• Roofing Contractors - The least price isn't always the Best choice

    Wed, 05/01/2013 - 00:00
    Ask if the contractor’s laborers are covered by a WSIB certificate. Employees that are not covered by this kind of insurance could sue you in the event of an accident. In this situation or if you are using "Volunteer" labour for you own project you can be considered the "Contractor" and liable for WSIB costsYou should also ask about other types of insurance. What happens if someone accidentally breaks a window? Obviously, the roofing contractors should be responsible for any kind of damage that they do.

  • Structural Issues?

    Sun, 03/17/2013 - 00:00
    Serious structural problems in houses are not very common, but when they occur they are never cheap to fix. Some can't be fixed at all. This report won't turn you into a home inspector, but it will give you some of the common indicators.Uneven Floors: Uneven floors are typical, particularly in older homes. Here is a trick to help distinguish between a typical home with character and a structural problem.

  • What Is A Home Inspection? 

    Tue, 01/01/2013 - 00:00
    Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

  • Vermiculite

    Fri, 08/17/2012 - 00:00
    If you have never seen vermiculite insulating an attic, you may have seen it in potting soil. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral worldwide. When heated rapidly to high temperatures, this crystalline mineral expands into low density, accordion-like, golden brown strands. In fact, its worm-like shape is what gives vermiculite its name. The worms are broken into rectangular chunks about the size of the eraser on the end of a pencil. In addition to being light, vermiculite chunks are also absorbent and fire retardant.

  • Septic System Pointers

    Fri, 07/13/2012 - 00:00
    Removable/ Cleanable filter on outlet of tank - Required after 2008 for all new installations. Clean every 6 - 12 months or as requiredDual compartments on tanks and PVC piping - Required  after 1978Life of Steel tanks 15 - 20 yearsCheck for corrosion of Concrete tanks especially on exit areasWhen originally designing your system OVERSIZE the tank as home modifications over the future life of the home may overload a marginal systemMaintain 16 feet to tree line from all componentsPermits ARE required for ALL modifications to system

  • Truss Uplift

    Sun, 06/17/2012 - 00:00
    Truss uplift has nothing to do with plastic surgery or under-garments. It is a phenomenon common in homes built with roof trusses as opposed to rafters. If a house suffers from truss uplift, the top floor ceilings literally lift off the interior walls in the winter. They drop back down in the summer. Needless to say, this is a tad disconcerting to the homeowner. At first glance, one might assume that the floors have settled. Actually the ceiling has gone up - sometimes creating a gap of as much as two inches where interior walls meet the ceilings.

  • GFCI

    Tue, 05/22/2012 - 00:00
    The outlets with the colored "Test" and "Reset" buttons are specially designed to better protect people than ordinary outlets. GFCI's have been used in houses since the 1970's.

  • Plastic Plumbing Distribution piping problems

    Thu, 04/26/2012 - 00:00
    If you have certain types of Pex plastic piping (P-pex or MB-pex) installed to distribute the water in your home then potential problems have been identified with the brass connectors and stainless steel clamps that have been corroding. These systems have been installed between 1999 and 2005 in many homes and also in commercial installations. Leaks can result or at least reductions in flow caused by clogging corrosion bi-products.

  • Solar Panels

    Sat, 04/21/2012 - 00:00
    This also is becoming a very popular item being added to homes where home owners are environmentally aware or just looking to reduce costs. There are some concerns however: First is the roof structure adequate to support the added weight? Ensure the installation is done by competent contractors as moisture is the enemy of the home and once you even walk on a roof damage can be done, let alone when mounting a myriad of supports and structure up there.

  • Glossary of Recalls on Various Furnaces

    Wed, 04/04/2012 - 00:00
     Airquest Furnace - Heater Recall- Service Alert-Defective FurnaceCircuit board can ignite starting a fire