When you bought your first house, you likely felt excitement with a hint of nervousness and maybe you even had a “What have I gotten myself into?” kind of moment. However, those emotions passed and you settled in and made that house your home. Whether you’ve stayed in this home for a couple of years or a couple of decades, when you decide it’s time to sell, you might experience a very similar emotional roller coaster, especially in today’s housing market. To ease your stress, here are 10 awesome real estate tips that will help you get started and possibly even take some of the emotion out of the ride.
Tip #1 Find the perfect listing agent
Probably the best real estate tip there is: find a dedicated, responsive, and knowledgeable real estate agent – someone you can trust to guide you through every step of selling your home. A good seller’s agent will make informed recommendations about a listing price, advise you on which repairs will help you sell your home, and make recommendations about decluttering, staging, and maximizing your curb appeal. A good seller’s agent shines the most when it comes time to negotiate an offer. The goal is to make sure you earn top dollar for your house and to sell it quickly. This process starts by honing in on the right listing price.
If your home is priced too high it will likely sit on the market and possibly longer than most homes in your area. This may cause prospective buyers to second-guess its value.
If your home is priced too low, you could leave money on the table and diminish the equity you’d bring to the purchase of your next home.
Your ideal selling agent will have well-developed instincts for what the real estate market is doing in your area. Take your time and speak to several agents to find someone you can comfortably work well with and will work hard for your interests.
Tip #2 Determine the best time to list your home
Reliable real estate wisdom suggests that spring into summer is when most people start hunting for a new house. Buyers will typically research properties online months before touring their first home in person. This way they can understand how much house they can afford in neighbourhoods that appeal to them most. Usually, the end of March or the beginning of April is considered the start of the homebuying season. However, this year’s homebuying season seems to have hit early as nearly half the homes listed mid-January into February went under contract in under two weeks. Meaning we are currently in a seller’s market and you don’t have to wait to fetch top dollar for your home.
Tip #3 Professional photography and 3D walkthroughs are key
Many real estate agents now offer 3D tours of their listings. Virtual walkthroughs are a massive advantage for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can “shop” any time of the day or night, and sellers can “show” their house 24/7. It also cuts down on showings to only the serious buyers. If a buyer is genuinely interested, they will view the virtual walkthrough (probably several times) and then request a showing. Professional photography is another great option to show your home in its best light. Homes listed with high-quality, professional images are known to sell quicker and for more money. A professional real estate photographer will capture each room at the best angle, and highlight its best features. You can also request photos shot at dusk with both interior and exterior lights shining. It’s all about painting those special pictures in your buyer’s mind. If you’re selling a luxury listing with a view or large plot of land, consider drone photography to fully capture everything your property has to offer.
Tip #4 Handle the repairs from a pre-listing home inspection
It might be tempting to put off small repairs and let the next owner handle them. Unfortunately, if you list a house with evident and necessary repairs, prospective buyers will also scrutinize your property more closely for larger deferred maintenance issues. If you want to be proactive, one of the best real estate tips for selling your home is setting up a pre-listing home inspection. When you choose to fix everything the inspector finds before you list your house, you gain valuable peace of mind during the closing process. Your buyer will most likely want their own inspection as part of the sales contract, but when that inspector finds everything is in perfect order, your buyer will have confidence in the sale.
Tip #5 Boost your curb appeal
It may feel counterintuitive to work on the outside of your home as you get ready to sell. But when you keep up with lawn maintenance, pull weeds, fix the fence, power-wash the siding, and clean up the cobwebs, your property will stand out and really “wow” prospective buyers. Think back to the last time you drove around looking at houses for sale. If the house looked like it was in rough shape on the outside, most of the time, you probably didn’t bother to request a showing. Good curb appeal will draw buyers into your home. They will start to envision themselves playing basketball, grilling in the backyard, or relaxing on the porch. You want to help buyers fall in love with your house and curb appeal will help you do that.
Tip #6 Declutter… and then declutter some more
It’s no secret, we all accumulate stuff. However, you want potential buyers to be looking at your home, not your belongings. So another great real estate tip is to have your home appear move-in ready so homebuyers can see themselves – and their things – in your space. To do this, you’ll need to be relentless about removing as many personal items as possible and commit to a minimalist lifestyle, at least until you go under contract on your house. Of course, you have items you use daily and weekly. Keep those accessible but out of sight if you can. Remove anything seasonal, like decorations, extra blankets, or anything you won’t use for months. Renting a storage unit or on-site storage container could be helpful and allow you to eliminate extra furniture and other items from your home until you move into your new space. It’s all about perception. A house with minimal furniture, unstuffed closets, tasteful artwork, and a general lack of surface clutter will look clean, spacious, and appealing.
Tip #7 Stage your home
One of the most important real estate tips is staging your home. Key staging tactics involve placing furniture and throw pillows invitingly. You can also set a dining room or kitchen table. And placing a vase or two of fresh flowers around the home is a nice touch. The purpose of staging is to show buyers the home’s potential. You want all the main rooms – kitchen, dining room, living room, bathrooms, and master bedroom – to create the feeling that they are already home.
Tip #8 Always be ready for a showing
When you list your home, you could get calls from agents within hours regarding potential buyers who want to see your home. It’s easier to handle those calls if you do your best to keep your home “show ready.” Of course, that involves keeping the home clean at a minimum. Before you list the house, do a good deep cleaning in every room. Be sure to give extra attention to air vents and ductwork by cleaning out the dust and any debris stuck in the vent. Dust all remaining furniture and artwork. Wash the windows and glass doors so they sparkle, and run the vacuum to help refresh the carpets. Finally, use an odour remover to eliminate any pet odours or lingering smells from last night’s dinner. You can make an incredibly positive impression if the only scent a buyer remembers is the smell of fresh-baked cookies or fresh flowers.
Tip #9 Accommodate requests for last-minute showings
Unfortunately, buyers are not always available to see the home when it’s most convenient for you. Here’s a list so you can easily clean up and be out of the house in 20 minutes.
Place any dishes in the dishwasher.
Wipe down the bathroom and kitchen countertops.
Wipe down the toilet seats.
Grab a bin and place any loose toys or books inside.
Toss any stray clothing in the laundry hamper.
Close all the closet doors.
If you have paperwork or other clutter on the countertop, tuck it out of sight in a drawer, or worst case, make an organized pile. Organized is better than scattered.
Make the beds.
Sweep the floors.
Take out the garbage as you leave and bring your pets with you.
And real estate tip #10 Respond to offers in a timely manner
Be respectful of all reasonable offers. You know what price you’ll accept and on what terms, including what you’d be willing to negotiate on if asked. Most contracts expect a response within 48 hours, but why wait? Respond with a counteroffer or acceptance as soon as a good offer comes in.
Selling your first house is not easy. But with these 10 real estate tips, moving on to the next chapter in your life can be just as exciting.
Jan 27, 2020
Thermal Imaging Home Inspections
Thermal Imaging Home Inspections
Thermal Imaging is a part of the Home Logic Inspection process. Thermal Imaging home inspections are very important and help to detect what is behind your walls, thermal imaging allows us to see what your eyes cannot see! Some problems are hidden from plain view and can only be detected by a temperature reading that only Thermal imaging can provide, without ever having to dismantle your home’s walls and flooring.
What Is Thermal Image Scanning?
Infrared Thermography produces images of heat energy that is given off by objects and systems in the home, this allows the professionals at Home Logic to measure it. Thermal imaging helps diagnose the problem rather than just identifying symptoms. The changes can be subtle or dramatic but the professionals at Home Logic know how to properly use the thermal image scanning technology to see things that you couldn’t see with the naked eye.
What Can a Thermal Image Scanner Detect?
Roof Leaks
Insulation Problems, Wet, Damaged and Even Missing
Moisture Intrusion, potentially stopping mold from growing in your home or business
Energy Loss
Energy Efficiency
Heat Loss
Air infiltration in ceilings, walls, floors, doors, and windows
Plumbing leaks
Electrical issues
Dangerous FLUE Leaks, which may lead to CO2 Poisoning
and more
Thermal imaging may even provide you with information regarding pest infestations! For example, rodents such as rats, mice and other larger pests hiding within your home or business can be detected because of the heat that they emit.
When you contact Home Logic home inspections be sure to ask about our thermal imaging services!
The professionals at Home Logic Inspections do the best home inspections in Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, High River, and the surrounding area!
Your home, like a car, requires regular care and maintenance to make sure that all of its systems are functioning properly and running at peak performance. Preventative maintenance will extend the life of those systems and save you money from month to month.
The hot summers of Calgary can be especially harsh on your house, in conjunction with the drastic temperature range throughout the seasons in Alberta. There are several quick, inexpensive ways to help prepare your home for the summer months ahead. Give your home some love with these 7 summer maintenance tips:
1. Add Window Treatments – Don’t have money to invest in new windows? Not to worry. Adding window treatments, blinds, or solar screens are an easy and less expensive way to tackle the same problem. Make sure to add these on windows that receive direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon hours. This will limit the penetration of harsh UV rays into your home that naturally heats your conditioned space. Bonus: This will also help cut down on your summer AC bills.
2. Monitor your AC Condenser Unit Fins – Your AC may have one or multiple exterior units, depending on the size of your home. To improve the overall airflow of your condensing unit, it is recommended that you keep these vertical coil fins located on the sides of your condensing unit clean and clear. If you routinely spray the AC fins with a typical garden hose (hose end sprayer attachments are recommended) while the unit is off, you can help eliminate the common dust/debris collection that the coil fins often collect. An HVAC specialist can also improve the condition of the coil fins if you have suffered any damage from possible hail or debris from the lawn equipment. Most condensing unit manufacturers also recommend adequate spacing from all foliage and/or other obstructions (fence, walls, other units, belongings) to help improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system(s). This spacing is typically 18-24 inches on the sides and 4 feet from the top of the condensing unit.
3. Monitor Exterior Doors for Efficiency– As you are doing simple chores around the home, it is always recommended that you monitor all of the exterior doors and attic entry doors in the home for proper weatherstripping and insulation where needed. If you can visibly see any light shining through the exterior door’s edges from the interior, you should add weatherstripping in these select areas to help eliminate any unconditioned air from intruding into the home and stressing the overall HVAC system over time. If you have these areas of missing and/or damaged weatherstripping on multiple doors around the home, you are most likely losing conditioned air from the home every day. The attic entry doors (located in the conditioned areas of the home) should also be checked for proper weatherstripping and insulation to limit the overall loss of condition air from the home and/or intrusion of non-conditioned air into the home. As most Central Texas attics can reach temperatures over 130 degrees in the summers, the weatherstripping and insulation on the attic doors can help increase your overall efficiency for the home and your HVAC system(s). Adding foam insulation panels on your garage door panels will also help improve the overall efficiency of your home as they are typically made of aluminum which will conduct heat and/or cool during the year.
4. Insulate your HVAC Refrigerant Line – Your HVAC system has a refrigerant line that runs from the indoor air handler to the outside condensing unit. As this line travels through attic space and exterior areas, it should have proper foam insulation on the full run to help improve the overall efficiency of the home and condensation drips in the attic areas. This will need periodical replacement as our UV rays will accelerate the deterioration rates of the foam over time. This foam insulation can be purchased at your local hardware store and cut to desirable lengths as needed. It is recommended that you spend a few more dollars to purchase the thicker and longer life expectancy foam insulation for better performance and longevity.
5. Self-Service your AC System – All air conditioning systems condensate during operation, even our vehicles drip under the car while we are running our air conditioners. In homes, there are different ways that the condensation exits the home safely to avoid possible water damage. The most common way that this is installed is through a primary condensate drain line that runs from the air handler, located inside the home. This is typically routed either to bathroom sink drain piping inside the home or to the exterior of the home using gravity flow. This dripping flow of condensation through a 1” PVC pipe over time can eventually clog inside the piping causing backup issues and possible water damage inside the home. To help avoid this issue, you can provide hot water and bleach (vinegar if desired) mixture to the upper vertical opening of the primary condensate drain line located near or on your air handler in the home (typically attic or interior closet location). It is recommended that this service be performed 3-4 times a year with 2 of those services in the summer months as we are running the air conditioning systems more frequently. If your primary condensate drain line is routed to the exterior area of the home, be sure to place a bucket at the end of the line to keep from contaminating the grounds.
6. Increase Attic Insulation Levels & Ventilation – Increasing the attic insulation levels and ventilation in the attic are also very important to increase the overall efficiency of the home. This will help decrease the overall heat load in the attic which is located above our conditioned space and help maintain lower temperatures of the conditioned air that travels through the air ducts in the attic that supply the home through to the supply registers. If you have an older home, it is also important to upgrade your air ducts in the home as they are increasingly more efficient than older ducts systems (added insulation).
7. Energy Audit – To help improve the overall efficiency of your home, save money and energy, and improve the overall indoor air quality you can arrange for an energy audit performed by a specialist. This also improves the quality of our everyday lives and increases the overall value of the home.
As home inspectors, we inspect hundreds of homes each year. The majority of deficiencies that we find are related to deferred maintenance by the current occupant. Small, routine maintenance can make a big difference in protecting your big investment.
Jun 18, 2019
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-CLOSING HOME INSPECTION
Homeowners’ can rest assured when they undergo a pre-closing home inspection that the home they are about to invest in is sound and secure. This is a vital step in the home purchasing process to protect your interests.
THE FINAL WALK-THROUGH
Unfortunately, many homebuyers do not complete the pre-closing inspection prior to signing on the dotted line. Imagine discovering after closing that there are electrical problems, a roof in drastic need of repair or cracks in the foundation. While everything may look skookum to the untrained eye, it is essential to have a professional comb over every inch to provide you with a complete picture. It can be devastating for homeowners to maximize their mortgage on securing a property, only to discover that there are thousands of dollars required for asbestos removal or plumbing issues that need to be addressed. A pre-closing home inspection protects the buyer and the seller.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Your home purchase one of the largest financial investments you will ever make. It is amazing how damaging water issues, fire hazards, bug infestations, and poor energy efficiency can be to your bottom line. Home Logic Inspections offers a comprehensive and detailed report outlining which priority items need to be fixed and which can wait. Your inspection report is a valid way to ensure you are paying a fair asking price. Many clients are happy to see that the home they are interested in has been over-engineered in specific areas. Other clients are able to negotiate a lower purchasing price due to the details in the report. Once the closing has been completed, the selling party has no further obligations.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE FOLLOWING
Taking photos and looking things over with a fine tooth comb can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs. It can be exciting to walk through the house you envision calling home. So much in fact, that it is simple to overlook certain symptoms of an unhealthy abode. Our expert team will be keeping an eye open for any of the following and much more:
*Interior staining on roofs or walls due to water damage
*Missing, broken or damaged shingles, downspouts or roof components
*Poor drainage away from the property
*Cracked bricks and damage to the fireplace
*Leaky toilets or faucets
*Cracked windows or excessive condensation
*Check all appliances are in proper working order
*Check all lights turn on and off properly
*Determine if saunas, pool or hot tub is in working order
REVIEWING THE PAPER TRAIL
Many homeowners have a file full of warranties or work orders of recently completed work. Ensure that you double check recent repairs and determine if anything is left under warranty in the event of a problem arising.
BE PRESENT DURING THE INSPECTION
Home Logic Inspections invites clients to be present during the final walk through. This is an excellent time to ask any questions or address any concerns. Do not be shy. Our team is committed to delivering the pertinent information you require.
Call Home Logic Inspections in Calgary today to ensure you are getting the best value for your money with your upcoming property purchase.
Apr 26, 2019
Home Inspection, What's the Bid Deal?
Why does my Real Estate Agent harp on getting a home inspection? Do you think this is a needless expense? Think again.
Since the late '80s, disclosure of property defects has become the primary focus of most residential real estate transactions after first emerging as a service during the mid-1970s. Gaining gradual recognition over the past decades, home inspectors attained prominent acceptance as a distinct and essential profession providing the service of inspecting and disclosing property defects.
To those who approach real estate with the old 'as-is' mindset, the advantages of a home inspection are not immediately apparent. But make no mistake; a thorough inspection can shield you from costly discoveries after the home sale or purchase. It's one of the best consumer protection services available.
Every home, regardless of age or quality, harbors a small, medium, or large list of defective conditions. Some are obvious, while others are only apparent to those who know how and where to look. When you hire an experienced, qualified home inspector, there is no question as to whether unknown defects will be found; but rather what, where, and how serious, dangerous, or expensive the defects will turn out to be.
Most homebuyers spend fifteen minutes to an hour walking through a home prior to making an offer. At best, this provides a general impression of the overall physical condition. But what about foundations and structural framing, attic construction, insulation, ventilation, and roof conditions? These are just a few of the hundreds of considerations included in a home inspection.
Above all, let's not forget building safety. An inspector can alert you to red flag issues involving the electrical wiring and fixtures, fireplaces and chimneys, gas fixtures such as furnaces, water heaters, cooktops, and ovens, railings at staircases and decks, tempered safety glass in required locations, and automatic reverse of garage door openers.
Furthermore, an inspector can forewarn you of problems involving faulty ground drainage, defective plumbing, substandard construction, firewall compliance, building settlement, leakage, general deterioration, inoperative fixtures, and so much more.
Clearly, your agent understands this process and the importance of equipping you to make an informed purchase decision. Be thankful that your agent is working to protect your financial interests. With a detailed home inspection, you will know what you are buying, before you buy it. And that could save you thousands of dollars and years of regret.
Attic condensation during winter can decrease the effectiveness of insulation and over time can cause significant damage to structural elements in the attic such as rafters or trusses. And the same factors that cause attic condensation problems also cause ice buildup on roof edges, which can lead to ice damming. If ice damming occurs it often results in snow melt water entering the home with the potential of causing significant water damage to the home’s interior.
Attics tend to be very inhospitable places, blazing hot in summer and freezing cold in winter, so the average homeowner seldom visits the attic to check its condition. Therefore, if an attic condensation problem does exist, it often goes undetected until significant damage has occurred. As mentioned previously, the same factors that cause attic condensation problems also cause ice build-up on roof edges. So if you have noticed that you have lots of icicles hanging from the edge of your roof, it is also probable that your attic has condensation problems.
Causes of Attic Condensation Problems
The primary cause of attic moisture problems is due to moisture transported from the heated portion of the home into the unheated attic via airflow (see Figure 1 to learn more about where heated air escapes to the attic). This occurs during the winter heating season. While moisture contained in the escaping house air is responsible for the condensation problems, the heat contained in the escaping air is the primary cause of the ice damming problem. The escaping wam air raises the temperature of the attic above 32 degrees causing any snow on the roof to melt and run down to the colder roof edge where it freezes and turns to ice. Improper installation of attic insulation also contributes to ice damming problems (see Figure 2 for a detailed description of how ice dams occur)..
The first step in managing attic moisture problems is to manage moisture within the living area of your home. Managing moisture levels can be divided into two basic areas:
1) Reducing Excess Sources of Moisture
This involves reducing moisture sources in the home and avoiding activities that can generate very high levels of moisture (see Table 1 for the amount of excessive moisture produced)
Avoid or address the factors listed below to keep moisture generation levels during the winter within manageable levels.
• Clothes dryers have built-in exhaust fans that are designed to vent the hot moist air extracted from clothing. Dryers should always be vented to the outdoors, even in the coldest weather.
• Never store large volumes of firewood within the heated area of the home. Even firewood that appears dry can contain significant amounts of water that can evaporate into the house as it dries.
• It is not necessary to use a humidifier to maintain comfortable levels of indoor relative humidity in a well insulated and properly weatherized house. Doing so can produce excess amounts of moisture that can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Also, poorly maintained humidifiers can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
• Unvented heaters release tremendous amounts of water vapor into a house. If you will be purchasing a kerosene or gas space heater, spend a little extra money and get one that is vented to the outdoors. Doing so will significantly reduce indoor air quality problems and the potential for moisture damage to the structural components of your home. If you already have an un-vented space heater, be aware that manufacturers do not recommend extended use of these appliances. Refer to the owner’s manual to learn the maximum number of hours per day the appliance should be used. Also, open a window while the unvented appliance is in operation to allow moisture and other combustion pollutants to escape.
Activities that create excessive moisture
2) Ventilation in High Moisture Areas
Significant amounts of moisture are generated during the process of living in and using our homes. Everyday activities such as bathing, cooking and doing laundry produce moisture in the form of water vapor. The amount of water vapor produced by these activities typically does not have a negative impact on the building or its occupants if this moisture is quickly vented to the outdoors by an exhaust fan. If you do not have exhaust fans in bathroom and kitchen areas consider having them installed. If that is not possible, then open a window slightly during periods of high moisture generation to allow excess water vapor to escape. If you already have exhaust fans, pay attention to the following issues to make certain the fans are doing an effective job of ventilation:
• Exhaust fans must be vented to the outdoors, not into attics, overhangs, crawl-spaces, etc.
• The fans must be operating correctly. That is they must be drawing air out of the room where they are located. Just because you have a fan in the bathroom and kitchen that makes a noise when you turn it on, don’t assume that it is actually drawing air out of the house. Duct work can become clogged so that air flow is blocked. The fan may be undersized or it may just be a poor quality fan. There are two simple tests to check how well an exhaust fan is working. The first is a visual test. Puff a cloud of baby powder toward the fan grill from about 6 inches away. If the fan is working correctly the powder should be drawn into the grill. If it is sucked into the center of the grill and blown back out at the grill edges, the exhaust duct is blocked. If the powder simply hangs in the air and is not drawn into the grill, the exhaust fan is not working.
• Bathroom fans should remain on during showering, and for at least 15 minutes afterwards. Installing a hand crank timer is an easy way to accomplish this. An electrician can easily install such a device.
Determining if your attic has a condensation problem
If you have significant ice build-up on roof edges during winter, you can assume that your attic also has condensation problems. You can climb into the attic and inspect for signs of condensation. If you do so during the winter, you may actually observe condensation or frost. Look at the underside of the roof boards for water droplets, or if it’s below freezing look for signs of frost. Water and frost are often most visible on the ends of roofing nails that have penetrated plywood roof sheathing or boards. If you check the attic during the summer, look for visible signs that moisture has been present. Water stains resulting from roof leaks will be confined to relatively small areas, while water stains caused by condensation will cover a very large area. Mold growth covering a large area on the underside of the roof sheathing also indicates that attic condensation is a problem.
Fixing Attic Condensation & Roof Ice Problems
To fix attic moisture and ice damming problems address these 3 factors:
1) Prevent warm air in living spaces from infiltrating into the attic with a good air barrier between the heated portion of the house and the attic.
• Properly finished drywall or plaster on ceilings provide an adequate air barrier. But significant air leakage occurs wherever there are penetrations in plaster or drywall ceilings. Most insulation products are not effective air barriers, so even well insulated attics can have significant air leakage problems. Plumbing vent pipes, chimneys, recessed lights and attic access stairs are examples of penetrations that need to be carefully air-sealed. The typical homeowner does not have the expertise, equipment or experience to adequately do this job.
2) Prevent conductive heat loss between living areas of the home and the unheated attic by making certain that attic insulation levels are adequate and that insulation is correctly installed.
• The Canadian home insulation guidelines recommends that ceilings (both regular and cathedral ceilings) have insulation levels of R-49. A 15 inch thick layer of cellulose insulation or a 27" thick layer of fiberglass insulation is required to obtain an R-49 insulation level. Few attics are insulated to these recommendations. Doing so can significantly reduce home heating bills. Combining proper levels of insulation with air-sealing will prevent both attic condensation and ice damming problems.
3) Provide ventilation of non-heated attic spaces
• Even with sufficient insulation levels and a good air seal between the attic and heated spaces below, some heat may escape. Attic ventilation is suggested because it can draw this heat from the attic before it can accumulate and begin to melt roof snow. It also keeps the roof cooler in summer. In addition, building codes often require attic ventilation. Open attics should have 1 square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of ceiling area. Cathedral ceilings should have 1 square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet ceiling area.
• The most effective attic ventilation strategies divide ventilation area equally between soffit (roof edge) and roof peak areas. Correctly installed soffit ventilation allows air into the attic area, but also protects insulation from the negative effects of wind washing (see Figure 3).
The edge and top of the insulation near A continuous soffit vent is the roof edge should recommended for roof be protected with edge ventilation some type of wind resistant baffle, rigid insulation board or cardboard, to prevent wind washing from decreasing the R-value of the insulation.
Conclusion
This Fact Sheet has provided basic information about what factors cause attic condensation and roof ice dams and what needs to be done to correct these problems. The three factors most directly linked to attic condensation and ice damming problems are leakage of heated air into unheated attic spaces, too little attic insulation, and/or poor installation of attic insulation, and inadequate attic ventilation. Reducing excess sources of moisture in the home and making certain there is adequate spot ventilation in high moisture areas is also important. Doing so will also improve indoor air quality.
Most homeowners are capable of monitoring and controlling indoor moisture levels. Following the basic methods described in this Fact Sheet for checking bath and kitchen exhaust fans is also within the capabilities of most homeowners. But diagnosing attic air-leakage rates and insulation levels and then taking steps to remedy identified problems is not something that many homeowners are capable of. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that homeowners work with a qualified and certified home performance professional. Contractors who have been certified have demonstrated to a third party testing and oversight agency that they have the required knowledge and diagnostic equipment to do this type of work.
A typical issue found in many homes during a home inspection is the lack of proper “gas proofing” between the garage and the interior of the home. Why is this so important?
Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide
In the past there have been deaths attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning due to poor or lack of proper gas proofing between the garage and the interior of the home. In older homes (prior to building codes) it’s not uncommon to have a wall which separates the attached garage from the interior that is poorly sealed or not sealed at all.
Over the years, Building codes have been changed and improved to address this issue and improve the sealing and separation between the garage and attached interior of the home. Devices like self closing hinges on inside entry doors, and properly sealed drywall between units are very common now in order to help prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide from entering into the home, should someone leave a vehicle running unattended inside the garage.
How Home Inspection Can Help Tackle Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Some common defects observed by home inspectors during a home inspection in regards to this issue are self closing devices that have been disabled or removed entirely from inside entry doors. Another common issue is poor quality drywall taping which falls off after the first few years after the home is built and leaves open seams as a potential space for gas to enter into the home.
Home owner modifications to garages can also come into play; poorly installed electrical wiring, central vac piping, plumbing supply lines, alarm system wiring, and dryer & kitchen vents; these must all be properly sealed at the separation wall to ensure carbon monoxide won’t enter into the home.
In most cases these issues that are discovered during a home inspection can be rectified easily and with minimal cost to ensure the safety of the occupants of the home. It’s surprising how many people today are still oblivious to the dangers of carbon monoxide gas and wouldn’t have known any better unless their home inspector had made them aware of the situation. Just another reason why it’s important to perform a home inspection when buying a home.
Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River,Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.
Jan 18, 2019
Ice Damming & Home Inspections
A common issue observed during home inspections in winter time is ice damming. Ice damming is the formation of large icicles or ice build up inside of gutters and along the eaves of the roof.
What Causes Ice Damming?
Typically ice damming is caused by two main things, poor insulation in the attic and poor ventilation, specifically at the soffits. This is why ice damming is commonly observed during a home inspection on an older home.
Older homes tend to have low insulation levels and also a lack of adequate soffit venting. If a home is poorly insulated, heat will bleed its way into the attic space all the way to the underside of the roof and cause snow to melt.
As the snow melts, water will travel down the roof until it hits the eaves where no more heat is leaking out of the attic. This is where the ice starts to accumulate and can cause damage to gutters and lead to roof leaks in severe cases.
How Home Inspection Can Help?
In most cases where ice damming is observed, your home inspector will likely recommend installing more attic insulation as well as improving roof ventilation to help alleviate ice damming problems. In some rare cases, ice dams can also form due to sun exposure and other elements, in which case alternative methods such as heating cables may need to be installed to help solve the problem.
Most ice damming issues can be solved, but it’s best to consult with your home inspector on the recommended course of action for repairs.
Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.
Jan 07, 2019
Electrical Panels & Home Inspections
The electrical system is one of the major systems within a home and one of the systems of primary focus while performing a home inspection. Here is a list of the most common defects observed during the electrical panel inspection by home inspectors.
Oversized Fuses Or Breakers Inspection
Oversized fuses or breakers is very common. It’s not unusual for the homeowner handyman to strike and install whatever size breaker or fuse that physically fits in the panel even though it may be oversized and become a potential fire hazard. It’s important to ensure fuses or breakers are properly sized for the gauge of wire they are supposed to protect, otherwise if there is a fault in that circuit, the fuse or breaker may not trip as it is designed to, resulting in a fire. In general, correcting oversized fuses or breakers isn’t a big job and not overly costly, but it still needs to be addressed.
Missing Wire Clamps & Grommets Inspection
Missing wire clamps and grommets are another common defect found on electrical panels during home inspections. Again, an unqualified handyman probably doesn’t realize the value for proper wire isolation and might skip installing the proper clamps or grommets. This can lead to wire sheathing rubbing on the metal frame of the panel and someone getting hurt and it is also a potential fire hazard.
Double Tapping Inspection
Double tapping or also referred to as “double lugging”, is also another common defect found during home inspections, this is when more than one wire end is installed into a breaker or fuse receptacle. This can potentially lead to an overheating situation and is also a potential fire hazard. In some cases double tapping is permissible if the breakers are designed for multiple wire use or where a low voltage device such as a transformer for a doorbell is installed. In other rare cases, double taps may be permissible if passed by a qualified electrician or electrical authority. However, it is considered bad practice.
Incorrect Panel Cover Screws Inspection
Incorrect panel cover screws are also another common defect witnessed during home inspections. Panel covers must have flat tipped screws to avoid accidental piercing of wire sheathing. All too often inexperienced homeowners have removed the panel cover, misplaced the screws and replaced them with longer wood type screws with sharp tips which may protrude into wiring.
Most of these issues commonly found in electrical panels during home inspections can be repaired usually without much grief and too much cost, so in most cases there isn’t a need to panic. That being said, they should not be left uncorrected and should be repaired by a qualified professional.
Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.
Dec 02, 2018
Floor Pad Cracking & Home Inspections
A frequently asked question by many clients during their home inspection is whether floor pad cracks are a serious problem? In most cases, your home inspector will likely say no. It is not uncommon at all for floor pad cracks to develop, especially in the early years of the homes construction while the concrete is still curing.
Identifying Problematic Floor Pad Cracks During Home Inspections
Small hairline cracks (less than a few millimetres in width) are typical and usually do not present any problems for homeowners. Although some buyers or homeowners may view this opinion with some skepticism, it is normal for cracks to develop and again they generally do not cause any serious problems.
There are some rare cases where floor pad cracks can be problematic and also be an indication of possible underlying problems. Cracks which are more than a few millimetres in thickness with evidence of heaving or differential settlement should be monitored very closely and if movement persists it will likely need to be addressed by a concrete specialist.
How Your Home Inspector Can Help Tackle Floor Pad Crack
Factors such as poor installation of substrate or high water tables can cause problems and lead to excessive cracking and in turn potential structural issues. Sometimes alternative water drainage strategies need to be implemented, or in cases of poor quality construction, entire floors will need to be removed and redone. A general rule of thumb for thickness of a floor pad is at least three inches.
So if you observe some floor pad cracking during your home inspection, it is most likely normal and nothing to get worked up about. Be sure to consult with your home inspector and listen to what they have to say before jumping to conclusions. Of course if your home inspector is competent they will let you know whether or not you really have something to address.
Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.
Oct 30, 2018
Importance of Eavestroughs
Often overlooked by homeowners, is proper eavestrough maintenance. During most home inspections it is common to find a variety of debris in eavestroughs that prevent them from doing their job, which is to properly control water runoff from the roof.
Typical things found in eavestroughs include roofing nails, granular material from shingles, leaves, twigs, pine needles and even objects like baseballs, tennis and golf balls and even kids toys. Proper water drainage off the roof is important for preventing erosion around the foundation and other important things like basement leakage.
Home Inspections & Eavestrough Maintenance
During your home inspection, your inspector will check for obvious obstructions in the eavestroughs as well as correct slope and downspout arrangement. Obviously you want to ensure that the water coming off the roof is drained properly so ensuring eavestroughs are clean on an annual basis is a prudent thing to do. Some homes in close proximity to trees may require more frequent cleaning, gutter guards may also help alleviate the frequent need to clean.
Incorrect eavestrough slope can lead to improper drainage which can damage exterior finishes if left uncorrected for long periods of time. Sometimes the eavestrough may have been poorly installed, or perhaps over a long period of time the slope may have changed due to gutter damage from something like ice damming.
If your home inspector mentions anything in regards to poor gutter slope or drainage, or gutters that require cleaning, it’s best to try and correct the problem in a reasonable time frame to avoid having potential issues down the road.
Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging inspections and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.
Sep 20, 2018
Foundation Cracks & Home Inspections
Foundation cracks are a main focus of attention when performing a home inspection. While most homes do not have any serious or major foundation problems, they can occur and can be very costly to repair.
Dealing with Foundations During Home Inspections
Let’s start with the most common topic when dealing with foundations and your home inspection… the unnerving foundation crack. Ok so most cracks are not big or serious, but at least we’ve got your attention now. Most cracks observed during a home inspection are in general, not a big deal. Many people assume that if the foundation has a crack that it is a major problem and they should run for the hills, not true.
Identifying the Severity of Foundation Cracks
All foundations will have cracks to some degree; it’s just part of the nature of the beast. Cracks will develop as the foundation of the house settles and the concrete or mortar joints start to cure and shrink. Sometimes it can take a few years for cracks to occur in a foundation. What matters is whether these cracks show evidence of affecting the structural integrity of the home’s foundation.
In most cases, the cracks observed during a home inspection are superficial and may only need sealing to help prevent water leakage. These cracks are generally vertical in nature and are less than a few millimetres in width. Cracks like this can generally be sealed from the interior of the home with modern epoxy sealants which have a high success rate and are much less costly and disruptive than having to excavate and perform repairs from the exterior.
How To Tackle Foundation Cracks
During your home inspection you may observe cracks that show differential settlement, rotation or run in a more horizontal fashion, these are signs of trouble. These are the types of cracks where concern is warranted and consultation with a foundation repair professional should be sought after, as repairs may become very costly.
What should you do if cracks are observed during your home inspection? Most likely your home inspector will provide you with advice on how to move forward. In most cases, superficial cracks will require monitoring as they can potentially move and become worse, and sealing of existing cracks should always be performed and maintained to prevent unwanted leakage into the home. If the crack is more suspicious in nature or shows obvious signs of needing attention, then your home inspector will likely advise you to consult with a foundation repair specialist to further evaluate the problem and perform the necessary repairs.
A high percentage of foundation cracks observed during a home inspection are usually not serious, so try not to worry or overreact, seek the advice of your home inspector.
Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River,Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.
