Thamespec - Home Inspection Services

Choosing A Home Inspector

inspection — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:24:28 +0000

According to recent statistics, home sales in the London and surrounding areas on average, are down significantly from last year. This means as a seller, it may take you longer to sell your house and as a buyer, you have more time to decide on the purchase rather than jump at the first property you see. Except for a certain price range of homes, bidding wars or multiple offers may no longer be the norm as they were a year ago. For sellers, this isn’t the best news but, for buyers, you have the opportunity to make your offer conditional upon the completion of a home inspection.

Real estate agents will typically provide the names of at least 3 home inspectors in your area. Often agents will recommend an inspector based on reputation and qualifications; however, sometimes inspectors are recommended because of price. We’ve all done it… called around for the best price when looking to hire someone or buy something. No one wants to pay more for something than they have to but, when it comes to hiring a home inspector or any other professional, cost should not dictate your choice.

The cost of a

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Electrical Safety in Your Home

inspection — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:16:28 +0000

A recent article published by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) states that 33% of Residential fires reported by the Ontario Fire marshal are associated with electrical wiring and equipment. As a home inspector, I find these statistics troublesome but, at the same time not surprising given the number of poorly done electrical re-wiring jobs I have found in many homes in the London and surrounding areas.

The violations include: electrical wiring, damaged, improperly installed, or the wrong gauge size for the load being carried, exposed electrical splices, open junction boxes, extension cords, over fused circuits, breakers to large, outlets and switches rate for copper wire only installed with aluminum wire and above all, poor or unsafe workmanship. Fires are prevalent in both copper and aluminum wiring systems. Investigations of these electrical fires identified that 34% are attributed to incorrect or improper installation and/or procedure. Through recent research conducted with Ontario homeowners, ESA identified that 47% of residents living in homes 15 to 50 years old have modified or replaced electrical wiring and electrical equipment. This increased to 84% for homes greater than 50 years old.

Electrical wiring is complicated and presents safety hazards if not

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Insulating Your House

inspection — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:12:26 +0000

A well-insulated house is a bit like dressing for the weather. A wool sweater will keep you warm if the wind is not blowing and it is not raining but, on a windy, rainy day, wearing a nylon shell over your wool sweater helps keep you reasonably dry and warm. The outside of your house is covered with either brick or siding. Underneath these materials is an air barrier that does the same thing as the nylon — it keeps the wind from blowing through. Then there is the insulation (like your sweater) and a vapour barrier, which helps keep moisture away from the house structure where it can do damage. While previous generations may have been content to live in drafty houses, today, most people want their home to be comfortable and warm. A healthy house is well sealed, well insulated and properly ventilated. How can you tell if you need to improve your home’s insulation?

In the winter

walls cold to touch
cold floors
high heating costs
uneven heating levels within building
mold growing on walls

In the summer

uncomfortably hot inside air
high cooling

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Seller Inspections: Streamlining Real Estate Transactions

thamespec — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:26:49 +0000

By: Rob Parker, RHI, CHI, CMI

Seller inspections, sometimes referred to as pre-listing inspections, are becoming more popular because they eliminate many of the pitfalls and hassles associated with waiting to do the home inspection until a buyer is found. Often minor deficiencies can be fixed or corrected which if left undone may have had a negative influence on the buyer’s decision to place an offer on the home. On the down side, discovery of major deficiencies, of which the owner previously was not aware, may be a little difficult for the owner to accept; however, at least having this knowledge will allow the owner to either correct the problems or be prepared to negotiate. For example, assume the seller has hired a home inspector who has determined the roof, although only 10 years old, is in very poor condition and needs replaced. This is one area a qualified home inspector would definitely point out; therefore, the seller has two choices; 1) fix the roof or 2)accept less than asking because of the repair job required. Once the inspection has been done the seller will have the report available for review by the potential buyers . Seller inspections are…

Roofing

thamespec — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:26:11 +0000

By: Rob Parker, RHI, CHI, CMI

Roofs play a key role in protecting you and the interior of your home from outside weather conditions, primarily moisture. Roofs also provide protection from the sun. In fact, if designed correctly, roof overhangs can protect the building’s exterior walls from moisture and sun. Most roofs last many years if properly installed and maintained. Maintenance includes cleaning the leaves and debris from the roof’s valleys and gutters. Debris in the valleys can cause water to wick under the shingles and cause damage to the interior of the roof. Clogged rain gutters can cause water to flow back under the shingles on the eaves and cause damage, whatever the roofing material may be including composition shingle, wood shake, tile or metal. While seasonal changes in the weather are considered one of the most destructive forces, the best way to preserve your roof is make sure the attic is properly insulated, vented and to stay off it!

Concerns regarding moisture, standing water, durability and appearance are dependent on the type of roofing materials used:

Wood shakes offer a natural look with a lot of character. Wood offers some energy benefits. It helps to insulate the…