of-Air-Conditioning-and-Heating-Units/
Budget pricing for a Variety of Improvement Projects
| Roofing / Flashings / Chimneys | |
|---|---|
| Install conventional asphalt shingles over existing shingles | $2.00 – $4.00 per sq.ft. |
| Strip and reshingle with conventional asphalt shingles | $2.75– $5.50 per sq.ft. |
| Strip and reshingle with premium quality asphalt shingles | $5.00 – $10.00 per sq .ft. |
| Strip and re-roof with cedar shingles | $9.00 – $18.00 per sq .ft. |
| Strip and replace built-up tar and gravel roof | $10.00 – $20.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000) |
| Strip and replace single-ply membrane | $10.00 – $20.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000) |
| Reflash typical skylight or chimney | $500.00 – $1000.00 |
| Rebuild typical chimney above roof line | $25.00 – $50.00 per row of bricks (min. $400) |
| Rebuild typical single flue chimney above roof line | $200.00 – $400.00 per lin.ft. (min. $1000) |
| Exterior | |
| Install galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts | $5.00 – $10.00 per lin.ft. (min. $500) |
| Install aluminum soffits and fascia | $8.00 – $16.00 per lin.ft. |
| Install aluminum or vinyl siding | $6.00 – $12.00 per sq.ft. |
| Repoint exterior wall (soft mortar) | $3.00 – 6.00 per sq.ft. (min. $500) |
| Repoint exterior wall (hard mortar) | $5.00 – $10.00 per sq.ft. (min. $500) |
| Parge foundation walls | $3.00 – $6.00 per sq.ft. |
| Dampproof foundation walls and install weeping tile | $150.00 – $300.00 per lin.ft. (min. $3,000) |
| Install a deck | $25.00 – $50.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000) |
| Resurface existing asphalt driveway | $2.00 – $4.00 per sq.ft. |
| Install interlocking brick driveway | $8.00 – $16.00 per sq.ft. |
| Rebuild exterior basement stairwell | $5000.00 and up |
| Build detached garage | $70.00 – $140.00 per sq.ft. |
| Build retaining wall (wood) | $20.00 – $40.00 per sq.ft. (min. $500) |
| Build retaining wall (concrete) | $30.00 – $60.00 per sq.ft. (min $500) |
| Painting (trim only) | $2,000.00 – $4,000.00 and up |
| Painting (trim and wall surfaces) | $5,000.00 and up |
| Structure | |
| Underpin one corner of house | $5,000.00 and up |
| Underpin or add foundations | $300.00 and up per lin.ft. (min. $3000) |
| Lower basement floor by underpinning and/or bench footings | $150.00 – $300.00 per lin.ft. (min. $5,000) |
| Replace deteriorating sill beam with concrete | $60.00 and up per lin.ft. (min. $2000) |
| Install basement support post with proper foundation | $800.00 – $1600.00 |
| Perform chemical treatment for termites | $2000.00 and up |
| Repair minor crack in poured concrete foundation | $400.00 – $800.00 |
| Electrical | |
| Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (including new panel) | $1200.00 – $3,000.00 |
| Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (if suitably sized panel already exists) | $800.00 – $1600.00 |
| Upgrade electrical service to 200 amps | $1700.00 – $3,500.00 |
| Install new circuit breaker panel | $700.00 – $1400.00 |
| Replace circuit breaker (20 amp or less) | $100.00 – $200.00 |
| Add 120 volt circuit (microwave, freezer, etc.) | $150.00 – $300.00 |
| Add 240 volt circuit (dryer, stove, etc.) | $300.00 – $600.00 |
| Add conventional receptacle | $200.00 – $400.00 |
| Replace conventional receptacle with ground fault circuit receptacle | $70.00 -$140.00 |
| Replace conventional receptacle with aluminum compatible type (CO/ALR)(assuming several are required) | $60.00 – $120.00 ea. |
| Upgrade entire house with aluminum compatible receptacles, connectors, etc. | $1000.00 – $2000.00 |
| Rewire electrical outlet with reversed polarity (assuming electrician already there) | $5.00 – $10.00 ea. |
| Replace knob & tube wiring with conventional wiring (per room) | $1000.00 – $2000.00 |
| Heating | |
| Install mid-efficiency forced-air furnace | $2500.00 – $5,000.00 |
| Install high-efficiency forced-air furnace | $3500.00 – $7,000.00 |
| Install humidifier | $300.00 – $600.00 |
| Install electronic air filter | $800.00 – $1600.00 |
| Install mid-efficiency boiler | $3500.00 – $7,000.00 |
| Install high-efficiency boiler | $6,000.00 – $12,000.00 |
| Install circulating pump | $400.00 – $600.00 |
| Install chimney liner for gas appliance | $500.00 – $1000.00 |
| Install chimney liner for oil appliance | $700.00 – $1800.00 |
| Install programmable thermostat | $200.00 – $400.00 |
| Replace indoor oil tank | $1200.00 – $2500.00 |
| Remove oil tank from basement | $600.00 and up |
| Remove abandoned underground oil tank | $10,000.00 and up |
| Replace radiator valve | $300.00 – $600.00 |
| Add electric baseboard heater | $250.00 – $500.00 |
| Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (bungalow) | $10,000.00 – $20,000.00 |
| Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (two storey) | $15,000.00 – $30,000.00 |
| Clean ductwork | $300.00 – $600.00 |
| Cooling / Heat Pumps | |
| Add central air conditioning on existing forced-air system | $3000.00 and up |
| Add heat pump to forced-air system | $4,000.00 – $8,000.00 |
| Replace heat pump or air conditioning condenser | $1200.00 – $2500.00 |
| Install independent air conditioning system | $10,000.00 – $20,000.00 |
| Install ductless air conditioning system | $3,000.00 – $7,000.00 |
| Insulation | |
| Insulate open attic to modern standards | $0.80 – $1.60 per sq.ft. |
| Blow insulation into flat roof, cathedral ceiling or wall cavity | $2.00 – $4.00 per sq.ft. |
| Improve attic ventilation | $30.00 – $60.00 per vent |
| Plumbing | |
| Replace galvanized piping with copper (two storey with one bathroom) | $2500.00 – $5,000.00 |
| Replace water line to house | $2000.00 and up |
| Replace toilet | $500.00 and up |
| Replace basin, including faucets | $750.00 and up |
| Replace bathtub, including ceramic tile and faucets | $2500.00 and up |
| Install whirlpool bath, including faucets | $3500.00 and up |
| Retile bathtub enclosure | $1000.00 – $2000.00 |
| Replace leaking shower stall pan | $1000.00 – $2000.00 |
| Rebuild tile shower stall | $2500.00 – $5,000.00 |
| Replace laundry tubs | $400.00 – $800.00 |
| Remodel four-piece bathroom completely | $6,000.00 – $50,000.00 |
| Connect waste plumbing system to municipal sewers | $5,000.00 and up |
| Install submersible pump | $1000.00 and up |
| Install suction or jet pump | $700.00 and up |
| Install modest basement bathroom | $6000.00 and up |
| Interior | |
| Add drywall over plaster | $4.00 – $8.00 per sq.ft. |
| Sand and refinish hardwood floors | $2.00 – $4.00 per sq.ft. |
| Install replacement windows | $40.00 – $120.00 per sq.ft. |
| Install storm window | $200.00 – $400.00 |
| Install masonry fireplace (if flue already roughed-in) | $3000.00 and up |
| Install zero-clearance fireplace (including chimney) | $3500.00 and up |
| Install glass doors on fireplace | $300.00 and up |
| Install skylight | $3000.00 |
| Remodel kitchen completely | $10,000.00 -$110,000.00 |
| Install gas fireplace | $3500.00 and up |
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