By BLTadmin | August 1, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Simple HRV
The above picture shows an insulated return duct connected to the return plenum drawing exterior air. The thought behind this setup is to draw fresh air into the house acting similar to a Heat Recovery Ventilator ( HRV ). The air is not conditioned, heated or cooled, the result being the furnace and/or air conditioner must work harder to condition the outside and in house air mixture, thus creating a loss of efficiency, increasing heating or cooling costs. For example, cold air is drawn into the duct at zero degrees Celsius, the return air temperature will be lowered considerably in comparison to the house air, the furnace must then work harder to increase the temperature to the required setting, thus increasing the energy cost. The same reasoning can be associated to air conditioning, bringing in hot humid air mixing it with in house air. The solution to this problem, if the owner perceives more fresh air is required is to install a HRV, Heat recovery Ventilator.
By BLTadmin | July 6, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Moiture,Poor Ventilation
The home inspection service observed a black substance covering a partial area of the roof sheathing. The Hamilton home inspector noted that the area in question was close to the main floor bathroom. The area close to the attic hatch did not have the black substance on the roof sheathing. It was suspected that the substance was a fungi growth possibly mold. The bathroom was not exhausting to the exterior but was suspected to be exhausting into the attic space. The Hamilton home inspector alerted his client and advised her that the bathroom should be exhausted to the exterior and that prolonged moisture in the attic can cause structural damage to the roof sheathing and framing.
By BLTadmin | May 3, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Double Tap Breaker
During a Hamilton home inspection service, the home inspector, while conducting the electrical panel inspection uncovered a double tap to a double pole 40 amp breaker. The Hamilton home inspector alerted his client that this is no ordinary double tap to a breaker, a 15 amp circuit was connected to 40 amp breaker. The home inspector then proceeded to explain to his client that this is a potential electrical fire hazard, the 15 amp circuit could be overloaded and the breaker would not trip. The Hamilton home inspector relayed the seriousness to the buyer’s agent who in turn contacted the seller’s agent for immediate repair.
By BLTadmin | April 16, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Credible Information
A friend called me from Hamilton a couple of days ago and told me she has condensation dripping in the gable part of her attic. The home in Hamilton is approximately 60 years old and some renovations have been performed some years back. This observation can happen anywhere, whether I am doing a Hamilton home inspection service, home inspection Waterdown or Burlington home inspection service. The client had called two roofing companies with well known names in the area, their reply was that old attics have this problem and there is nothing wrong. The Hamilton home inspection service went to visually inspect the attic, the attic was dry, however, mold was obvious covering the sheathing. The Hamilton home inspector gave her some suggestions, check all ceiling fixtures into the attic for holes where moisture can escape into the attic, check the attic hatch, seal the hatch, seal the holes with a suitable caulking, check for soffit ventilation, add ventilation if required, move the bat insulation away from the soffits and add baffles. Mold requires moisture and material to grow such as paper or wood, if we remove the moisture and add ventilation mold growth should become inactive. The home inspector suggested for her to call a mold remediation company if she wanted to remove the existing mold from the sheathing. Obviously, the roofing representatives did not know how to deal with the situation, nor did they give her a referral for the problem. Bottom line, seek additional advice if you think something is just not right.
By BLTadmin | March 7, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Location
Just recently the home inspector for BLT home Inspections partially completed a home inspection Hamilton. The home inspection was not completed, the client, potential buyer, had seen enough after one hour. The house was approximately 15 years old, required a new roof within 3 years, the windows were difficult to operate, but, the real kicker to the Hamilton home inspection was the following. The basement had an in-law suite and it appeared to be professionally finished, rounded drywall corners, beautiful kitchen, gas fireplace, upgraded laminate floor and an exquisite bathroom. However, when I opened the large wall cabinet, what do you think the home inspector observed? That is right, the service panel, and service panels are not allowed in bathrooms, closets, stairwells, kitchen closets etc. where access is not readily available.
By BLTadmin | March 3, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Discharge Waste Water
One of the common handyman repairs and installations discovered during a home inspection Hamilton or home inspections Waterdown is the dishwasher hookup. The home inspector explains to the client why the present installation is wrong and the proper way to install a dishwasher drain hose. The above picture was from a Hamilton home inspection or a Waterdown home inspection, the drain hose is connected to the plumbing drain line after the trap. The home inspector points out to the client that there is the potential of sewer gases to enter the dishwasher posing a health risk. The drain line for the dishwasher should be connected to the drain line before the trap, thereby, not allowing sewer gases to enter the dishwasher. The second observation has the drain line with a high loop which is a good installation, many dishwasher hookups do not have a high loop and therefore backups from the drain line could enter the dishwasher.
By BLTadmin | March 1, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Cosmetic Issues
New home inspections especially PDI inspections are very time consuming, much time is spent detailing cosmetic issues due to poor craftsmanship or non complete items due to supplier scheduling problems. The new home owner should be very thorough when performing the PDI inspection; usually the site inspector for the builder is compliant to your concerns. The 30 day and 11 month new home inspection will give time for the house to perform and other deficiencies may develop. The home inspector can then better inform the client of any possible concerns. The above picture of the hand rail and guard shows the balusters were cut and installed at different heights, obvious poor craftsmanship. The home owner chose not to have an inspector during his PDI delivery, but, waited for the 11 month inspection.
The above picture again shows poor finishing techniques by the sub contractors. The hardwood floor as it is being brought up to the sliding glass door is 1/4 to 3/8 inches short of the threshold. There are other finishing and cosmetic issues that were visually inspected during the new home inspection. The home inspector is not on a witch hunt looking for every little defect, but, he is looking after his clients best interests and attempting to highlight the need for new home inspections. New home buyers should research the builders reputation, visit current owners if possible and ask if the PDI representative and site supervisor are looking after their concerns in a timely fashion.
All new home buyers should be familiar with the TARION Warranty Program; document and photograph all deficiencies within the warranty guide lines and ensure timely processing.
By BLTadmin | January 24, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Tips for New Buyers
The Hamilton home inspection in a new home development discovered a kink in the condensate tube of an On Demand Hot Water Heater. The client had no idea of the potential consequences concerning possible condensate blockages. In simple terms, condensate comes from the cooling of the exhaust gases, it is slightly acidic and can rust out furnaces or water heaters well before their time. The kink can slow down the flow of condensate and potentially cause a backup of condensate which would affect and eventually rust out the heat exchanger. All condensate lines whether they originate from the A coil ( air conditioner ) or the heat exchanger of a furnace or water heater should be free of kinks, mold or algea build up which may also can affect condensate flow. The consequences of condensate backup are very costly and yet the solution is very simple, regular maintenance. The Hamilton home inspector educated his client with regards to some simple maintenance procedures that should be undertaken to protect his/her investment and reduce the risk of a malfunction which could cost hundreds or possible replacement of the component. Being an educated home owner can save you much grief and expense, choosing the right Hamilton home inspector or Waterdown home inspectior to inspect your new home is essential, do your homework.
By BLTadmin | January 24, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Tips for New Buyers
The client did not have a Hamilton home inspector present during his new home PDI, Pre-Delivery Inspection. We could have caught all the deficiencies, cosmetic, systems, components and lessened the family stress instead of waiting for the 1 year new Hamilton home inspection. The above photo shows the location of an electric clothes drier in a new townhouse development. The client was concerned about others problems that I will mention in detail on another Hamilton home inspection blog. The drier exhaust vent was extremely long, the slope was like a roller coaster, in addition to, the (4) 90 degree elbows required to exit at an external wall. Each elbow represents approximately 8 to 10 linear feet, therefore, the exhaust vent was approximaelty 40 feet long. The other observation was the flexible vent material and black duct tape to seal the connections. The implication of the vent connector being too long is possible blockage by built up lint, heat build up, creating a possible fire hazard, for additional information concerning the causes of drier fires check the web and you will be surprised how many fires start because of overheated drier exhaust vents due to lint build up. Due to a poor layout of services, the client must now relocate the plumbing and electrical service for the washer/drier to achieve the safest vent connector length for the drier.
By BLTadmin | January 1, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: New Home Inspection Tips
BLT Home Inspections performs many new home inspections. Home inspections Hamilton and home inspections Waterdown are growing in number. New home inspections are an education for the first time buyer, many of whom have no practical knowledge or handyman skills of their own. New home inspections may or may not discover deficiencies in the home’s systems or components. The home inspector will be there with the buyer through the PDI, Pre Delivery Inspection, 30 Day Inspection and/or 1 Year Inspection. During the Hamilton home inspection, Waterdown home inspection or Burlington home inspection process it is critical that the buyer and home inspector concentrate on details, the home inspector will provide digital photos, email report and a Home Reference Manual. Many first time buyers believe the price of a new home inspection is not affordable or not necessary, however, if you always rely on the builder, friend, relative or family member to look after your best interests you are sadly mistaken. The friend, relative or family member may only be giving you advise based on his or hers own experience and not the correct technical knowledge with respect to building and home maintenance issues. The buyer should be familiar with the new home warranty plan and deficiency report deadline dates, missing the reporting deadlines can be very costly in completing the required service work as noted. Consider very carefully and ask yourself what will I gain from the home inspection, will I gain more knowledge than I already have, will I be a more educated second time buyer especially if I decide to purchase an older home, if the answer is “YES”, then a new home inspection is worthwhile.
Soffit not completed, weather, vermin entry Attic insulation has voids, heat escapes into attic
into wall and roof system and possible mold formation
