Barrie Home Inspector

Sleeping Patterns of the Elderly

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Sleeping Patterns of the Elderly. Many elderly people complain about getting less sleep. We think this is related to getting older. While it’s a common belief that getting older means less sleep and more fatigue, a new study suggests that older adults may actually enjoy better sleep than their younger counterparts.

Researchers conducted phone surveys of more than 150,000 Americans and found that people in their 80s had the fewest complaints about sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue compared to other age groups. The study appears in the March edition of the journal Sleep.

Some sleep specialists think we have got to get away from all these myths about ageing – many people are very content with their sleep.” However, he said that asking people for their subjective opinion about sleep patterns could produce answers that were dependent on their mood at the time. “If you are angry because your boss didn”t give you a pay rise, your perception of sleep quality may be very different from someone who is feeling generally content.

It’s not clear why older people reported fewer sleep disturbances and tiredness, the authors said. It could be that older people have more control over sleep duration while younger people experience more stressors (jobs, kids, socializing) that interfere with sleep. It’s also possible that older people are just more accepting of sleep quality and don’t complain about it as much.

As we age, our bodies secrete less of two important sleep hormones: melatonin and growth hormone. Melatonin is important because changes in the level of this hormone control our sleep cycle. With less melatonin, many older adults feel sleepy in the early evening and wake up in the early morning. They also may have more trouble falling asleep. Growth hormone is what makes children sleep so deeply. As we age, our body secretes less of this hormone and deep sleep becomes more difficult.

Sunlight helps your body to produce melatonin, which regulates your sleep cycle. Try to get at least two hours of exposure to bright light each day. If it is difficult for you to get outside, consider using a full-spectrum light indoors. Using alcohol, nicotine or caffeine can also affect your sleep patterns.

Regular exercise and healthy eating habits could be all that is required to make your dreams come true for your next evening sleep. Adopting a more active lifestyle can make the world of difference in most elderly peoples lives. Always consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program or changing your diet.

Government Trying to Infringe On Our Privacy

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Personal Interest

Government Trying to Infringe On Our Privacy. A majority of Canadians think that the Conservatives’ proposed online surveillance Bill C-30 is too intrusive and should be defeated, according to a poll by Angus-Reid. The poll, conducted February 23-24 and surveying 1,011 respondents on the polling firm’s online panel, found 53 per cent of Canadians believe the bill is too intrusive, compared to only 27 per cent who believe the it is necessary to fight online criminal activity.

The Privacy International investigation revealed that surveillance companies commonly promote virtually unlimited monitoring capabilities to governments and police agencies. For example, Italian-based Innova offers “solutions for the interception of any kind of protocols and IP-based communication, such as web browsing, email and web-mails, social networks, peer-to-peer communication, chat and videochat.”

“The government has a voracious appetite for our private information. Now, with electronic records, we do that by linking electronic databases without ever creating the actual, old file. It’s all already there,” said Micheal Vonn, policy director with the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

Section 33 tells us that, ‘The Minister may designate persons or classes of persons as inspectors for the purposes of the administration and enforcement of this Act.’..Section 34 spells out the sweeping powers of these “inspectors.” And, if they sound Orwellian, welcome to the world of Section 34.

The inspectors may “enter any place owned by, or under the control of, any telecommunications service provider in which the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe there is any document, information, transmission apparatus, telecommunications facility or any other thing to which this Act applies.” And, once he or she is in, anything goes. The inspector, says the bill, may “examine any document, information or thing found in the place and open or cause to be opened any container or other thing.” He or she may also “use, or cause to be used, any computer system in the place to search and examine any information contained in or available to the system.”

There is an inherent lack of transparency in this bill that extends way beyond what the government is telling us, are you surprised? Included in this bill is the fact that, by default everyone has the right to ask any company that is subject to the law what information they have about him or her, how they’ve used it and to whom they’ve disclosed it. That is, unless that right is overridden by Section 9. Section 23 of C-30 essentially says that any personal information that is handed over without a warrant under the lawful access law has to be treated in the same way under PIPEDA as information disclosed in response to a law enforcement request. Here’s where the gag order kicks in. If the person exercises his lawful right to seek his or her personal information and accounting of its use, the ISP is prohibited from telling him or her unless the police, national security agencies or competition cops give their OK. And they can refuse to give their OK on a number of relatively flexible bases.

Professional Barrie Home Inspections

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Home Inspection, Real Estate

Professional Barrie Home Inspections. A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. Most Real Estate companies now recommend a home inspection. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

A Home Inspection is a visual inspection of all the components and systems of your home. The home inspector will operate and find items that are not functioning correctly. When a problem is found the inspector will include a picture and description of the problem in his report.

The Barrie Home Inspector’s report will include all the pictures of any deficiencies with a detailed description. This will include reviewing condition of heating system, electrical systems, roof, attic, visibleinsulation, windows, doors, foundation and any visible structure. The inspection also includes a Free Thermal Imaging Scan.

The home owner should attend the home inspection when ever it is possible. This is the opportunity to learn where all the shut offs are for furnace, hot water tank, main water shut off, electrical shut, fireplace shut off, and the main water shut off for the home. You, as the client, can take this opportunity to ask questions and you will be shown any deficiencies at the time the inspector finds them, giving you a great opportunity to learn fully about the cause and effect of the deficiency.

Your home inspection report will be put on line to allow you to view the report at your leisure. At the end of the inspection we present you a slide show of all the pictures taken and review all the deficiencies found. If you attend the inspection this will give you information about every deficiency three times, ensuring you fully understand the nature of any defects.

Barrie Home Inspections has performed over 4,000 building inspections and is highly qualified to inspect your home. His training includes being recognized as a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association and was a Registered Builder with HUDAC. Barrie Home Inspections was the first company in Simcoe County to perform Thermal Imaging scans as part of the home inspection process.

Home inspection by Barrie Home Inspector

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Home Inspection

Home inspection by Barrie Home Inspector. A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge and information contained in his home inspection report, to make informed decisions about the home they are purchasing. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

A home inspection consists of a visual inspection of your homes major components and fixtures. The home inspector will operate fixtures and make a note of any deficiencies. This will all be included in a report detailing all problems found.

Your home inspection report, prepared by the Barrie Home Inspector will include a review of your heating system, electrical system, air conditioner, interior plumbing, roof, attic visible insulation, basement, foundation and any visible structure. The inspection will also include Free Thermal Imaging scan of home.

When scheduling the home inspection it is recommended you attend the whole home inspection when possible. This is a good opportunity to learn where all the shut offs are for furnace, hot water tank, main water shut off, electrical shut, fireplace shut off, and the main water shut off for the home. You can take this opportunity to ask questions and you will be shown any deficiencies at the time the inspector finds them, giving you a great opportunity to learn fully about the cause and effect of the deficiency.

A picture is worth a thousand words. This is why we go over your report in a slide show at the end of the inspection. We also put your report online in a fully descriptive format which gives you a picture of every defect and a brief description of problem and a recommendation on how to fix or deal with the deficiency.

Barrie Home Inspections offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee on every residential and commercial building inspection. They also offer Free Thermal Imaging scans with every inspection. As a Certified Building Code Official and a former Registered Builder with Hudac his experience far exceeds that of the competition. With over 4,000 building inspections the Barrie Home inspector should be your first choice when wanting to protect your investment.

Plumbing Basics for Home Owners

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Plumbing

Plumbing Basics for Home Owners. A vent is a pipe or pipes install to provide a flow or air to or from a drainage system to provide a circulation of air within such system to protect trap seals from siphonage and back-pressure. This has a two fold purpose, one to prevent sewer gases from entering home and also to allow air into system for better drainage.

Direct venting of plumbing fixtures is permitted if a plumbing fixture is close enough (eight feet or less) to the main waste stack pipe (vent), the fixture does not usually require its own plumbing vent piping, and it is considered a direct-vented plumbing fixture.

Wet venting is using a drain from another fixture to supply adequate venting to another fixture, usually a toilet. The theory for wet venting is that the flow in the wet vent portion of the piping will be low because there will only be one occupant in the bathroom and only one fixture being used.

Plumbing smells or noises can be caused by improperly installed drains and vents. There a many cases where improper glue and venting has resulted in sewer gas entering an unsuspecting homeowners property. Improper use of glue, loose connections and vents not vented to exterior can all be attributed to work being performed by un-licensed workers. Always used a trained a licensed plumber when renovating or repairing your homes plumbing system.

There are many different types of choices when it comes to plumbing your home. For water supply, there is PVC, CPVC. PEX, Galvanized Pipe, and copper. Copper and CPVC are the most popular. CPVC is the easiest to install. CPVC tubing is ideal for water supply lines. It’s easy to cut and assemble, using compression of cemented fittings. It’s durable too. Harsh water won’t harm the material, unlike copper, which will erode from acidic water.

That “blub blub” or “glug glug” noise you hear from a building drain might mean that there is a problem with the drain system itself, such as a partial drain blockage, a drain venting problem, a drain odor problem, or even a failing septic system. If a gurgling sound is heard at a sink or shower drain only when a nearby toilet is flushed, or at a sink or shower when a nearby tub is draining, we’d suspect that the building drain-vent system is inadequate.

Many plumbing problems can be fixed by the homeowner and some require the expertise of a licensed trades person. Any plumbing supply problem should be dealt with by a professional as the cost of clean up and repair can far outweigh any savings you may incur.

Understanding Your Septic Tank

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Plumbing

Understanding Your Septic Tank – Information on the construction, operation and maintenance of your rural homes septic tank system.

The septic tank is buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out, forming sludge, and oil and grease to float to the surface as scum. It also allows partial decompositions of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the leach field area.The most common leach field consists of a series of trenches containing perforated pipe surrounded by septic rock, or gravel, and covered with mesh and dirt. The effluent entering the leach field is partially absorbed into the soil and partially evaporated. the leach field should not be driven on or covered by a driveway or patio.

If your home‘s plumbing system does include an on-site septic system, it is incredibly important to be aware of the signs of possible damage, along with the maintenance needed to prevent it. A damaged or clogged septic system can be costly to repair. It can also impose possible health risks for homeowners, tenants and neighbors. A failing septic system could be responsible for releasing wastewater and harmful bacteria and viruses, including E. coli.

There are many different types of septic systems ranging from what are called conventional in-ground systems to sand mounds and from spray irrigation systems to stream discharge systems. There are also seepage pits, cesspools, and homemade systems. This booklet is not intended to cover every situation, but is intended to give the homeowner an understanding of the concept of how a septic system works and a better understanding of a septic inspection.

The in-ground type of septic system uses a series of perforated pipes located below the ground surface. These pipes are placed in a bed of crushed stone or aggregate. The sewage flows over the crushed stone or aggregate into the underlying soil. The condition of this soil determines how well your septic system will operate and how large the absorption area needs to be. If the absorption area is too small and the soil is too tight as with clay soils, the liquid cannot soak into the soil fast enough causing the waste to either back up into the home or emerge at the ground surface. An early sign of waste emerging at the surface is “lush growth.” The saying “that the grass is always greener over the septic tank” isn’t true when it comes to a properly operating septic system.

How often should a septic tank be cleaned or pumped? The frequency for pumping a septic system depends on a number of factors; the average frequency is between two and four years. You can, in some cases, abuse a septic system and neglect to pump it for 10 or 20 years without any apparent problem. This would be like driving your automobile for 50,000 miles without changing the oil. You might get away with it, but you would certainly cause undue wear and tear on the engine. The same is true with a septic system. You may get away with not pumping the system for many years, but you will pay for it in the end by having to replace the absorption area.

When the soil conditions are right, an area of active microorganisms is formed where the waste enters the soil. As the waste slowly percolates through the soil the microorganisms continue to grow and feed on the harmful bacteria and viruses in the septic waste. The underlying soil continues to absorb and filter the waste. Four feet of soil is all that is needed to treat the septic waste in good soil conditions.

Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate

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Real Estate

Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate. The Bank of Canada kept its trend-setting Bank Rate at 1.25 per cent on January 17^th, 2012. This marks the 11^th consecutive policy meeting in which borrowing costs have been left unchanged.

While recognizing that the outlook for the global economy had deteriorated and that uncertainty had increased since it released its October Monetary Policy Report (MPR), the Bank also made those same observations at its previous meeting on December 6^th.

Economic growth in Canada had more momentum in the second half of 2011 than the Bank projected in its October MPR, but it expects the pace going forward to slow by more modest than previously expected, due largely to factors outside Canadian borders. This reiterates statements made in December 2011. On the upside, the Bank said that “very favourable financing conditions are expected to buttress consumer spending and housing activity.”

The Bank releases its updated forecast for Canadian economic growth. It now estimates that the economy grew by 2.4 per cent in 2011 compared to the initial estimate of 2.1 per cent, owing to the better than expected end to the year.

The Bank projects growth of 2.0 per cent in 2012 compared to 1.9 per cent in the October MPR, and 2.8 per cent in 2013, down slightly from the previous 2013 forecast of 2.9 per cent, with the big picture being that past and current growth estimates have been revised upward at the expense of future economic growth.

“The Bank said it expects the pace of growth going forward to moderate by more than initially thought, but the forecast for growth this year has actually been raised slightly,” said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. “That reflects a weaker than previously expected growth profile for the first half of 2012, followed by an acceleration in the second half of the year.”

“The Bank reiterated that its outlook remains subject to downside risks from the sovereign debt issue in Europe. Recent credit-rating downgrades to much of the euro zone point to potential contagion by way of a drop in financial market liquidity,” he added. “The bottom line is that the Bank rate is not going to be going up anytime soon, and we may see rates lowered should downside risks materialize.”

The Bank noted that “while the economy appears to be operating with less slack than previously assumed, it is only anticipated to return to full capacity by the third quarter of 2013, one quarter earlier than was expected in October.” Overall, inflation expectations remain “well-anchored.”

A number of financial institutions have recently dropped their five-year lending rates to a record low of 2.99 per cent. This is down considerably from the advertised five-year rate of 5.29 per cent when the Bank last met on December 6^th, 2011.

The Bank will make its next scheduled rate announcement on March 8^th, 2012.

http://creastats.crea.ca/natl/interest_rate_trends.htm

Real Estate Market in Innisfil

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Real Estate

Real Estate Market in Innisfil. Today’s market for buying and selling homes if very competitive and you will want to ensure you have picked the best possible real estate agent to represent you. Here are some tips we have gleaned from some professionals.

Does your professional Realtor provide a staging service for his or her listings, many do in this competitive market. What information did your agent bring to your home prior to listing? How many agents are in his office, how many listings does he currently have? There are many people who are doing “on the job training” make your agent isn’t one of them.

How is your Realtor intending to market your home. What type of ads and how many open houses will they be having. It is always better to have an understanding on how the process will take place prior to listing, then there is no confusion.

When listing your home ensure you are using the current market conditions and not a two year old appraisal that does not reflect the current market prices. Mortgages rates are low and vacancy rates are declining which is good news for investors and sellers of properties.

Many people try and save money by utilizing the same Realtor and will even use a Home Inspector recommended by the Realtor. This saving can have dire consequences when you don’t have someone whose only duty is too look after your interests. Pay for the services of a professional and they will ensure your interests come first and foremost.

When buying a “used” home or property it is very important to ensure all work was done by qualified trades persons and all permits were taken out. Patio’s and decks are often erected illegally without using the proper building techniques or materials. You could end up paying to remove structure and erecting a new one if your local building authority inspects your property.

Mortgage Facts for Potential Home Buyers

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Real Estate

Mortgage Facts for Potential Home Buyers. Information to help you wade through all the mortgage information and facts available.

Economic news and downturns in key areas can affect the money banks pay in both Canada and the There are many variables that can influence the rates on long-term debt instruments, but an understanding of key economic indicators can provide clues to the future direction of interest rates in both Canada and the US.

The CPI for All Items less Food and Energy (also sometimes referred to as the “core” or “underlying” CPI) excludes volatile food and energy prices. Analysts focus on the “core” CPI, which is considered a more accurate measure of the underlying rate of inflation. A higher-than-expected CPI or increasing trend is considered inflationary, and can cause bond prices to fall and yields and interest rates to rise. Likewise, a lower-than-expected CPI cause yields and interest rates to fall.

A higher-than-expected monthly increase or increasing trend is considered inflationary, and can cause bond prices to fall and yields and interest rates to rise. Conversely, a smaller-than-expected figure cause yields and interest rates to fall. he government’s employment report provides information on the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons by occupation, industry, duration of unemployment, and reason for unemployment. Unlike the payroll employment data, which is a coincident indicator of economic activity (it changes direction at the same time as the economy), the unemployment rate is a lagging indicator.

After you have filed for bankruptcy protection or liquidation, you will wait four years before a traditional mortgage lender will qualify you for a home loan with market interest rates. And that will happen then only if you have taken steps to improve your credit and are in a good enough financial position to handle the loan.

Consider alternatives to traditional home mortgages with a bankruptcy on your record. Seller financing can be an option at any time. This is often a far more flexible arrangement. Plus, if you include this provision in your seller-financed loan agreement, you can convert to a traditional loan as you are able to qualify for it.

A lease-to-own house purchase (also “rent-to-own purchase” or “lease purchase”) is a lease combined with an option to purchase the property within a specified period, usually 3 years or less, at an agreed-upon price. Such arrangements have proliferated in the post-crisis market because many potential home buyers can’t meet the tougher loan qualification requirements today, and many potential sellers are unable to realize a satisfactory price in any other way.

When looking to purchase a home in the Angus real estate market remember that one of the most important conditions is that your property be inspected by a Home Inspector. There are many Home Inspectors available, but if you want a Home Inspector who has years of experience, over 4,000 inspections and is a Certified Building Code Official as designated by the Ontario Building Officials Association the call the Orillia Home Inspector, or visit his site at www.barriehomeinspector.com to view his qualifications and “Fair Pricing Policy”. Call Roger at 705-795-8255 or Toll Free at 888-818-8608. Information and advice is always FREE. Roger is also WETT Certified for homes that have fireplaces or other wood burning appliances.

Canadian home sales edge higher in November

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Real Estate

Canadian home sales edge higher in November. Canadian homes sales seemed to be un-touched by the same forces which have decimated some of our US markets.

OTTAWA – December 15, 2011 – According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity rose slightly in November 2011 from the previous month.

Highlights:

Sales activity rose slightly (+0.5 per cent) from October to November on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Year-to-date sales remained in line with the 10 year average, but pulled further ahead of last year’s levels.
The number of newly listed homes was down 3.4 per cent from October to November.
The national housing market remains balanced, but is edging closer to seller’s market territory.
The national average price posted a 4.6 per cent year-over-year gain in November, the smallest increase since January.

Sales activity recorded through the MLS® Systems of real estate Boards and Associations in Canada edged upward by one-half of a percentage point. This marks the third straight month in which national activity was up from the previous month’s levels.

Activity rose in about 60 per cent of all local markets with a record November in the Halifax-Dartmouth region offsetting a dip in sales in Toronto.

“The Canadian housing market is proving resilient in the face of ongoing global economic and financial uncertainty, to the benefit of Canadian economic growth,” said Gary Morse, CREA’s President. “That said, some housing markets are picking up while others are holding steady or consolidating, so buyers and sellers should talk to their local REALTOR® to understand current and prospective trends in their local housing market.”

Throughout most months in 2011, actual (not seasonally adjusted) national home sales were in line with the 10-year average. November sales marked a break in that pattern, climbing seven per cent above the 10 year average and reaching the fourth highest level on record for the month.

“Toward the end of every year, there’s a natural inclination to compare how momentum for national sales activity and average price compare to the year before,” said Gregory Klump, CREA’s Chief Economist. “National sales activity picked up late last year, and November’s results suggest that a similar trend may be playing out again this year. By contrast, national average price also picked up toward the end of last year, whereas this year it has held steady after having peaked in the spring.”

“With interest rates expected to remain low for longer, the housing sector will no doubt be closely watched for signs of excess,” added Klump. “That said, current trends for resale housing and new home construction suggest that tightened mortgage regulations are working as intended and fostering economic stability in Canada.”

A total of 432,048 homes have traded hands via Canadian MLS® Systems so far this year, up 2.1 per cent from levels in the first 11 months of 2010. The year-to-date sales figure remains broadly in line (+0.7 per cent) with the average for that period from 2001 to 2010.

Compared to October, the number of newly listed homes fell 3.4 per cent in November. New listings slipped lower in more than two-thirds of Canadian housing markets, with Toronto, the Hamilton-Burlington region, and Calgary contributing most to the national decline.

The national housing market remains balanced, but is edging closer to seller’s market territory. The national sales-to-new listings ratio, a measure of market balance, stood at 55.5 per cent in November, up from 53.4 per cent in October. This marks the third month in which the national ratio has risen, and it now stands at its highest reading since the spring.

Based on a sales-to-new listings ratio of between 40 to 60 percent, just over half of local markets in Canada were balanced in November, while a third of markets qualified as sellers’ markets.

The number of months of inventory nationally stood at six months at the end of November. It has held steady at about this level since April, which is above levels posted during the first quarter. The number of months of inventory represents the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity, and is another measure of the balance between housing supply and demand.

The actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average price for homes sold in November 2011 stood at $360,396. This represents a year-over-year increase of 4.6 per cent, its smallest increase since January.

PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this news release combines both major market and national MLS® sales information from the previous month.

CREA cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighborhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas. Statistical information contained in this report includes all housing types.

MLS® is a co-operative marketing system used only by Canada’s real estate Boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 100,000 REALTORS® working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.

Further information can be found at http://www.crea.ca/public/news_stats/media.htm