Barrie Home Inspector

Home Maintenance and Tips for Home Owners

Category: Personal Interest

Personal interest stories that the author thinks might be of interest to his readers

Innisfil Real Estate Agents – Terms and Info

Personal Interest, Real Estate

Innisfil Real Estate Agents – Terms and Info.  The common definition for a real estate broker, real estate agent or realtor is a party who acts as a go between for sellers and buyers of real  property and attempts to find clients who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy. In the Canada and the United States, the relationship was originally established by reference to the English common law of agency, with the broker having a fiduciary relationship with his clients.

Many of the newer Real Estate agents are linking up with agents in other provinces or even other countries to obtain referrals to new clients. The internet has allowed potential clients to contact agents in their prospective purchase area without leaving the house. Globalization has had an immediate and powerful impact on real estate markets, making them an international working place. The rapid growth of the Internet has made the international market accessible to millions of consumers. A look at recent changes in homeownership rates illustrates this. Minority homeownership jumped by 4.4 million during the 1990s, reaching 12.5 million in 2000, according to the Fannie Mae Foundation. Foreign direct investment in U.S. real estate has increased sharply from $38 billion in 1997 more than $50 billion in 2002 according to U.S. 2000 Census data.

Flat Fee MLS generally refers to the practice in the real estate industry of a seller entering into an ” la carte service agreement” with a real estate broker who accepts a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale price for the listing side of the transaction. The buyer’s broker is still typically offered a percentage though that could be a flat fee as well. A Flat Fee MLS brokerage typically unbundles the services a traditional real estate brokerage offers and lists the property for sale in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)  la carte without requiring the seller to use its services for valuation assistance, negotiating, transaction management and showing accompaniment.

 

The listing Real Estate agent or broker  anticipates receiving a commission for the services the agent has provided at the conclusion of selling the listed property. Usually, the payment of a commission to the agent or brokerage is contingent upon finding a sucessful buyer for the real estate listed, the successful negotiation of a purchase contract between a satisfactory buyer and seller, or the settlement of the transaction and the exchange of money between buyer and seller.

When listing a property the seller agrees to a selling commission.  This commission used to be set around 6% of the purchase price, which was typically paid by the seller of the property.  There are newer Real Estate companies that are advertising discount commission fees for selling properties.  These are typically not full service companies but usually will offer full service for an added fee.

Controversy exists around how commissions paid to real estate agents are disclosed to buyers and the effect additional seller incentives may have on the negotiation process and final purchase price. If a listing agent sells a property above the listed price, they make additional income. In theory, this motivates them to get top dollar for the seller. However, if an agent representing a buyer obtains a lower sales price for their client, then they make a lower commission. Thus, it could be considered to be in the agent’s best interest to advise his client to purchase the property at a higher price

In a flat fee MLS listing, the listing agreement between the real estate broker and the property owner typically requires the broker to enter the property into the MLS and provide other contracted services, with the broker acting as what the traditional industry has coined a “limited service broker”. However, the flat fee industry prefers the term  la carte broker because the services are not limited. Instead freedom of choice is expanded to allow sellers to pick from a menu of services. For example if a seller opts to purchase marketing in MLS, Realtor.com and other distribution channels only, that does not imply that the listing broker would not have negotiated or offered more services if the seller wanted to pay for those services. In fact many flat fee brokers offer upgraded packages that sellers often contract for. Consequently, the services is not limited but instead custom crafted to the needs and wants of the seller.

Title Insurance is now replacing searches in the Land Registry Office. Title insurance originated in the US. The Law Society of Upper Canada, the group that regulates and oversees lawyers in Ontario, spent a long time looking into the implications of title insurance on the law profession. At the end of the day, they decided the best thing to do was to get into the business themselves and are offering their own package called Title Plus. Some lawyers in Orillia believe that soon you won’t need a lawyer (or a surveyor) to close a real estate transaction. Are they worried? Not really, with insurance companies paying for litigation, the extra court cases will more than make up for the lost business. Many people too want a real survey so they can see exactly what they’re buying, so the survey business won’t die.  The real winner here is the consumer, which is why many observers expect title insurance to quickly become the norm, especially now that the Law Society is backing it.

When buying property in the Alliston Ontario area choose your agent from the www.innisfilrealestateagents.info site to get a professional agent who will provide you with personalized service and ensure your buying or selling experience is a pleasant experience with no surprises.

Real Estate in Orillia

Personal Interest, Real Estate

Real Estate in Orillia. In Canada and the US,  real estate broker, real estate agent or realtor is a party who acts as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of real estate and endeavors to find property sellers who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy. In the Canada, the relationship was originally established by reference to the English common law of agency, with the broker having a fiduciary relationship with his clients.

The Real Estate market has broadened widely with the advent of new technology. Globalization has had an immediate and powerful impact on real estate markets, making them an international working place. The rapid growth of the Internet has made the international market accessible to millions of consumers. A look at recent changes in homeownership rates illustrates this. Minority homeownership jumped by 4.4 million during the 1990s, reaching 12.5 million in 2000, according to the Fannie Mae Foundation. Foreign direct investment in U.S. real estate has increased sharply from $38 billion in 1997 more than $50 billion in 2002 according to U.S. 2000 Census data.

In consideration of the brokerage successfully finding a satisfactory buyer for the property, a broker anticipates receiving a commission for the services the brokerage has provided. Usually, the payment of a commission to the brokerage is contingent upon finding a satisfactory buyer for the real estate for sale, the successful negotiation of a purchase contract between a satisfactory buyer and seller, or the settlement of the transaction and the exchange of money between buyer and seller.

The median real estate commission charged to the seller by the listing (seller’s) agent is 6% of the purchase price. Typically, this commission is split evenly between the seller’s and buyer’s agents, with the buyer’s agent generally receiving a commission of 3% of the purchase price of the home sold.
In North America commissions on real estate transactions are negotiable. Local real estate sales activity usually dictates the amount of commission agreed to. Real estate commission is typically paid by the seller at the closing of the transaction as detailed in the listing agreement.

Flat Fee MLS generally refers to the practice in the real estate industry of a seller entering into an ” la carte service agreement” with a real estate broker who accepts a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale price for the listing side of the transaction. The buyer’s broker is still typically offered a percentage though that could be a flat fee as well. A Flat Fee MLS brokerage typically unbundles the services a traditional real estate brokerage offers and lists the property for sale in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)  la carte without requiring the seller to use its services for valuation assistance, negotiating, transaction management and showing accompaniment.

 

Title Insurance has become a product that has changed the way property is transferred in Canada.  Title is at the very heart of every real estate transaction. A purchaser needs proof that the property being bought is free and clear of liens, that the seller really owns it, and can sell it. To do this the buyer must “search title”. This can be a long, complicated process. Lawyers (or their assistants) sometimes spend hours at the registry office going through books and then checking with various authorities for liens etc. Often, they have to search back 40 years before they can give their “opinion of title”, which is still not a guarantee – just an opinion.

 

Home inspection in Canada requires the services of a qualified and experienced professional. When selecting a Canadian home inspector cost should not be the only determining factor. It is vital that you know as much about a property as possible before you make the commitment to purchase it, so be sure to choose a home inspector that can perform a reliable inspection service.  I would always recommend using the home inspector who places first in Google rankings for the area you are looking to purchase.  Being first in Google is a good indication that he is a professional and will be the “go to person” in that area.

 

When buying property in the Innisfil Ontario area choose your agent from the www.innisfilrealestateagents.info site to get a professional agent who will provide you with personalized service and ensure your buying or selling experience is a pleasant experience with no surprises.

Angus Real Estate Agent – Hugh Hardy

Personal Interest, Real Estate

Angus Real Estate Agent – Hugh Hardy.  Hugh is a Realtor with Angus Re/Max and has been there for most of his career.

Let me tell you a little bit about me and the way I work. I have been selling real estate since 1988 and I am an Broker at RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage in Borden/Angus, Ontario. Prior to ’88 I worked as a broadcast engineer at CBC radio – after completing an Honours B.A. at the University of Toronto as well as a Music Industry Arts/Recording Engineering Diploma at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario.

As you can see, real estate is a second career for me – and perhaps it is this added perspective that has shaped my attitude to be somewhat different. I try to operate less like the stereotypical salesperson and more like a business professional. My goal is to serve the needs of my clients in the best, most professional, and ethical manner possible. The only way that I “push” is by pushing myself to work harder and perform better. My clients tell me that I am never pushy or “salesy”. I feel that this philosophy has paid off over the years – and the job is more fun to do as well!

Hugh Hardy has been a Professional Real Estate agent for 30 plus years.   Hugh used to write columns in the local Angus News paper on Real Estate tips.  This was before cell phones and the internet were even thought of.  Hugh Hardy joined the Re/Max Chay real estate team when they first came to Angus.

Hugh has been helping Military members move for years and is the resident expert when it comes to providing the service military members need.   Hugh has many testimonials from satisfied military members such as:  “Transferred into or out of Borden, Barrie or Angus? If you need expert and honest real estate advice call Hugh today. I have referred Hugh a number of times over the years and he has always come through for my clients in a very big way. He is particularly tuned into the federal government relocation program. Call Hugh today – he won’t disappoint!”

Even other Real Estate agents value Hugh’s experience and knowledge, such as the testimonial by John Price….“Over the 21 plus years that I have serviced the Kingston Military, there has always been one real estate agent in the Barrie region that has earn my highest respect for hard work and professional service to his Clients.  If you are transferring the Barrie region, I urge you to call Hugh. You will be glad you did. Heck tell him John Price sent you.”

These are just some of the testimonials Hugh Hardy has collected over the years as a Professional Real estate agent serving the Angus-Borden area.   Customer Service is the keystone of Hugh’s relationship with his clients and that in turn has made him one of the best known agents in the area.   Hugh prefers the one on one client approach without the rush of using assistants and helpers to look after his clients.

If you are looking for a knowledgeable Real Estate Broker in the Angus, Borden real estate market,  Hugh Hardy is the agent that won’t disappoint you.   Call Hugh today and get some personalized customer service.

Contact Hugh Hardy at:
RE/MAX CHAY REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
BORDEN/ANGUS
2 Summerset Place, Angus, Ontario L0M 1B2
1-705-424-7200
Toll Free: 1-800-383-3980

Communication in the 20th Century

Personal Interest, Real Estate

Communication in the 20th Century.  Communication begins for all of us when we are too young to speak but convey our messages by facial expressions.  This method is known as pre-verbal communication.

Language it the vehicle which allows people to communicated their thoughts and ideas to other people and through print to save those ideas and not only share them with their contemporaries but to pass them down to the generations to come.

In the early 1800’s the electric telegraph made long distance communication possible.  In the 1870’s the telephone was also developed making communication in local areas possible which then spread to connect larger area and eventually the world.

Fewer than five years after its introduction, over 47,000 telephones were being used in the United States. The growth of these communications media accelerated the pace of social interaction, migration, commerce, and government activities.

In the 20th century the radio was invented and this allow an increased mobility for communications, such as ship to ship and police department broadcasts.  When the vacuum tube was invented radio then became capable of international communications.

Use of electronic surveillance for legitimate purposes such as intelligence and law enforcement investigation, as well as for illegitimate purposes, spurred enactment of a number of laws intended to comprehensively address such activities. Congress enacted the first federal wiretap statute as a temporary measure to prevent disclosure of domestic telephone or telegraph communications during the First World War.

Satellite communication became a reality in 1962 with the launch of the first communications satellite into space.  It was the first satellite to receive, amplify, and simultaneously re-transmit signals from earth. The development of satellite communications allowed greater volumes of communications worldwide.

The Internet is a globally distributed network comprising many voluntarily interconnected autonomous networks. It operates without a central governing body. However, to maintain interoperability, all technical and policy aspects of the underlying core infrastructure and the principal name spaces are administered by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), headquartered in Marina del Rey, California. ICANN is the authority that coordinates the assignment of unique identifiers for use on the Internet, including domain names, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, application port numbers in the transport protocols, and many other parameters

Baby Boomers – Investing In Real Estate

Personal Interest, Real Estate

Baby Boomers – Investing In Real Estate. According to a CBC poll, ” 53 percent of boomers polled said they do not feel confident they’ll be able to afford a comfortable retirement. That’s up from 44 percent who were concerned about retirement finances in March.”

Did you know, the longer you live, the more you’ll benefit from delaying the start of your Social Security checks. Although you can start receiving checks as early as age 62, the amount of your checks increases the longer you wait, up until age 70. An analysis by T. Rowe Price financial planner Christine Fahlund found that if you expect to live until at least 80, you’d be better off waiting until after age 65 to start drawing benefits.

Financial planners used to routinely create retirement plans that stopped at age 85, because the chances seemed pretty good their clients would be dead by then. (The average life expectancy at age 65 is 10.3 years for men, 12.4 years for women.) But averages don’t tell the tale. You may be in better health than the average Joe or Jane, take better care of yourself or have better genes. Even if you don’t, your spouse might; Fidelity Investments has found that the chances of one member of a couple living past 90 are about 50%.

Immediate annuities offer a similar pitfall. They’re great in concept — a way to lock in a lifetime stream of income in return for a lump-sum payment to an insurance company. The problem is that the payments you get typically reflect the prevailing interest rates at the time you purchase the annuity. If you buy an immediate annuity now, you could be locking in rates that are still near record lows.

What boomers think retirement will be like and what it actually is like are two very different things. A case in point: The forever young generation just can’t deal with the idea of growing old. Only 13% of pre-retirees (people over 50 who have not yet retired) think their health will be significantly worse in retirement than it is now, while 39% of retirees report that it actually is worse, according to 2011 research by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health.

Boomers are untying the knot at a record pace. The divorce rate for people over 50 has doubled in the past 20 years, says the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, compared to a slight decrease in divorce overall. More than 300,000 couples over 50 divorced in 2008, and if the rate continues to grow at current levels that number will jump to more than 400,000 in 2030. What’s fueling this trend? Empty nesters who find they are a lot less compatible when the kids aren’t around is one reason, says Toronto-based psychologist Tami Kulbatski.

Thanksgiving – The Tale of Two Holidays

Personal Interest

TThanksgiving – The Tale of Two Holidays. he United States and Canada both celebrate Thanksgiving on different days. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Thanksgiving in Canada falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the United States. Most people celebrate the holiday on the weekend closest to day that Thanksgiving falls on.

Thanksgiving in North America had originated from a mix of European and Native traditions. Typically in Europe, festivals were held before and after the harvest cycles to give thanks for a good harvest, and to rejoice together after much hard work with the rest of the community.

In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition traces its origins to a 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts. There is also evidence for an earlier harvest celebration on the continent by Spanish explorers in Florida during 1565, as well as thanksgiving feasts in the Virginia Colony.

The French settlers in the area typically had feasts at the end of the harvest season and continued throughout the winter season, even sharing their food with the indigenous peoples of the area. Champlain had also proposed for the creation of the Order of Good Cheer in 1606. This ceremony was many years after the original started in 1578 by Frobisher.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Thanksgiving in Canada did not have a fixed date until the late 19th century. Prior to Canadian confederation, many of the individual colonial governors of the Canadian provinces had declared their own days of Thanksgiving. The first official Canadian Thanksgiving occurred on April 15, 1872 when the nation was celebrating the Prince of Wales’ recovery from a serious illness.

Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.

Thanksgiving in the U.S. is based on the The Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. At the beginning of the following fall, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower. But the harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one. And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast – including 91 natives who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year. It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the natives. The feast was more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true “thanksgiving” observance. It lasted three days.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Schedule

Personal Interest

Seasonal Home Maintenance

Make sure air vents indoors and outdoors (intake, exhaust and forced air) are not blocked by snow or debris.

Check and clean range hood filters on a monthly basis.

Test ground fault circuit interrupter(s) on electrical outlets monthly by pushing the test button, which should then cause the reset button to pop up.

If there are young children in the house, make sure electrical outlets are equipped with safety plugs.

Regularly check the house for safety hazards, such as a loose handrail, lifting or buckling flooring, inoperative smoke detectors, and so on.

Fall

Have furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace, and every year for an oil furnace, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

If you have central air conditioning, make sure the drain pan under the cooling coil mounted in the furnace plenum is draining properly and is clean.

Lubricate circulating pump on hot water heating system.

Bleed air from hot <a href=”http://www.napoleon.cc/cottage/”target=”_blank”rel=”external”title=”Midland Cottage Inspections” >water radiators.

Disconnect the power to the furnace and examine the forced-air furnace fan belt, if installed, for wear, looseness or noise; clean fan blades of any dirt buildup.

Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests.

Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust.

Remove the grilles on forced-air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.

Turn ON gas furnace pilot light (if your furnace has one), set the thermostat to “heat” and test the furnace for proper operation by raising the thermostat setting until the furnace starts to operate. Once you have confirmed proper operation, return the thermostat to the desired setting.

Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months.

Check to see that the ductwork leading to and from the heat recovery ventilator is in good shape, the joints are tightly sealed (aluminum tape or mastic) and any duct insulation and plastic duct wrap is free of tears and holes.

If the heat recovery ventilator has been shut off for the summer, clean the filters and the core, and pour water down the condensate drain to test it.

Check to see that bathroom exhaust fans and range hoods are operating properly. If possible, confirm that you are getting good airflow by observing the outside vent hood (the exterior damper should be held open by the airflow).

Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries.

Clean portable humidifier, if one is used.

Check sump pump and line to ensure proper operation, and to ascertain that there are no line obstructions or visible leaks.

Replace window screens with storm windows.

Remove interior insect screens from windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass and to allow more free solar energy into your home.

Ensure windows and skylights close tightly; repair or replace weatherstripping, as needed.

Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Replace door weatherstripping if required.

If there is a door between your house and the garage, check the adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it closes the door completely.

Cover outside of air-conditioning units and shut off power.

Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall, so that water does not drain into your basement.

Clean leaves from eaves troughs and roof, and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.

Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close interior valve to outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet), unless your house has frost-proof hose bibs.

Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months.

If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years.

Winterize landscaping, for example, store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young trees or bushes for winter.

Winter

Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months.

After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, drain off a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank to control sediment and maintain efficiency.

Clean humidifier two or three times during the winter season.

Vacuum bathroom fan grille.

Vacuum fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning.

Vacuum radiator grilles on back of refrigerators and freezers, and empty and clean drip trays.

Check pressure gauge on all fire extinguishers; recharge or replace if necessary.

Check fire escape routes, door and window locks and hardware, and lighting around outside of house; ensure family has good security habits.

Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water; refill with water if necessary.

Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels — for example, condensation on your windows, which can cause significant damage over time and pose serious health problems — and take corrective action if necessary. Mould may become an issue if you have excessive humidity in your home.

Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as needed. Faucets requiring frequent replacement of washers may be in need of repair.

If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap.

Clean drains in dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls.

Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working and to prevent them from seizing.

Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaks. If found, make a note to repair or replace in the spring.

Examine attic for frost accumulation. Check roof for ice dams or icicles. If there is excessive frost or staining of the underside of the roof, or ice dams on the roof surface. Call in a qualified home inspector or roofing consultant if you suspect you have ice damming problem.

Keep snow clear of gas meters, gas appliance vents, exhaust vents and basement windows.

Monitor outdoor vents, gas meters and chimneys for ice and snow buildup. Consult with an appropriate contractor or your gas utility for information on how to safely deal with any ice problems you may discover.

Check electrical cords, plugs and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety; if worn, or if plugs or cords feel warm to the touch, replace immediately. Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring as they are not designed for this purpose.

Spring

After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. Caution: This test may release hot water that can cause burns.

Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months. Recommend using a pleated filter with metal strips for electrostatic dust collection as the minimum type of filter to install. If using a washable filter ensure it does not restrict air for furnace which can cause early failure of fan unit.

Have fireplace or wood stove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.

Shut down, drain and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning. Remove and clean filter. Empty water tray to prevent algae etc from forming.

Switch on power to air conditioning and check system. Have it serviced every two or three years.

Clean or replace air-conditioning filter, if applicable.

Check dehumidifier and drain — clean if necessary.

Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.

Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months. Bypass any filters before performing tests.

Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries. Every level of homes in Ontario require a working smoke detector.

Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens first and repair or replace if needed.

Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.

Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required. Silcone caulking is ideal for minor cracks. If there are any major cracks, foam or epoxy injection may be required.

Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.

Re-level any exterior steps or decks that moved as a result of frost or settling. Ensure all steps are the same height and remove any trip hazards by re-leveling patio stones.

Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats and squirrels. Foam or caulking is a good filler.

Check eavestroughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation. Using splash pads can help ensure all water is drained away from homes. Most basement water problems come from improper grade or water drainage from downspouts.

Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.

Repair and paint fences as necessary — allow wood fences to dry adequately before tackling this task.

Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.

Summer

Monitor basement humidity and avoid relative humidity levels above 60 per cent. Use a dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity below 60 per cent.

Clean or replace air-conditioning filter, and clean or replace ventilation system filters if necessary. Remember most a/c technicians now recommend that you do not completely cover your unit for the winter. This traps in condensation and can actually damage unit.

Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping and, if necessary, take corrective action; for example, reduce humidity and/or insulate cold water pipes.

Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water; refill with water if necessary. Newer homes have fill line from laundry and typically condensate lines from furnace or a/c unit will ensure enough water is kept in trap.

If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, for example, a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap.

Deep clean carpets and rugs.

Vacuum bathroom fan grille.

Disconnect the duct connected to your clothes dryer, and vacuum lint from duct, the areas surrounding your dryer and your dryer’s vent hood outside. Don’t forget to check and clean the outside grill and duct.

Check security of all guardrails and handrails.

Check smooth functioning of all windows, and lubricate as required. Check for damaged thermal seals which will allow moisture between panes of glass. Recommend replacing thermal unit rather than drilling holes to allow moisture out which costs up to 40% of cost of replacing window. You still end up with damaged window and can affect your resale value because any competent home inspector will note the holes drilled in glass.

Inspect window sills for any signs of cracking mortar on sills or bricks. This can allow water to enter behind brick and can do some serious damage to brick below, if not monitored brick spalling may occur.

Sand and touch up paint on windows and doors. Check all caulking.

Lubricate door hinges, and tighten screws as needed.

Check for and replace damaged caulking and weather stripping around mechanical and electrical services, windows and doorways, including the doorway between the garage and the house. Although an automatic door closure is required for your Occupancy Permit there is no “legal requirement” for you to maintain a closure.

Lubricate garage door hardware, and ensure it is operating properly. White lithium type grease is best for this project.

Lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain and other moving parts, and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted. Use grease or oil as recommended by manufacturer for best results. Operating instructions can usually be found online if orginal is lost or mis-placed.

Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter your house, and make sure there is no water leakage into the house along the electrical conduit. Check for overhanging tree branches that may need to be removed. Tree branches are typically looked after by Municipality or City and a phone call is all that is required.

Check exterior wood siding and trim for signs of deterioration; clean, replace or refinish as needed. Check for any cracked or missing caulking. Re-align any siding with gaps.

Remove any plants that contact — and roots that penetrate — the siding or brick. The building code requires 8 inches of clearance from grade. Moisture will cause brick surfaces to spall if soil or snow is allowed to build up against brick surface. Treating with water proofing will help prevent this if grade cannot be changed.

From the ground, check the general condition of the roof and note any sagging that could indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from inside the attic. Note the condition of shingles for possible repair or replacement, and examine roof flashings, such as at chimney and roof joints, for any signs of cracking or leakage.

Check the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and the chimney. Recommend having Home Inspector or Mason inspect your roof and chimney areas.

Repair driveway and walkways as needed. Sealing the crack between asphalt driveway and garage floor is a very important preventive maintenance project and will prevent driveway from sagging in future.

Repair any damaged steps. Use cement epoxy type products to ensure proper seal.

Remember an “Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure”

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City of Barrie Pool and Spa Fencing Requirements

Exterior, Personal Interest, Real Estate

City of Barrie Pool and Spa Fencing Requirements

By-Law 94-59
To regulate the protective
enclosure of privately owned
outdoor swimming pools and to
repeal By-law 77-104.
This By-law is printed under and by
authority of the Council of the City of
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Disclaimer:
The following consolidation is an electronic reproduction made available for information
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Bill # 73
BY-LAW NUMBER 94-59
A By-law of the Corporation of the City
of Barrie to regulate the protective
enclosure of privately owned outdoor
swimming pools and to repeal By-law
77-104
WHEREAS, Subsection 23 of Section 210 of the
Municipal Act, 1990, (Chapter 302 of R.S.O.) permits a
by-law to be passed by a municipal council to regulate
fences and gates that enclose privately owned outdoor
swimming pools and other related matters,
AND WHEREAS, the Council of The Corporation of the
City of Barrie deems it expedient to provide such
regulations,
AND WHEREAS, the Council of The Corporation of the
City of Barrie adopted By-law 77-104,
AND WHEREAS, by resolution 94-G-124, the Council of
The Corporation of the City of Barrie deems it expedient
to amend the by-law to regulate the protective enclosure
of privately owned outdoor swimming pools.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Corporation of the
City of Barrie enacts as follows:
1. SHORT TITLE
This By-law may be cited as the “Pool Enclosure
By-law”.
2. DEFINITIONS
In this By-law:
(1) “Authority having jurisdiction” means the Chief
Building Official and any Building Inspector or
Property Standards Officer authorized by the
Chief Building Official to administer this bylaw.
(2) “Building Inspector” means an inspector
appointed by the Council of the Corporation to
inspect buildings and structures pursuant to
the Building Code Act.
(3) “Chief Building Official” means the person
appointed by the Council of the Corporation to
administer the Building Code pursuant to the
Building Code Act.
(4) “Corporation” means the Corporation of the City
of Barrie.
(5) “Enclosure” means a fence, wall or other
structure or thing, including gates and doors,
which surrounds the perimeter of a pool which
would discourage the entry of a person into the
enclosed area.
– 2 –
(6) “Pool” means a privately-owned outdoor body of
water,
(a) contained in a container that is,
(i)artificial, manufactured or assembled;
(ii)capable of retaining <a href=”http://www.napoleon.cc/cottage/”target=”_blank”rel=”external”title=”Midland Cottage Inspections” >water measuring
more than 460mm (18.1 inches) in depth
at any point, and
(iii)capable of being used for swimming,
bathing, diving or wading,
(6) (b) and includes,
(i)manufactured swimming pools, both
above-ground and in-ground;
(ii)custom built pools; and
(iii)hot tubs and spas,
(c) but does not include,
(i)irrigation ponds on farms used for
watering livestock or for irrigation;
(ii)naturally formed depressions in the
ground surfaces
(iii)garden or fish ponds used as
landscaping features with plant
materials grown in and around the
pond; and
(iv)public swimming pools as defined and
regulated by the Ontario Building
Code.
(7) “Property Standards Officer” means an inspector
appointed by the Council of the Corporation
assigned the duties of enforcing the
Corporation’s Minimum Property Maintenance and
Occupancy Standards By-law.
3. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The Chief Building Official shall be responsible for
the administration and enforcement of this by-law.
4. POOL ENCLOSURE PERMIT
(1) No person shall excavate for, erect or install
a pool, or cause the excavation for, erection
of or installation of a pool unless a permit
for the pool enclosure has been issued by the
Chief Building Official.
(2) To obtain a pool enclosure permit, an applicant
shall file an application in writing on forms
prescribed by and available from the Chief
Building Official, and shall supply any other
information relating to the application as
required by the Chief Building Official.
– 3 –
(3)Every pool enclosure permit application shall:
(a) describe the land on which the work is to
be done, by a description that will
readily identify and locate the site on
which the pool will exist;
(b) be accompanied by plans, sketches and
specifications about the pool enclosure as
described in this by-law;
(c) be accompanied by the required fees as
determined in accordance with Schedule
“A”;
(d) state the names, addresses and telephone
numbers of the owner, applicant and the
constructor;
(e) be signed by the applicant who shall
certify as to the truth of the contents of
the application.
(4) The Chief Building Official shall, where the
conditions in Subsection 4(3) above have been
fulfilled, issue a pool enclosure permit to the
applicant unless,
(a)the proposed pool or pool enclosure will
contravene this by-law or any other
applicable law;
(b)the application for it is incomplete; or
(c)any fees due are unpaid.
(5) Where an application for a permit remains
incomplete or inactive for 30 days after it is
made, the application may be deemed by the
Chief Building Official to have been abandoned,
without further notice to the applicant.
5. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
(1) Every applicant shall furnish,
(a) sufficient plans, specifications,
documents and other information to enable
the Chief Building Official to determine
whether the proposed pool enclosure
conforms to this by-law and any other
applicable laws;
(b) a site plan referenced to a current plan
of survey certified by a registered
Ontario Land Surveyor and a copy of such a
survey shall be filed with the
municipality unless this requirement is
waived because the Chief Building Official
is able, without having a current plan of
survey, to determine whether the proposed
pool and pool enclosure conforms to this
by-law and any other applicable laws. The
site plan shall include,
– 4 –
(i)lot size and dimensions of the
property;
(ii)setbacks of the pool and pool
enclosure from existing and proposed
buildings and property lines;
(iii)existing and finished ground levels
or grades, and
(iv)existing rights of way, easements and
municipal services.
(2) Plans submitted shall be legible and be drawn
to scale upon paper or other suitable and
durable material to the satisfaction of the
Chief Building Official.
(3) Plans and specifications furnished according to
this by-law become the property of the
municipality and will be disposed of or
retained in accordance with relevant
legislation.
6. FEES
(1) The Chief Building Official shall determine the
required fees calculated in accordance with
Schedule “A” for the proposed pool enclosure
and the applicant shall pay such fees at the
time of making an application.
(2) Upon written request, the Chief Building
Official shall determine the amount of fees, if
any, that may be refunded in accordance with
Schedule “A” in the case of,
(a) withdrawal of an application,
(b) abandonment of an application,
(c) denial of a permit, or
(d) revoking of a permit.
7. POOL ENCLOSURE COMPLIANCE
(1) No person shall erect or install or cause to be
erected or installed any pool enclosure except
in accordance with this by-law.
(2) No person shall make a material change or cause
a material change to be made to a plan,
specification, document or other information on
the basis of which a permit was issued without
notifying, filing details with and obtaining
the authorization of the Chief Building
Official.
(3) No person shall erect or install or cause to be
erected or installed any pool enclosure except
in accordance with the plans, specifications,
documents and any other information on the
basis of which a permit was issued and any
changes to them authorized by the Chief
Building Official.
– 5 –
(4) No person shall place water or allow water to
be placed in any pool to a depth of more than
460mm unless the pool is safely enclosed by a
pool enclosure that complies with the standards
set out in this by-law.
(5) Every pool shall continue to be enclosed by a
pool enclosure that complies with the standards
set out in this by-law so long as water
remains, or is capable of remaining in the pool
to a depth of more than 460mm.
8. POOL ENCLOSURE STANDARDS
(1) Every pool enclosure shall be designed,
constructed and maintained so as to discourage
the entry of small children into the pool area.
(2) The following standards are deemed by the
Corporation to satisfy the intent of Article
8.(1) above.
(a)HEIGHT:Every pool enclosure shall be not
less than 1.2 metres (47.23 inches)
in height measured from the finished
grade and any climbable fixture or
feature on the exterior side of the
pool enclosure, to the top of the
pool enclosure, as determined at the
time of the initial pool enclosure
approval.
(b)RIGIDITY:Every pool enclosure shall be
constructed and maintained to be
rigid and secure, able to resist any
reasonable lateral forces that may be
applied to the enclosure material
within its minimum required height.
(c)OPENINGS:No openings, spaces or gaps in the
enclosure material shall allow the
passage of a spherical object having
a diameter of 100mm (3.94 inches)
within the enclosure’s minimum
required height.
(d)NON-CLIMBABLE:Within the enclosure’s minimum
required height, no horizontal or
diagonal components shall be located
so as to facilitate the climbing of
the enclosure. Horizontal or
diagonal members shall be spaced not
less than 900mm (35.42 inches)
measured between the top edge of
adjacent members.
(e)GATES AND DOORS:All gates and doors of the
pool enclosure other than from the
property’s dwelling unit, shall be
kept in a closed, secure and latched
position whenever the pool area is
unattended by a supervisory adult.
All gates shall be of equivalent construction
and height as the minimum requirements of the
pool enclosure and shall be supported on
substantial hinges.
– 6 –
(3) Without limiting the generality of the above
noted principles, the following situations
shall be further regulated within the minimum
required height of the enclosure as follows.
(a) BOARD FENCES
(i) All board material shall be of
minimum 19mm thickness (1 inch
nominal thickness).
(ii) All horizontal support rails
shall be of minimum 39mm x 89mm
(nominal 2″ x 4″) material.
(iii)All support posts shall be of
minimum 89mm x 89mm (nominal 4″
x 4″) material spaced not more
than 2.5m (8.2 feet) apart.
(b) LATTICE FENCES
(i) The openings of any lattice
material shall be not greater
than 51mm x 51mm (2″ x 2″) in
size.
(ii) All lattice material shall be
laterally supported at all edges
and at horizontal and vertical
spacing of not more than 1.2
metres (3.94 ft).
(c) CHAIN LINK FENCES
(i) All chain link fences, posts and
rails shall be of galvanized or
vinyl coated material.
(ii) All chain link mesh material
shall be a minimum of No. 14
gauge wire.
(iii)The openings of any chain link
fencing material shall be not
greater than 51mm x 51mm (2 inch
x 2 inch) in size.
(iv) The chain link mesh material
shall be supported at the top
and bottom by an approved
reinforcing cable or a rail.
(v) Every chain link pool enclosure
shall be supported by posts that
are not less than 38mm (1.5
inches) in diameter, spaced not
more than 2.5 metres (8.20 ft.)
apart.
(d) ABOVE GROUND POOLS
Only the ladders or stairs providing
access to an above ground pool need
be enclosed in accordance with this
by-law provided the following
conditions are maintained:
– 7 –
(i) The sides of an above ground pool
shall be not less than 1.2 metres
(3.94 ft.) in height measured from
the finished grade and any climbable
fixture or feature on the exterior
face of the pool wall to the top rail
of the pool wall, as determined at
the time of the initial pool
enclosure approval.
(ii) Pumps, air conditioners, heaters,
filters or other appliances or
equipment shall be located not less
than 1.2 metres (3.94 ft.) from the
top rail of the pool walls or shall
be enclosed in accordance with this
by-law.
(e) SPAS
Outdoor spas need not be enclosed by
a pool enclosure provided they are
enclosed by a solid, locked cover
that is secured over the entire water
surface when the area surrounding the
spa is unattended by a supervisory
adult.
(f) OTHER MATERIALS
(i) Other fencing materials may be
approved by the Chief Building
Official where it can be
demonstrated that the material
will perform with an equivalent
degree of safety as outlined in
Section 8 (2) of this by-law.
(g) TEMPORARY FENCING
For a period of not more than two
weeks, sections of a pool enclosure
can be replaced with temporary
fencing material such as plastic mesh
to facilitate maintenance or access
to the pool area, provided the
temporary fence material is;
(i) at least 1.2 metres (3.94 ft.)
in height
(ii) securely supported by posts
spaced not more than 2.0 metres
(6.56 ft.) apart, and
(iii) securely fastened to the
remaining sections of the pool
enclosure.
– 8 –
(h) PROHIBITED MATERIALS
(i) No barbed wire or anything
having similar dangerous
characteristics are permitted as
a component of a pool enclosure.
(ii) No electrical current is
permitted to be connected to or
conducted through any part of a
pool enclosure.
9. PENALTIES
(1) Any person who contravenes any provision of
this by-law is guilty of an offence.
(2) A person who is convicted of an offence is
liable to a ,000 fine as setout in the
Provincial Offences Act and in By-law 90-268.
10.BY-LAW REPEALED
(1)That By-law 77-104 is hereby repealed.
(2)This by-law comes into force and has effect on the
date of its enactment.
READ a first and second time this 18th day of April,
1994.
READ a third time and finally passed this 18th day of
April, 1994.
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF BARRIE
____________________________________
MAYOR
____________________________________
CITY CLERK
BY-LAW NUMBER 94-
SCHEDULE “A”
1. FEES
The following fees shall be collected by the Chief
Building Official.
(a) Pool Enclosure Permit $ 50
(b) Pool Enclosure Permit when project
is combined with a deck permit or
changehouse permit issued concurrently $ 25
(c) Reinspections pursuant to an
Order to Comply $ 20
(d) Letters confirming compliance $ 30
2. PERMIT FEE REFUNDS
Upon receipt of a written request, the Chief Building
Official shall refund 60% of the permit fee where the
permit is being cancelled or has been revoked,
provided the request is received not more than 30 days
after the permit has been cancelled or revoked and no
inspections have been performed.
POLICY & PROCEDURE
FOR
POOL FENCE ENCLOSURES
1. REGULATION
The requirement to safely enclose a pool is a regulatory
matter of the City of Barrie administered by the Chief
Building Official. The regulations are contained in a
municipal by-law.
2. PERMIT APPLICATIONS
(a)Applications for a pool enclosure permit shall be
submitted by the owner or his agent, on prescribed
forms, to the office of the Chief Building
Official.
(b)The applications shall be reviewed and discussed
with the applicant to confirm thoroughness of
information. Fees shall be collected and a
receipt issued.
(c)The application shall be entered into the computer
filing system, and a permit number assigned to the
application.
(d)A file folder shall be prepared with supplementary
forms and a permit placard.
(e)The file shall be reviewed for compliance with the
municipal zoning by-law and signed by the zoning
inspector.
(f)The file shall be reviewed by any other municipal
staff as deemed necessary to confirm compliance of
the project with any other municipal regulations.
(i)The owner shall be notified of any other agency
approvals that may be required to be submitted, as
soon as they become known.
(j)Plans describing the type of pool enclosure shall
be reviewed for compliance with the pool enclosure
by-law.
(k)The owner shall be notified of any issues that may
affect the issuance of a permit forthwith as they
arise.
3. PERMIT ISSUANCE
(a)The permit shall be issued when the application has
been reviewed thoroughly and found to be in
compliance with all regulatory requirements.
(b)The applicant shall be notified of the permit
issuance and asked to come to the office to pick
up the permit documents. The applicant shall be
advised of the required inspection notification.
4. INSPECTIONS
(a)An inspection shall be carried out as soon as
possible after receiving notification of the
readiness to inspect.
(b)Notwithstanding the requirement to be notified, an
inspection shall be carried out of a property when
the permit is more than 4 weeks old and no
notification has been received.
(c)When inspecting, the pool enclosure shall be
thoroughly inspected to confirm compliance of the
enclosure with the requirements of the pool
enclosure by-law and of the approved permit
drawings.
4. (d)If the pool enclosure is complete and satisfactory,
the owner shall be advised that the pool can be
filled and that no further inspections will be
required.
(e)If the pool enclosure includes any sections of
temporary fencing, and such enclosure meets the
requirements of the pool enclosure by-law, the
owner shall be advised that the pool can be
filled, but that the enclosure must be completed
with permanent fencing within two weeks, and
notification given for a re-inspection.
(f)When reinspection of a pool enclosure is required
due to temporary fencing, the inspector shall
schedule to return to the property in two weeks
time, even if notification is not received.
5. CLOSING FILES
(a)The inspection file for a pool enclosure permit
shall be closed as soon as possible following a
satisfactory inspection of the completed pool
enclosure.
6. ENFORCEMENT
(a)If, during an inspection pursuant to a pool
enclosure permit, it is found that the pool
enclosure does not meet any item of the by-law
regulation, the owner shall be notified of the
deficiency and the options available to correct
same. The owner shall be asked to notify the
office for a re-inspection prior to the placing of
any water in the pool.
(b)Notwithstanding the requirement to notify, the
inspector shall schedule to return to the property
1 week following the last inspection.
(c)If, upon reinspection, it is found the deficiency
has not been satisfactorily resolved, the
inspector shall provide the owner with a written
order, specifying the deficiency, and requiring
compliance and a reinspection of the pool
enclosure prior to filling the pool. A maximum of
1 week shall be granted to comply with the by-law.
(d)Unless notified earlier, the inspector shall return
to the property 1 week from the last inspection to
determine compliance of the pool enclosure. An
inspection fee is charged for this inspection.
(e)If, upon reinspection, the pool enclosure remains
incomplete, the inspector shall prepare for court
charges as per the Provincial Offences Act.
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
(f)If, at any time, the inspector discovers any
dangerous, unsafe conditions, such conditions
shall be brought to the attention of the Chief
Building Official to determine what emergency
measures are to be taken to protect the public.
WATER IN BEFORE AUTHORIZED
(g)If, upon inspection of a property, water has been
placed in a pool and the pool enclosure does not
meet the requirements of the by-law, the inspector
shall issue an order to the owner requiring
compliance with at least temporary fencing within
24 hours, after which the inspector shall prepare
for court charges if the matter is not corrected.
6. NO PERMIT
(h)If, during the normal course of duties, an
inspector finds a pool installed and there is no
record of a permit issued for the pool enclosure,
the inspector shall notify the owner in writing of
the violation of the by-law. The pool enclosure
shall be inspected thoroughly forthwith to
determine compliance. Any deficiencies found
shall be identified in writing to the owner, who
shall be given 24 hours to correct any
deficiencies with at least temporary fencing,
after which the inspector shall prepare for court
charges if the matter of the deficiencies are not
corrected. The owner shall be granted one week to
submit an application for a permit, with
appropriate follow up by the inspector.
COMPLAINTS
(i)Upon receipt of a bona fide complaint, an inspector
shall attend to a property where it is alleged
that a pool enclosure has not been provided or
maintained.
(j)If, upon inspection, it is found that the pool
enclosure does not meet the requirements of the
pool enclosure by-law, such deficiencies shall be
identified in writing to the owner, who shall be
given no more than 1 week to correct the matter.
(k)Unless notified earlier, the inspector shall return
to the property after 1 week to confirm
satisfactory compliance of the pool fence
enclosure. If the enclosure remains incomplete,
the inspector shall prepare for court charges as
per the Provincial Offences Act.
PERFORMING WORK
(l)If for any reason, a pool enclosure is not
adequately secured, the inspector may, after
reasonable notice, enter upon the lands with a
contractor to perform such work as necessary to
restore or complete the requirements for a safe
pool enclosure. All charges shall be invoiced to
the property owner or collected in a like-manner
as taxes, as authorized by Section 325 of the
Municipal Act.

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