Home Inspection Articles

Many people know what April showers bring, but what about May flowers? What do they bring? One word: bugs. Warm weather invites many out of hibernation, and that includes insects. June's pleasant temperatures have bees buzzing, butterflies fluttering, ants picnicking, and termites getting ready to feast. Most can appreciate the need for bees pollinating, enjoy a butterfly's beauty, and love to hate ants, but termites illicit a very different reaction. These pests have the potential to inflict serious damage to your home, and are the bane of homeowners. 

One of the major things termites need to thrive is warm climates. As the temperature rises, so too does the potential for termite infestations. With spring turning into summer, it's important to be able to recognize the conditions conducive to termite infestations and learn how to protect your home from these unwanted inhabitants. 

Subterranean termites typically cause the most structural damage and are most prevalent in the southern coastal areas, the dry climate of the Okanagan areas of British Columbia, southern Ontario, southern Quebec, and the Maritime provinces. Though each species of termite thrives in different climates and eats different types of food, all termites require four things to survive: 

1. Food
2. Moisture
3. Shelter
4. Optimal temperatures

These conditions can be found in all buildings, regardless of their construction type. However, older homes typically face increased termite threats as wood rot is more common in them. 

As with the normal approach taken when dealing with other pests, the best way to prevent a termite infestation is to reduce access to food and water sources. For termites, this means eliminating moisture and removing wood sources, including wood piles and mulch close to the home. Rotted wood is by far the most common way for termites to gain entry into the home. The soft, pulpy material gives termites easy access to both food and moisture. If you have concerns about a termite infestation in your home, consider: 

• Removing all wood debris in contact with soil and store any firewood away from your home and off the ground.

• Fixing any leaks in pipes and drains - damp wood creates ideal conditions for a healthy, large, and robust termite colony.

• Making sure the soil around the structure of your home is sloped away from the home, and that drainage from the roof doesn't collect near the property.

• Trimming dense vegetation from around the siding and foundation of your home.

• Insulating or putting down a moisture barrier to help limit the humidity and condensation in your crawl space, as this can be inviting to termites.

• Replacing mulch that is close to the home with gravel. If mulch is used around the home, make certain to keep the mulch layer as shallow as possible; thick mulch beds create soil moisture conditions that encourage termite activity.

Unlike other pests, termites are typically very hard to detect. With the exception of annual swarms, when reproductive termites move to start new colonies, termites live primarily out of sight. So how can you tell if something you can't see is occupying your home? There are a few termite signs that can indicate an infestation. Watch out for:

• Hollow-sounding wood - if wood sounds hollow when tapped it may be because termites are eating the wood from the inside out

• "Swarmers" (a group of winged insects), or discarded wings - reproductive termites, also known as "swarmers", take flight to create new colonies; swarming termites, or groups of discarded wings is a fairly conclusive sign of an infestation
  
  Tip: Subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring

• Mud tubes on walls - termites construct mud tubes to travel between their home in the soil and the wood that they feed on; these tubes also provide moisture which the termites search for food 

• Frass" - termites produce this wood-coloured dropping as they eat their way through wood rot

If you have termites in your home, it's essential to reach out to a professional pest control company to help you address the issue - quickly. Termites can cause the most structural damage of any insect and, based on the extent of the damage, remediation expenses can run well into the thousands of dollars. Treatment methods vary based on the species of termite, size of infestation, and other factors. The required chemicals for termite treatment are not for sale to the public, and must be used in strictly controlled conditions. Your licensed pest management professional can set up the best corrective steps if you have a termite infestation.

Orkin Canada, a leading name in pest control in Canada and our Specialty Services partner, can assist Carson Dunlop clients and real estate partners with termite-related inquiries, including termite inspections and treatment plans. To learn more please call 800-268-7070.

In an effort to help better inform first-time home buyers, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has developed an initiative on Twitter to provide users with easy access to real estate experts and resources. RBC runs #RBCFirstHome Twitter chats frequently, and they’ve graciously asked us to contribute to the last few sessions. These chats aim to assist with the home buying process by allowing home buyers to communicate with professionals who specialize in various areas related to real estate (REALTORS®, mortgage specialists, home stagers, real estate lawyers, and Home Inspectors). Participants can tweet with the #RBCFirstHome hashtag and ask experts questions related to buying a house and the housing market.

We’ve learned a lot during these sessions, and not just about technology (Twitter is fun, but it sure isn’t intuitive #whatisahastag). Connecting with first time buyers reminded us that home buying is a complicated process that many people have questions about.

To help eliminate some of this knowledge gap, we combed through the questions asked throughout the chats we’ve participated in, and compiled a list of the inquiries and comments we feel will help home buyers most. If you’re in the process of buying your first home, or if you just want to refresh your knowledge, consider the information below – you might have some similar questions.

• What kind of things are inspectors typically looking for?

A professional Home Inspection is a visual assessment of a property. Inspectors will investigate the interior and exterior of the home, evaluating its major components – for example, the roof, the structure, the electrical and plumbing, the heating and cooling system, and the insulation. Their task is to determine how the systems in the home are operating and whether there are any large expenses the buyer will be facing should they move forward with the purchase. The focus is on functionality, lifespan, and safety. Your Home Inspector’s goal is to give you a concrete understanding of the home so you can make an informed decision on the purchase.

• If you find issues during the inspection, who fixes them?

This is more situational. When a major expense is discovered it is up to the potential buyer to determine what their recourse will be, if any. Some buyers use the discovery to negotiate the price, or have the seller repair or replace the item. In other cases the buyer decides to walk away from the deal. Every case is different and it’s best to get the information you need from the inspector and then work with your real estate agent to figure out what your next step will be.

• Should you have more than one type of inspection?

This depends on the home and your concerns. Over the last couple of years we have seen an increasing number of clients opt to make a more informed decision by using specialists to look at specific items or specific areas of the home. These services are usually provided by specialists in their field to examine areas that fall outside of the scope of a normal Home Inspection. Some examples of these specialty services are environmental testing like mold, asbestos and indoor air quality, pool, pest, chimney and sewer camera inspections and many more. If you are buying a rural property you may also want or need to have a well and septic inspection. As well, Thermal Imaging Inspections, where an inspector uses an infrared camera to test for moisture issues in the home, have become very popular in the last few years. It really comes down to what makes you the most comfortable as a buyer.

• How do you find a qualified inspector?

Your real estate agent will usually provide a list of three companies that they recommend, but will leave the final decision up to you. You do not have to choose an inspector from that list, but it does give you a good place to start. In terms of evaluating an inspector to see if they are right for you and your home there are many qualities to consider. We recommend that you focus on experience and education, and ensure that the report includes the information that you require in an easy to understand format. Many people tend to focus on the cost of the inspection, and while we understand that it’s important to stay within your budget, going with the least expensive option can sometimes cost you in the long run. Buying a home is arguably the biggest investment you will ever make in your life, so spending the money on a qualified professional to educate you on the home you're buying is an essential part of the buying process. If you aren't sure what to consider, check out our guide on how to choose a Home Inspector.  

We hope this information has helped to shed some light on questions you were afraid to ask, or didn’t know you had. If you want some more expert advice as you prepare to buy your first home make sure to join us (@carsondunlop) for the next #RBCFirstHome Twitter chat on June 17th at 9:00pm ET. Twitter not your thing, or need some more immediate answers? Call our office at 800-268-7070 or send us an email, our customer service representatives are always available to help.

Spring has sprung, and with it comes more than just the pitter patter of raindrops on your roof. As we begin to see the temperature consistently above zero, and climbing, many homeowners will dive into their next home improvement project 

If you're one of the many homeowners undertaking a spring project, consider the following: renovations can be a disruptive activity and it's important to be aware of what it is you're disrupting. Some projects create a mess of dirt and debris, and some create, or rather expose, more dangerous substances. 

In last month's March Poll we asked you to look at a picture and tell us what was or wasn't wrong with it. Although everyone polled did agree that the photo showed a problem, only 30% identified the possible presence of asbestos in the tiles. In light of the limited knowledge homeowners have with respect to asbestos and mould, and the start of renovation season, we thought it was a great time to discuss the more hazardous materials home construction can unearth.   

Asbestos

Prior to the mid-1980s, asbestos was commonly used in many household items, like flooring, insulation, and around pipes. Asbestos minerals tend to separate into microscopic particles that become airborne and are easily inhaled. As long as it is undisturbed, neither the asbestos fibers nor the dust will be released into the air. However, when it is disturbed, it becomes dangerous. Exposure to asbestos can cause individuals to develop several types of life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer. Like any hazards, length and intensity of exposure are major factors in the risk of asbestos-related respiratory illness.

If the renovations that you're doing involve areas or items that may contain asbestos, it's important to have an asbestos inspection performed. An asbestos inspection includes: 

• A complete visual inspection of the entire home for materials suspected to contain asbestos
• A sampling of materials that are suspected to contain asbestos - according to O. Reg. 278/05
• A report summarizing the results of the sampling and investigation

If there are asbestos containing materials that are going to be damaged, disturbed or removed by the renovation, the safe approach is to have the materials removed by a qualified contractor.

Think this is a DIY project? Think again! Disposable respirators or dust masks are not appropriate for asbestos - always hire a professional. Never do this work on your own. Carson Dunlop can help by providing a qualified inspection partner to test areas of your home that may be of a concern for you. Call 800-268-7070 to learn more.

Mould

If you're performing renovations in your basement, bathroom, or any area of your home that sees a lot of moisture, you may encounter mould. Mould can easily hide behind tiles and drywall, and can be found anywhere in the home.

You can't rely on the naked eye, or on mould colour, to identify moulds and their threat to your health and the health of your family. Home test kits can be unreliable too. Not only are you not an expert but the tools can often be faulty if not used correctly. 

Since it's normal for mould to be present in the air and in buildings, its mere existence is not necessarily a cause for alarm. But if mould is present in indoor air at levels higher than would be found in outdoor air, or if a significant mould colony is growing on building surfaces, it could be cause for concern. For this reason, we advise homeowners to have a mould inspection performed if there is any indication that a substantial amount of mould is present in the home. A mould inspection includes: 

• A complete visual inspection of the entire home from the basement to the attic for signs of water intrusion and mould growth
• Moisture readings collected throughout the home
• Two indoor air samples and one outdoor air sample (for reference)
• A report, which summarizes the results of the samples and investigation

An environmental specialist will help to identify the type of mould in your home, its concentration, and advise you on remediation costs and approaches. Call 800-268-7070 to book a mould inspection. 

How we can Help Home Buyers & Homeowners

The scope of a Home Inspection, as defined by both the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors and the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, does not include environmental testing. This means that items like asbestos and mould are not covered in a Home Inspection as these materials require sampling and testing that Home Inspectors are not equipped to perform. In addition, they are usually hidden behind walls or under carpet, completely out of sight, so a non-invasive inspection would not encounter them.

We recognize that even though they aren't included in a Home Inspection, mould and asbestos can be a major concern for homeowners. We offer environmental testing through our partners that can be scheduled at any time through our service centre. We have even redesigned our Home Buyer's Inspections to include the option to have clients get their new home tested for hazardous materials at the same time as we do a regular Home Inspection.

Hazardous materials can be encountered during any stage of homeownership, and we're committed to our clients for as long as they own their homes. An environmental assessment can be performed prior to the Home Inspection, during the inspection, or several years after the inspection has taken place. If you are planning on undertaking a renovation this season and haven't had your property assessed for hazardous materials, we'd encourage you to do so.

Interested in more home renovation advice? Check out our useful resource on Home Improvement Costs. Have a more detailed question on Spring renovations? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook and we'll do our best to help out.  

Real estate associations and groups have begun to release their data and analyses from 2013, and it’s evident that the Canadian real estate market is doing well, and that this trend is expected to continue. With home prices and sales up almost across the board, save for certain anomalous regions, many are throwing the notion of a “soft landing” out the window.

One of the areas that saw the most growth was the luxury home market. A recent article in Macleans, citing a document produced by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, reported that “luxury home sales in most of the country’s biggest cities rose higher than expected…Calgary saw the highest year-over-year sales growth, with a 33 per cent gain, followed by Vancouver with 19 per cent and Toronto with 13 per cent.”* In light of the dramatic increase 2013 saw in sales of luxury homes and the projection that this trend will continue we felt it was important to address what to expect from the Home Inspection when you’re buying a luxury property.

Luxury Homes Vs Residential Homes: What’s the Difference?

A property usually receives the designation of “luxury home” when it meets requirements related to: 

• Listing price - luxury homes are typically at least a million and a half dollars
• Size - luxury homes are at least 4,000 square feet
• Features - luxury homes may have any number of amenities including pools, spas, or wine cellars (to name just a few)

Your average residential home, especially one that is located in an urban area, does not meet these requirements. It may hit the million dollar asking price, but that is usually due to location; for the most part these homes definitely do not possess comparable square-footage or amenities. The difference in these types of properties equates to a difference in the type of Home Inspection they need.

What to Expect From the Home Inspection

A Home Inspection isn’t an invasive or destructive exercise; it’s a purely visual investigation of a property at a specific point in time. It is intended to identify components of the home that are significantly deficient, unsafe, or near the end of their life. The inspector will provide a general overview of the home, focusing on performance rather than cosmetic, code, or design issues.

In a recent Toronto Star article, columnist Mark Weisleder suggested that Home Inspections may require what he calls a “team approach”. He argues that homebuyers should consider the different systems their home may have, such as well and septic, chimney, and HVAC. Weisleder believes there is a benefit to having these areas inspected by a specialist in addition to the Home Inspector, claiming that “when you are about to make one of the largest purchase decisions in your life, it is important to have as much information that you need in advance. A Home Inspection team may supply the answer.”**

Though Weisleder penned this article because “when you now consider that the average price for homes in the GTA is now over $500,000, and with a majority of homes being over 20 years old, it may be time to take a…team approach when it comes to inspecting a home prior to any purchase decision,”** we feel the idea of using a team speaks more to the way luxury properties should be inspected. That is not to say a “team approach” isn’t valuable with the average home, but that it is an absolute necessity for luxury homes.

Due to the sheer magnitude of these types of properties and the extent to which they are customized, the need for specialists to examine them in conjunction with the Home Inspector increases. Weisleder notes the fireplace "should be inspected by a qualified wood energy technology transfer professional once a year” and that “homeowners should have their furnaces and HVAC systems checked once each year.”** Most luxury homes have multiple fireplaces and furnaces – as well as many more extravagant features which also require regular inspection. For example, a pool should be inspected twice a season (upon opening and closing). The complexity of these types of homes calls for a more complex Home Inspection, one that includes a “team approach”.

How Do You Achieve a “Team Approach” to Home Inspection?

The Carson Dunlop Specialty Services program provides clients and real estate partners with fast, easy, and cost-effective access to qualified specialists, so they can conveniently arrange for a Home Inspection and additional property assessments with a single phone call. Specialty services can be added before, during, or after the inspection. Carson Dunlop client care representatives will manage the booking, coordination, and payments of any of the inspections you require.

While we feel that a “team approach” to the Home Inspection is necessary when purchasing a luxury property, it is also beneficial when buying a smaller-scale home, especially when it has unique features, like well and septic system or wood burning stove and fireplace. To discuss the complete list of Specialty Services we offer, and what would be valuable for your home, please email us or call 800-268-7070.  

*SOURCE: Macleans - http://www2.macleans.ca/2014/01/09/housing-prices-rise-in-4th-quarter-demand-continues-for-luxury-homes-reports/  

**SOURCE: Mark Weisleder, Toronto Star - http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2014/01/05/home_inspection_may
_require_a_team_approach.html

Do you know what’s easier to make than a New Year’s resolution? An excuse. It has only been a few weeks since 2014 began, and for many the drive for self-change is dwindling. “I’m too tired to make dinner, I’ll just order pizza,” or “I forgot my towel, I guess I can’t go to the gym.” Excuses aren’t only made for resolutions; there are plenty of things we let ourselves get out of, like Home Inspections. “This house is over my budget, I guess I can’t afford the Home Inspection,” or “My real estate agent informed me that this will probably be a multiple-offer situation, I should waive my Home Inspection clause to be competitive.” Just as it’s important for you to make the right choices in order to stay healthy, it’s important for you to be smart when it comes to your investments.

With the Canadian Real Estate Association predicting a strong year for real estate sales in 2014, we felt the need to address a trend we’ve noticed growing at an alarming rate since the end of the 2013 fall real estate market: home buyers skipping their Home Inspection. Due to the aggressive nature of Toronto real estate there has always been a temptation to opt out of the Home Inspection, however the extremely high demand and low supply of homes available this quarter have meant the market has gone from fairly competitive to cutthroat. This, combined with the high price of homes, has translated to more and more buyers waiving their right to a Home Inspection clause.

Even December’s ice storm didn’t slow the Toronto real estate market down. The Globe and Mail reports, “Ms. DeClute [a representative of DeClute Real Estate Inc.] cancelled the open house scheduled for the weekend the ice blasted Toronto, but 32 groups of buyers still made appointments for showings, which they held during daylight hours…Not only were fallen branches surrounding the house, says Ms. DeClute, but many of the streets in the Upper Beaches neighbourhood had fallen trees or power lines blocking access.”* Despite the dangerous weather and difficulties in reaching the property, there were still many individuals vying for the home, which meant that the buyers ended up paying “more than $40,000 above the asking price of $499,000.”* 

Reflecting on December’s real estate transactions, The Globe and Mail noted, “The average price of homes that sold over the Multiple Listing Service in the Toronto area during December was $520,398 up by 8.9 per cent from the average selling price in December 2012. And the average selling price in Toronto for all of 2013 was $523,036, up 5.2 per cent from the average in 2012.”**

Competition and price are the two biggest motivators for buyers to skip the Home Inspection. According to a CBC News article, the 2014 market is expected to feature both - “The Toronto Real Estate Board predicts price growth will continue to exceed inflation in 2014, largely because the demand for low-rise houses continues to far outstrip supply. ‘The seller’s market conditions that drove price growth in the second half of 2013 will remain in place in many parts of the GTA,’ said TREB senior manager of market analysis Jason Mercer.”***

When buying a home many feel that they are gaining the upper hand in negotiations or saving money by opting out of their Home Inspection. However, in both of these situations, the calculations are way off – you ultimately lose more than you gain. A Home Inspection is a wise investment and can help to alert home buyers to potential problems within the home. When deciding not to have one performed, you run the risk of being ill-informed about your new property, not knowing how much you should budget and for what, and when certain maintenance items will need to be performed.

We recognize that although having a pre-purchase Home Inspection is preferred, due to the constraints of the current real estate climate it’s not always possible to have one completed. However, just because you can’t get a Home Inspection before you buy your home doesn’t mean you should skip it altogether. It may not help you decide whether or not to move forward with the purchase, but it can help you to make good decisions with the next steps you take. Should you renovate the kitchen to widen your breakfast nook? Or should you fix the flashing on your roof first? Our Home Inspectors are available to help you with your home for as long as you own it, so when you start thinking about the feasibility of putting in a back porch, your inspector will be able to give you some advice and information.

A Carson Dunlop Home Inspection and written inspection report help to provide homeowners with the critical information they need. Our inspections include:

• A summary page with key findings
• Improvement recommendations for conditions, with time frames and cost estimates
• Photos and color illustrations for clarity
• A check for manufacturer recalls on appliances through RecallChek
• Free enrollment in the Carson Dunlop Homeowners Association

We also suggest a Thermal Imaging Inspection be added to your Home Inspection, to help identify hidden water leakage in your home.

House hunting in a competitive market can be hectic and stressful. Our Home Inspections are not, so no more excuses! Let us help welcome you to your new home. Book online or over the phone at 800-268-7070. Request a morning, afternoon, or weekend appointment. Receive your report the same day your inspection is completed, via email. Call or email us anytime with questions.

*SOURCE: The Globe and Mail, Carolyn Ireland - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/ice-storm-or-no-the-deal-gets-done/article16252802/

**SOURCE: The Globe and Mail, Tara Perkins - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/housing/canadian-home-prices-return-to-record-high/article16321649/

***SOURCE: CBC News - http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/real-estate-boom-continues-in-canada-s-largest-cities-1.2485631

Cold weather brings with it many things – smiles to skiers and snowboarders, outdoor rinks for skaters, and supplies for snowman creators. Unfortunately, it can also bring pests into your home. As the temperature drops, rodents begin to seek warmth and shelter to sustain them for the winter months. It’s important to make sure they don’t find a way into your home.

Most people with in-laws will confirm you can’t always control your home’s guest list. But don’t fret, you can protect yourself and your property from these furry creatures. To help combat this potential invasion, we encourage homeowners to heed advice from our resident pest control experts and Specialty Service partner: Orkin Canada. 

Denying Access: Entry Points

Rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter, and mice only need a hole the size of a pencil. The smallest openings in your home can serve as rodent entry points. Common places rodents use to access your home include cracks in your foundation and around doors and windows.

Check the exterior of your home and seal any unnecessary openings with weather-resistant sealant reinforced with steel or copper wool so rodents can’t gnaw through. Make sure doors and windows are flush against their frames and the sill, and use weatherstripping to fill any gaps. 

Deterring Interest: Preventative Action

Sealing entry points is just one step homeowners can take. Rodents come to your home in search of shelter and food. Implementing measures related to food storage and cleanliness will also help to keep your home pest-free. Consider:

• Storing food in tightly sealed containers, preferably made of tin or plastic
• Cleaning up water spills immediately
• Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping regularly to eliminate food waste and water sources
• Keeping trash cans tightly sealed and disposing of trash often

We're Not Alone: What If It's Too Late?

If you suspect the worst has already happened and you might have rodents in your home, look for the following signs:

• Droppings - Mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice and rat droppings are about the size of a raisin.
• Gnaw marks - Rats and mice gnaw even when they're full, so look out for places in your home that appear to be chewed or gnawed, particularly around cracks and holes.
• Rub markings - Rodents feel protected when they crawl along baseboards or pipe openings, so pay close attention to those areas.

Evicting Unwanted Tenants: It's Never Too Late

If you encounter signs of infestation, the end isn’t nigh, but do make sure to keep safety as your first priority when addressing the issue. Rodents carry dirt and disease, so please don’t touch them or attempt to resolve the problem on your own. Instead, contact a pest management provider immediately – they will help you with remediation and set up a proactive program to keep these pests at bay year-round.

If you have any questions or concerns about the presence of rodents, termites, or other pests in your home, reach out to Orkin Canada and they can advise you further.

We have partnered with a number of reputable and reliable companies who offer services outside the scope of a Home Inspection. Our Specialty Service providers help to assess issues such as: mold, indoor air quality, asbestos, well and septic systems, and pools. To learn more, please call 800-268-7070.

Although the weather outside isn't frightful yet, September is the perfect time to make sure that come December, when you want a fire, it will be delightful. We know that phrase doesn't have quite the same ring to it as Cahn's famous tune, but what it lacks in eloquence it makes up for in prudency.

It's easy to believe that summer will last forever; that the recent sunny days are a trend that will continue for a long time. However, realists like us know that it's only a matter of time before warm winds become cool and sweaters replace sunscreen. Taking the necessary measures now to maintain your fireplace will help to keep you cozy for many future snowfalls.

We reached out to Specialty Service partner Carleton Chimney Services to discuss the merits of WETT Inspections and highlight some easy approaches homeowners can take when it comes to fireplace care. We spoke with company President John Carleton, to get a more in-depth look at this type of service.

Carson Dunlop: What is a WETT Inspection? What does it entail?
John Carleton: "A Wood Energy Technolgoy Transfer, or WETT, Inspection relates to the inspection of any wood-burning system in a home. A WETT Inspector assesses different components of the system in question, to determine whether or not it meets the minimum requirements set out by the Code applicable to the installation. There are three levels of WETT Inspections: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. 

• A Level 1 inspection does not require the inspector to look into hidden spaces or use any tools other than a flashlight and measuring tape. This type of inspection would be performed as an annual maintenance task, if the system has already been thoroughly inspected and brought up to Code. (Some insurance companies may require a yearly certification - this inspection would be suitable in these instances).

• A Level 2 inspection includes the same visual components as Level 1, but also requires the use of tools to open readily-accessible areas such as removing the smoke pipe, accessing the roof if safe, and using a camera to inspect the flue interior. This is a recommended level of inspection for anyone buying a home. (It is important to ensure that the inspector performing this type of inspection employs video inspection equipment to scan the flue interior).

• A Level 3 inspection covers that of Level 1 and Level 2, as well as opening areas that require destructive actions such as opening walls or digging up the foundation. This is only needed when strong evidence suggests that there is a problem that needs to be investigated thoroughly."

CD: When should a WETT Inspection be performed?
JC: "A Level 1 inspection should be completed yearly, preferably in conjunction with the annual cleaning of the system. A Level 2 inspection should be done when the home is changing ownership or if a significant event, like a chimney fire, or a lightning strike, has happened. These situations typically require a more detailed assessment."

CD: What are some common misconceptions homeowners operate under with respect to fireplaces?
JC: "Many assume that if they are not experiencing a problem with their fireplace or wood-burning stove, there is no need to be concerned. In reality, it can take a long time for a defect within the system to manifest itself. Fireplaces and chimney systems built prior to 1954 have the potential for serious Code issues. Although the potential for Code violations decreases with homes built after this date as higher standards were put in place, poor workmanship and deterioration can present problems as well. An annual WETT inspection is important for maintenance and safety."

CD: Are there any clear indicators that a wood-burning system is experiencing a problem?
JC: "If a fireplace system has staining anywhere, including the face of the fireplace or on the chimney, this would indicate a problem. In addition, if smoke or the smell of smoke is present anywhere in the house, that is another telltale sign of a problem. A properly operating system will remove all the smoke out of the house - a lingering odor means something is amiss. If you experience one or any of the conditions outlined above, it is best to reach out to a WETT Inspector to have your system assessed." 

CD: What simple tasks can homeowners undertake to maintain their fireplaces, chimneys and wood-burning stoves? What are some "best practices" for caring for these systems?
JC: "Homeowners can help their systems operate properly by doing an annual cleaning of the flue by a certified sweep and by burning dry fuel. The danger of a chimney fire can be mitigated by these simple actions. A competent sweep will advise you on what they found, any problems noted, and if your systems have been burning properly." 

Ensuring your wood-burning systems are working well is a great way to start winterizing your home this season. Carson Dunlop's Specialty Services program provides our clients and real estate partners with fast, easy and cost-effective access to qualified specialists, like Carleton Chimney Services, with a single call. To learn more about this program, please click here or call 800-268-7070 to schedule a WETT Inspection.

June is finally upon us - it's time to break out the sunscreen, barbeque tongs, lounge chairs, and...tissues? Unfortunately, sunshine brings allergens and this summer is being projected as one of the worst for pollen we've seen in a long time. As many people experience the joys of itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing fits, we thought it prudent to talk about the allergens present in your home. Over 64% of the 22 individuals we surveyed last month admitted they were concerned about the air quality in their home.

Air quality is an issue that encompasses many areas, so we reached out to our newest Specialty Service partner, LEAP Management Inc, to discuss air quality issues and how they are assessed. We spoke directly with inspector Lilja Palsson, B.Sc., Dip., Eng., CRSP. Lilja has a degree in Microbiology from the University of Waterloo, a post-degree diploma in Environmental Engineering Technology from Conestoga College, a certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from Ryerson, and she is also a Canadian Registered Safety Professional. 

Carson Dunlop: How does an air quality assessment work; what happens during this type of assessment?
Lilja Palsson: "Air quality is a very broad term. When doing this type of assessment, I first talk to the client about their concerns. Are they experiencing allergic symptoms such as headache, sore throat, or respiratory distress? Is there an odor? After discussing what issues they're experiencing, I decide what kind of parameters I would like to sample for - perhaps air sampling and assessment for mold; or maybe a more sophisticated sampling device to determine the source of an odor. I'll run a few air samples and do a visual inspection to see if there are any issues that caught my eye (staining, spray foam, etc.)."

CD: What is the most common misconception homeowners have in relation to air quality?
LP: "Homeowners tend to think that events such as flooding, sewer backup, installing spray foam, renovations, etc. will not affect the indoor air quality of their home. They often do not associate any illness or symptoms they are experiencing as being related to those events. The correlation between air quality and homeownerships and maintenance issues tends to go unnoticed."

CD: What is the weirdest thing you've encountered during an air quality inspection?
LP: "I did find gold in someone's attic while sampling vermiculite. A previous owner of the home had stashed an old cookie tin full of tacky gold jewelry that I found while taking samples in the attic. I brought the tin down for the owner and we looked at it. I think it was from the 1940s or so. She had the jewelry appraised - she didn't tell me the exact amount but she called to thank me and said that I paid for myself and more!"

CD: What simple, preventative maintenance can homeowners undertake to help preserve their air quality?
LP: "In terms of preventative maintenance I would say always monitor your home for potential leaks, floods and other water issues. Replace your roof before it leaks; clean your gutters regularly; caulk your windows and replace them before they leak; make sure your basement is waterproofed before you finish it; use your washroom fan; make sure your bathtub is well-caulked; keep your home well-ventilated in the summer and sealed with the furnace running in the winter; if you add insulation to your attic, add ventilation as well - I really could go on, but I know this is an article, not a novel."

As a Home Inspection company our aim is to keep homeowners safe, warm and dry. Much like Lilja, we believe in the importance of home maintenance as it pertains to keeping families comfortable and secure in their homes. Carson Dunlop's Home Reference Book outlines many strategies for helping homeowners maintain their properties. To learn more about how this text can help you, please click here.

In addition, our Specialty Services program provides our clients and real estate partners with fast, easy and cost-effective access to qualified specialists, like LEAP Management Inc, all with a single call. To learn more, please click here or call 1-800-268-7070 to schedule an air quality assessment. 

Carson Dunlop now includes a complimentary RecallChek service with all of our Home Inspections to help protect and inform our clients. This new partnership with RecallChek helps to identify issues with appliances – not only their functionality, but also their safety. When it comes to determining whether or not an appliance has been recalled, manufacturers do not have to be forthcoming. It’s up to the consumer to research the safety of a product, a task often overlooked amongst the myriad of responsibilities that go along with buying a home. Appliances that present a possible safety hazard often go unnoticed.

At Carson Dunlop we are passionate about helping our clients make informed decisions about their home. Evaluating appliances is not part of a standard Home Inspection, so we are pleased to be able to provide this service to our clients. RecallChek helps to give home buyers an additional layer of information. When an appliance recall is identified, clients will learn:

• The nature of the recall
• Where the product was sold
• How to remedy the defect
• How to get the item repaired or replaced - often free of charge

This service provides even more value for our Home Inspection clients at no additional cost. To learn more about RecallChek, please click here to view a sample report, or watch the video below.