expert building inspector: Equilibrium Housing will Help to Conserve Natural Resources - 06/21/07 03:22 PM
Through thoughtful, innovative design and construction processes, it is expected that EQuilibrium housing will help to conserve our natural resources. Building size should be optimized for intended use, materials should be specified from local and renewable resources, and construction waste should be reduced and well managed. Additionally, improving the durability of … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Equilibrium Housing is Environment Friendly - 06/21/07 03:15 PM
Eqilibrium Housing involves site planning and community design that reduces demand for greenfield development, protects wildlife habitat, agriculture and fisheries, promotes resource-efficient native landscaping, and considers broader community issues such as efficient transportation, reduced infrastructure, and preservation and restoration of natural features. To reduce the environmental impact of housing generally means … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Equilibrium Housing is affordable - 06/21/07 08:00 AM
Affordability is an essential aspect of sustainable housing. Sustainable developments generally reduce the life cycle costs of their buildings and infrastructure. They are conceived as durable systems with low maintenance and operating costs that use significantly less purchased energy. Flexible and adaptable design solutions enable the home to easily and … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Equilibrium Housing is Energy Efficient - 06/21/07 07:54 AM
One of the primary objectives of the EQuilibrium Housing initiative is to demonstrate the capacity of housing to drastically reduce the energy load required by a home, and then to produce as much, or more, renewable energy than it consumes on an annual basis. This will be achieved by matching high-performance, … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Equilibrium Housing - 06/21/07 06:24 AM
Faced with rising energy costs, a greater concern for the environment and an increased focus on the health of their families, more and more Canadians are looking for housing options that are healthy, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate and maintain. EQuilibrium Housing is a national design and demonstration initiative, … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Building Science Fundamentals 2007 - 06/21/07 06:16 AM
Building Science Fundamentals 2007 is an advanced two-day seminar about optimizing building performance. That is, designing buildings that perform as they should: efficiently and without assemblies that spall, decay, corrode, peel, blister, mold, condense water, leak air and water and otherwise annoy occupants, clients and authorities with jurisdiction.
This course … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: All Plastic Vent Piping to be certified to ULC S636 Standard - 06/21/07 06:13 AM
Canadian provinces have now notified gas certificate holders on the date they plan to adopt the 2007 Supplement to the national Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code (CSA B149-1S1-07). This supplement will require that all plastic vent piping to be certified to ULC S636 “Standard for Type BH Gas Venting Systems”. … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: New Homes – Pre Delivery Inspection - 05/09/07 10:03 PM
Checklist for Possible Deficiencies / Malfunctions
Nalliah Thayabharan, Registered Home Inspector, Member of CAHPI-Ontario and Certified By ASHI,
Expert Building Inspections Ltd., Markham ON 905 940 0811 www.expertinspector.comExterior Doors
Warped Dented Sticks Does not close completely
Swings open or closes by itself Crooked in the frame Drags on the floor
Does not … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Brickwork - 05/08/07 11:57 PM
During the life of a building its brick walls may need to be cleaned on several occasions, the first occuring even before it goes into service when the general dirt and dust of construction, including mortar splashed or smeared on the bricks as a result of the bricklaying procedure, have to … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Sliding Snow - 05/08/07 11:51 PM
Sloping roofs on buildings are common. In the last few years, large inclined glass and metal roofs have become popular on major buildings in an urban setting. Designing for snow on all such sloping roofs, even on inclines as low as 10°, calls for a double measure of caution; they must … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Moisture in Houses - 05/08/07 11:47 PM
Winter moisture condensation is probably the most common moisture-related problem that affects houses. In its mildest form, it appears only as harmless surface condensation on windows. In severe cases it causes decay that might affect the structure itself. In between these extremes, it can manifest itself as mildew growth on the … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Noise Control - 05/08/07 11:45 PM
Sound waves are small rapid fluctuations in pressure that propagate in air as well as in solids and liquids. A distinction is made between airborne sound and structure-borne sound depending on the medium in which the sound waves are travelling. In buildings, sound waves may originate as airborne sound, then travel … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Visibility in Fires - 05/08/07 11:42 PM
The designer can help to assure that the modern building is safe from the sight-obscuring effects of smoke from fires by knowing the amount of smoke that can be generated and by knowing how to provide for efficient exit signage. Smoke causes more loss of life in building fires than any … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Wood Shrinkage - 05/08/07 11:30 PM
Characteristics of Shrinkage
Wood shrinks when it dries and swells when it becomes wet. These dimensional changes vary with the species and the orientation of the wood fibres. When wood dries from its green condition, little or no shrinkage occurs until the moisture content falls below the fibre saturation level. At this … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Redevelopment of Corktown - 05/01/07 10:14 PM
Corktown, one of Toronto's most historic areas is poised for massive redevelopment. Corktown is a historic Old Town neighbourhood in downtown Toronto is located just south of Regent Park and north of the Gardiner Expressway, between Berkeley Street to the west and the Don River to the east. The southern part … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: NY Thermal recalls NTI Trinity Gas fired Hot Water Boilers - 05/01/07 09:39 PM
NY Thermal Inc. recalls to repair Gas Fired Hot Water Boilers due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard.Product: NTI Trinity Gas Fired Hot Water Boilers model numbers:Ti1oo, Ti150, Ti200, and Ti400.Manufactured between Nov28, 2005 and January 8, 2007All are wall mounted units with the exception of the Ti400 which rests on the floor.Gray … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Design of Passive Solar Heated Buildings - 05/01/07 04:15 PM
The following are general recommendations that should be followed in the design of passive solar heated buildings.
Passive solar heating will tend to work best, and be most economical, in climates with clear skies during the winter heating season and where alternative heating sources are relatively expensive. Use passive solar heating strategies … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Stack Effect - 05/01/07 04:09 PM
Stack effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue gas stacks, or other containers, and is driven by buoyancy. Buoyancy occurs due to a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature and moisture differences. The result is either a positive or negative buoyancy force. The … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Building Science - Bernoulli's Equation - 05/01/07 03:58 PM
Bernoulli's Principle states that in an ideal fluid (low speed air is a good approximation), with no work being performed on the fluid, an increase in velocity occurs simultaneously with decrease in pressure or a change in the fluid's gravitational potential energy.
This principle is a simplification of Bernoulli's equation, which states … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Basic Building Science - Fourier's Equation - 05/01/07 03:50 PM
Heat conduction or Thermal conduction is the spontaneous transfer of thermal energy through matter, from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature, and hence acts to even out temperature differences.
It should be noted that heat can also be transferred by Thermal radiation and/or convection, and often more … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Basic Building Science - Stefan Boltzmann Law - 05/01/07 03:40 PM
The Stefan-Boltzmann law states that the total energy radiated per unit surface area of a black body in unit time (known variously as the black-body irradiance, energy flux density, radiant flux, or the emissive power), j*, is directly proportional to the fourth power of the black body's thermodynamic temperature Tabsolute temperature): … (2 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Greener Toronto - 05/01/07 03:03 PM
Toronto builders could face mandatory green standards by the end of the year. Toronto has had a voluntary standard for a year. To date one highly efficient office building has been constructed and couple more are planned. City of Toronto officials are now looking at all the issues involved in a … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Canadian Conservativism & Mortgage Market - 05/01/07 02:50 PM
While US mortgage defaults continue to soar and subprime lenders succumb to years worth of dubious loans, Canada's mortgage market apperas immune to the fallout. It appears Canadian conservativism has insulated us from the excesses of our American cousins.
The mortgage market in Canada is healthier, the lenders are more prudent in … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: House Prices may go Up in York & Peel Region - 05/01/07 02:26 PM
York and Peel regions are planning to raise development charges - money collected from developers to provide new infrastructure by about 40%.
The easy view is that the money is being taken out of the pocket of wealthy developers but the reality is that builders and developers pass this on, so they … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Gas Filled Windows - 04/23/07 06:13 PM
The other big advance in window technology has been the introduction of inert gas fills into the space between glazings. The term inert refers to a class of chemically stable, non-reactive (safe) gases. Argon and krypton are the usual choice, with argon being the most common and cheapest. Filling the space … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Low E Coated Windows - 04/23/07 06:09 PM
As energy costs continue to rise, the need for more energy efficient homes, offices and buildings has never been more important. Energy efficient windows play a critical role in the overall energy efficiency of a building, and consequently have been greatly improved in this regard.The use of Low E glass is … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Solar Radiation in Cold Climates - 04/23/07 12:10 PM
Solar radiation affects both energy consumption and performance of the thermal envelope. Solar radiation causes increased cooling loads in summer and reduced heating loads in winter, additional stresses due to thermal expansion of building components exposed to the sun, summer condensation, increased corrosion etc.
East and West facing elevations receive relatively little … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Manage Water and Moisture in Cold Climate Basements - 04/23/07 11:48 AM
Drain surface and roof runoff away from the foundation along the ground surface.
Maintain atmospheric pressure in pore spaces in contact with the exterior faces of the basement walls and floor.
Prevent capillary water from coming contact with the wall or floor.
Prevent water from the soil entering basement floor and walls.
Prevent condensation of … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Canada’s ecoENERGY Retrofit Program - 04/23/07 10:04 AM
Canada’s ecoENERGY Retrofit ProgramNatural Resources Canada (NRCan) launched the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program on April 1, 2007. Incentives are targeted to improve energy efficiency in housing, buildings and industrial processes.
The Government of Canada now provides grants to property owners who complete energy efficiency retrofits based on recommendations from an NRCan-licensed energy … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: TSSA Ends Quality Assessed Contractors Program - 04/23/07 09:53 AM
After a run of eight years, Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has decided to end its “Quality Assessed Contractor” (QAC) program. The voluntary, fee-for-service program provided HVAC contractors with training and consulting services and had the intent of raising the level of professionalism and technical knowledge in the industry. … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Update - Access to Electrical Panels by HVAC contractors in Ontario - 04/23/07 09:48 AM
As previously posted, the HVAC industry succeeded last fall in getting a clarification from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) on the matter of accessing the electrical panel. Director of Apprenticeship Rob Easto concluded that refrigeration mechanics (and residential AC mechanics) are trained sufficiently to do limited work … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: TSSA Issues Directors Order Adopting B149 Code Supplement - 04/23/07 09:42 AM
On April 16 TSSA issued a Director’s Order notifying certificate holders in the province that TSSA will be adopting the 2007 Supplement to the national Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code (CSA B149-1S1-07), effective August 1, 2007.A major change in the codes supplement is that all plastic vent piping will have … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Recall of Polarity Reversed Outlets - 04/23/07 09:37 AM
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 100000 Carlon® Drop-In Floor Boxes manufactured in China for Lamson & Sessions, of Cleveland, Ohio and sold between January 2005 and March 2007 for about $35. The recalled floor boxes are wired incorrectly resulting in reverse polarity. This poses … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: CAHPI Membership - 04/16/07 08:08 AM
CAHPI is the only national non-profit professional organization in Canada that rigorously tests home inspectors abouttheir technical knowledge and diagnostic expertise prior to joining the organization as well as requiring continuing education after admission to keep current with new technology and building practices.
Membership in CAHPI-Ontario and the Registered Home Inspector designationare … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Home Inspection Fee - 04/16/07 08:04 AM
The old adage, "you get what you pay for," has been proven true time and time again.We perform a quality oriented inspection rather than a time and cost limited one.A low cost Home Inspection is rarely a bargain.Lot of Home buyers think all home inspectors are the sameIf you looking for … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Why We Need Venting System For Proper Waste Plumbing - 04/16/07 07:58 AM
The venting system plays an important role in getting the waste out of the house/buildings. The venting system equalizes the air pressure throughout the waste piping system. The waste won't flow properly it it has trouble pushing the air in the pipe out of the way. Vents provide a path for … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Tips For Grow House Inspection - 04/16/07 07:54 AM
Inform your clients in clear writing that chemical contamination and health risks are outside the scope of a home inspection. Your clients should contact their family physician immediately for concerns about health risks associated with buying a grow house.Most of the power thefts are done in a very hazardous manner. The … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Home Inspection Career - 04/16/07 07:41 AM
This is a very frustrating and difficult career to get into. For many inspectors this is a very stressful with constant concerns of litigation. Many experienced inspectors seem to last less than 7 years in this business, before burn out or bankruptcy beats them down.
Ten Important Prerequisites
1. Years of experience in … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Why did I apply for National Certification For Home Inspectors (CAHPI) - 04/16/07 07:33 AM
I did apply for the national certification because I wanted to participate in a national strategy guiding the future of the Canadian Home Inspection profession. I believe national certification authority works in the best interests of the home inspection profession throughout Canada, accommodating the interests of all home inspection associations and … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Heating and Energy Savings - 04/16/07 12:00 AM
HEATING TIPS:Use bath and kitchen vents sparingly when moisture and odors are not a problem.Lock your windows so they will seal tighter.Try to use doors that are protected from the wind.Be sure thermostat is located away from heat sources and cold drafts.Close drapes at night and on cloudy days.OPERATIONAL TIPS:Set the … (3 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Basement & Energy Efficiency - 04/15/07 11:55 PM
Seal the band joist and sill with caulk or foam sealant.Caulk around basement windows.Seal any holes in the foundation wall with caulk or foam sealant.Seal the hole where the bath tub drain comes down and any other plumbing or electrical penetrations into the basement ceiling with caulk or foam sealant.Insulate the … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Cold Climate Attics and Energy Efficiency - 04/15/07 11:51 PM
Weatherstrip attic access door.Insulate attic access door by attaching foam insulation or fiberglass batt to the back.Caulk electrical wire penetrations at the top of the interior walls and wires into ceiling fixtures.Seal around the plumbing stack(s).Seal around the chimney using a high temperature sealant such as muffler cement and metal flashing … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Diesel and Home Heating Oil - 04/15/07 11:38 PM
Off road Diesel #2 and Home Heating Oil # 2 apparently differ only in the tax applied at the time of sale.
Both are dyed red. They differ from standard Road Diesel #2 in that road tax has been applied, no red dye has been added, and there is a specification … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Energy Efficient Usage of Dishwasher, Washer and Clothes Dryer - 04/07/07 10:42 PM
DISHWASHER:Operating Tips:
Scrape the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher so you can use the shortest cycle possible to clean the dishes.Clean the filter screen over the drain regularly.Don't use the rinse and hold cycle.Run only full loads.If you don't have a booster heater on your dishwasher, turn your water heater … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Tips on Energy Efficient Use of Range, Oven & Microwave - 04/07/07 10:37 PM
Nalliah Thayabharan, Registered Home Inspector, Member of CAHPI-Ontario and Certified By ASHI,
Expert Building Inspections Ltd., Markham ON 905 940 0811 www.expertinspector.com
RANGE:
Operating Tips:
Keep burner reflectors, burner tips, and bottoms of pans clean.Use the oven instead of the range when cooking several dishes at the same time.Use the microwave when warming foods … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Tips on Energy Efficient Fridge Usage - 04/07/07 10:32 PM
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER:Refrigerators account for the largest portion of appliance energy consumption. Replacing an older refrigerator with a new energy efficient model could cut your operating costs in half. An inefficient refrigerator also adds a considerable amount of heat to your kitchen in the summer.
Operating Tips:
Place the refrigerator away from heat sources such … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Kitchen Fans - 04/07/07 10:14 PM
Kitchen fans are very important to maintain good indoor air quality, since they remove odours, excess moisture, grease, combustion products and pollutants from cooking. A typical builder model kitchen fans are rated about 200 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of exhaust and is generally adequate to eliminate excess moisture and odours. … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Repair Cost Estimate by Home Inspectors - 04/07/07 09:43 PM
Most of the Realtors like these estimates which they can use for quicker renegotiation to close the deal right away, rather than waiting for cost estimates from three different contractors..But there are concerns about these estimates. including the following.If a home inspector thinks he/she can give a cost estimate based on … (3 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Updated Wiring and Plumbing - Confusing Real Estate Descriptions - 04/04/07 10:05 PM
Upgraded Plumbing
Updated plumbing means new bathroom fixtures or new pipes? If it is about new pipes, whether all pipes within the house were replaced or just the accessible supply pipes in the unfinished portion of the basement? All copper plumbing means the waste piping as well? From the mid 1950’s to … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: New Roof & Totally Renovated- Confusing Real Estate Descriptions - 04/04/07 09:08 PM
The term “new roof” is confusing in that it implies the new roof covering, the new roof sheathing and new rafters or trusses. The word “new” is rather nebulous as well. “Roof shingles replaced in 2006 or Roof re-shingled in 2006″ is a more accurate description.
One person’s idea of a total … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Access to Electrical Panel & Ontario HVAC Contractors - 04/04/07 08:13 PM
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) in Ontario issued a re-interpretation regarding the scope of the refrigeration and air conditioning trade (including the residential AC trade) that permitted limited access to the electrical panel (for purposes of installing new AC systems).This interpretation was very important for HVAC contractors in Ontario … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Ontario Cool Savings Rebate Program - 2007 - 04/04/07 07:52 PM
Ontario Power Authority (OPA) Cool Savings Rebate Program will be renewed commencing April 1st, 2007. The rebate offers under the new program have changed somewhat from last year’s program as well as the more recent Hot Savings Rebate Program. The offers under the new Ontario program are as follows: a $50 … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Venmar HRV Recall - 04/04/07 07:34 PM
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced a voluntary recall of 75000 units of VENMAR Heat Recovery Ventilatorsmanufactured by Venmar Ventilation Inc., of Quebec, CanadaThe motors in these units can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Venmar Ventilation has received four reports of ventilator motors overheating resulting in fires causing extensive property … (1 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Carbon Monoxide - A Poisoning Problem - 04/01/07 09:36 PM
Nalliah Thayabharan, Registered Home Inspector, Member of CAHPI-Ontario and Certified By ASHI,
Expert Building Inspections Ltd., Markham ON 905 940 0811 www.expertinspector.com
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in North America. It accounts for greater mortality and morbidity than all other poisonings combined. It is a sly and … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Basic Requirements For Legal Basement Apartment in Toronto - 04/01/07 09:15 PM
By Nalliah Thayabharan Registered Home Inspector. Member of OAHI & CAHPI-Ontario ASHI certified Inspector. www.expertinspector.com Expert Building Inspections Ltd 905 940 0811
There is no single government authority, which provides written certification that any given basement apartment is legal. Smart real estate agents never list a house as having a legal … (0 comments)
|
expert building inspector: Why Home Buyers Need a Reliable Professional Home Inspection By Experienced Registered Home Inspectors - 03/31/07 08:08 AM
By Nalliah Thayabharan, Registered Home Inspector, Member of CAHPI-Ontario and Certified By ASHI,
Expert Building Inspections Ltd., Markham ON 905 940 0811 www.expertinspector.com
When the home buyers are caught up in the speed, drama and pressure of bidding on a home that they may willing to skip a few steps to make … (1 comments)
|
