Tax Alert

The Canada Revenue Agency warns Canadians of mail scam

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to beware of a recent scam where some Canadians are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter is not from the CRA. A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

The letter claims that there is "insufficient information" for the individual's tax return and that in order to receive any "claims," they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individual's personal information in writing, via fax or email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender.

All taxpayers should be vigilant when divulging any confidential information to third parties. The CRA has well established practices to protect the confidentiality of taxpayers' information. 

The CRA has notified the proper law enforcement authorities of this scam.

For information about this and other similar scams, or to report deceptive telemarketing activity, visit www.phonebusters.com, send an email to info@phonebusters.com, or call 1-888-495-8501.

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Over the last few months I have been doing more mold inspections and in almost every case some of the problems were the owners themselves.

High humidity levels really are the problem but owners not taking the proper steps to prevent mold.

In higher then normal humidity it would be prudent to spend a few dollars and purchase a dehumidifier, spluge and get the digital one, where you are able to set it to a percentage level and then with proper drainage in to a sink or floor drain can basically turn it on, set it to 40% and forget about it.

If the area you have is larger than what the dehumidifier is capable of doing then BUY the second one, please do not expect a machine rated for 900 sqft to properly control humidity in a 1200 sqft basement. at full capacity it can only deal with 2/3's and humidity levels will drop but not enough.

This will not stop mold from forming or possibly taking hold in the basement.

Do your self a favour and ensure the area to be covered is covered by the proper amount of dehumidifiers to clear and retain the specified level of humidity, in the long run the supposed added expense will be a mere pittance if remeadation is required.

Just my thought for the day, I hope yall are having a fantastic summer and enjoy the reamainder

Billy

Well I finally went out last month and bought myself the B cam SD and I'll tell you it was the best thing I have added to my tool belt in the last year.

This camera just opens up a whole new aspect to Inspection Services, it allows me to see things that I could or would have missed.

The moisture scan coupled with IAQ testing is just an unbeatable combination, I can now almost put the sampler right beside the suspected probmatic areas for what I believe to be bang on readings.

This can and will save clients money as now I can even more assuredly say if IAQ samples are required or a more intensive scan and monitor approach is required. Yhis allows me to keep clients more in tune with whats going on and also more calm to the posible presence of mold.

I am so Impressed with what I have been able to do so far, and it just gets better.

Those of you using one I would really like to hear how your using it for Structue,Insulation, Energy Audits, Electrical and what ever else.

Thanks more to come as I do more scans

Welcome to the new year,

Resolutions abound, how many do you make and how many did you keep.

Well for me the main was to quit smoking and I started to quit back in November, Happily I am now two months smoke free and on my way to becoming a "Born Again Breather".

The weight will be lost in the summer months again as quitting has added a few pounds that was expected, spring weight training will be even more necessary now.

I hear people making lots of resolutions and commiments to loose weight, quit smoking, work harder, to better in business, have  a better life, even be nicer,

But if you are one of those that has three or more all going at the same time I am sorry to say your most likley doomed to fail.

Do them one at a time, and quarterly if you have to, remember the year just started, so start with what is paramount and work through the resolution

Septic Tank pump out - prior to the freeze this may be the perfect time to access this and get it cleaned out

If you live in a windy section or have possible snow build up areas on your property, you may want to consider erecting snow fences to direct the snow to less harmful areas around your home.

clean leaves from the gutters and vallys from the roof and thoses areas that seem to collect debris, this will prevent the possibility of premature freeze and possible water or ice damage in the future. NOTE* If you are not comfortable in walking your roof, PLEASE hire a contractor or quilified handyman to do this for you, Saftey first.

Walk around your home and look at joints and discharge from the evestroughs, now is a good time to put those extenders in the discharge pionts and help keep water from building up along the home.

I you own a pool now would be the time to have it properly shut down and serviced for the winter.

Is the back yard ready for winter, BBQ put away and covered, lawn and garden tools stored in the shed or garage for the winter months, have you taken a few moments to re arrange the garage for the car to fit in.

Have you picked up a few sand bags for ice or ice melter, do you still have a few buckets that can be placed along walkways and steps to ensure proper distribution.

for those in the south, do you have the mouse bait out in safe places from pets and children, hose bib covers should be hanging next to bib for easy install when required. Keep a look out for snakes and spiders as they will be looking to move to a warmer place, scorpions will also be on the move as well.

 

Welcome I hope you are finding these tips helpfull to some, and reminders to others. Normally it would be cooler and with the chinook we seem to be having it may be prudent to get to some of these when the cold snap hits.

Protect from freezing

Drain all outdoor hose bibs, empty hoses of water coil and hang in storage shed

cover the outside air conditioner units wall and floor models,

remove screen doors and store away for the winter

remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condisation of glass windows

Remove screens from other windows and store for the winter

Install winter storm windows

 

Well this should keep a few busy the next couple days...

till the next weeks tips have a great thanksgiving for those Canadians and for my American friends please enjoy Columbus Day. May your blessings be an abundance...

Water System

1. Shut off water systems by turning off the pump or shutting the valve if on city water. Drain the pressure
tank.

2. Open all faucets.

3. Break a union close to the valve so water will drain out clear to the shut-off valve.

4. Drain pump and run a second or two to be sure all water is out of lines from the pump.

5. Flush toilets and dip all water out of the flush tank.

6. Be sure to drain flexible spray hoses in showers and sinks.

7. Drain water softeners so water will drain back from soft water pipes and controls. Brine tank will probably
not freeze.

8. Drain water heaters.

Heating Systems

Electric heating systems require no maintenance other than shutting off the power to the heating units.

Hot air heating systems:

1. Turn off burner emergency switch which is often located at the top of the stairs.

2. Drain humidifier which is usually located on the furnace.

Forced hot water and steam systems: Drain all water in the system unless the liquid contains anti-freeze. It
is wise to have this type of system drained by a plumber unless you are well-informed on the procedures necessary.

Winterize your summer home as you do your winter home. To help conserve energy when the home is not
occupied, install a low-heat thermostat. By doing this your home could be maintained at abut 40 F. without a
freeze-up, rather than at 55 F. which is the lowest temperature at which most thermostats can be set.

Washer and dishwasher
Water left in hoses and internal components can cause damage when it freezes.

Shut off water supply to clothes washer. Remove and drain inlet hoses. Clear water valve by setting timer
for fill cycle. Press warm water button and run machine a few seconds. Drain water from drain hose. Disconnect
electrical supply.

For a dishwasher, remove inlet and outlet connection to the valve. Operate valve to remove any water. Remove
drain hose from the pump and drain. Disconnect electrical supply.

It is also a good idea to clean the equipment and to protect the finish with a coat of appliance polish.

Stored items

1. Remove food, cosmetics, or medicine containers that contain liquid that would freeze from shelves.

2. Food in paper or plastic containers should be put in large metal containers to protect from mice or other
rodents.

3. Remove or hide articles in the house that can be sold and converted to cash such as guns, radios, TV sets, tools
or other valuables.

Sewage system

1. Force as much water as possible out of traps with a plunger.

2. Add antifreeze to each trap so you have at least a 50% solution of ethylene - glycol and water.
3. Check for traps in these locations: kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, bathtub and/or shower drains, toilets,
washtubs, floor drains and maybe a sump pump.

Keep out animals

1. Cover chimneys tightly so that raccoons cannot enter the house, or birds fall down the chimney.

2. Stop up any places in the foundation or around the eaves where squirrels, chipmunks, mice or other small
animals can enter.

Hi all, had some time on my hands this morning and thought this would be a great time to offer up some maintenance ideas for October

This week you need to get to the :

Furnace filters replace or clean them up

Range hood filter in Kitchen Rinse with warm soapy water and air dry

Check belts in furnace adjust or replace as needed

Clean the blades on furnace fan if needed ( *** Turn power off while doing this *** )

Check the weather caulking around doors and windows inside upgrade where needed, stopping these small draft spots will pay dividends in heating costs

OK this should give you something to do over the weekend and help get your home ready for the cold season coming.

All the best

 

With the fall now being here and the leaves in colour change you may want to get started on your fall maintenance, here's a few items to help get you started off on the right foot.

 Examine the siding on the home, is there water penetration, painting or touchups needed, what about just a good powerwash.  Have you called the furnace company in for a tuneup of the furnace ( atleast every two years), replaced the filter ( monthly if allergies are present)

Fire place and wood burning stoves need chimney cleaned and inspected yearly.

Before topping the oil tank off make sure you have a look at it, is it leaking, are there stains on the concrete pad? If so make repairs before the oil company comes out and RED FLAGS your tank or furnace and you are void of any oil deliverys till it is fixed. If you have a gas furnace is the pilot light on, did you shutt off the gas last spring, maybe a tune up is in order, are the vents clear from shrubs and growth at the side of the house.

If you have baseboard heaters run the vacuum over the vents this time to remove dust and debris, helps keep that burning smell away when you turn them on again for the first time this year

Check your hot water tank for leaks, rust, is the TPR discharge line clear at the bottom, if you have a boiler system now would be a good time to put a few drops of oil in the lubrication ports.

Any questions please email or call, till next months tips, be safe and secure in your home.

Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing and lets the inspector make positive comments on the home while doing the inspection.

1) Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. This happens a few times, if the house is vacant you really need to make sure it's all  on, Professional inspectors that follow a standards of practice will NOT light pilot lights and will almost always differ the unit to be checked by a specialist for repair or replacement, If I can't check it how do you expect me to say it works, this makes buyers nervous and we all don't that.

2) Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside in a caged area, not roaming free. Tell your agent about any pets at home so they can pass on the message to the inspector, I wear a unoform and pooches for some reason just seem to dislike uniforms, ask your postal worker.

3) This is such an easy fix but sellers get hit with this frequently.  Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem. Also if you have a light swith that controls a reciptical (plug ) please leave a yellow pot it note stating which plug it turns on and off, this way i put in the tester and watch it glow on and off.  If it happens to be one of the plugs i test and it does not glow, it could get written up as Non Working plug in ??? room, have qualified contractor investigate.

4) Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.

5) Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely, another post it note on the side of th unit stating the date you switched the filter will also show you keep up with maintenance, another good thing I would point out to my client during the inspection.

6) Remove stored items, debris and wood from Exterior foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites or  wood destroying insects. If it's junk call an inlaw/friend with a trailer and haul it to the dump out of sight, out of the report.

7) Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces. I kow you are moving and I know you are packing, but please try to keep the systems clear and clutter free, if at all possible put the items into storage, allow inspector access to see the walls and foundation, remember if we can see it we can inspect it, if the walls have boxes lined up along them it could get put in as "Unaccesable, unable to inspect" we snap a picture to verify this and move on

8) Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces. Make sure the attic hatch can be opened and is not painted shut, if it is some inspectors will not " Break the paint seal" to access the attic and state attic unaccesable opening painted shut. This is not good at all, now the rafters and underside of the roof do not get inspected, insulation can't be verfied venting is also not verfiable, buyers will cringe when these places do not get inspected.

9) Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs atleast 12" from the house to allow access. If you have overhead power trim the branches away from there as well

10) Attend to loose, broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches, window cranks, windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you and the inspection will be much smoother, we note these to the client as we do the inspection. This shows maintenance concern on you the seller and makes the potential buyer feel better about thier new home!