Barrie Home Inspector

Home Maintenance and Tips for Home Owners

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Home Inspector in Barrie

Home Inspection

Getting a the right Home Inspector in Barrie can save you a lot of money and anxiety!

While a home inspection is a visual inspection of your potential future home, a lot of items can be found and / or determined by using knowledge and experience that can only be gained by performing thousands of home inspections and having the proper training.  The Barrie Home Inspector has inspected well over 5,000 residential properties and is a Certified Building Code Official, member of Nachi, member of Nacbi, member of OBOA and is also a Certified Master Inspector.

This experience and knowledge can help find areas of water intrusion, potential mould issues,  electrical nightmares, structural deficiencies and renovations done without a building permit.   None of these issues by them selves may be “Deal Breakers”, but wouldn’t you want to know about them prior to committing to buying?

No matter what anyone tells you, when you buy a house you are the sole person Don't Buy a Money Pitresponsible for any problems once you take possession.  Try and get any money back from the sellers once the funds have transferred.   Every trip to your lawyer will cost youj money,  every letter from your lawyer will cost you money.   The lawyer and realtor will both tell you to contact your home inspector for help.  Funny how the lawyer and realtor’s fees are pretty well etched in stone, but when it comes to the home inspector,  usually where the buck stops, people seem intent on finding the cheapest price and even just using the Realtor’s referral for hiring a home inspector.   If you don’t do your homework on qualifications then shame on you,  your gambling with a huge part of your families financial net worth.

Think about what a typcial home inspection includes:

Exterior
Roof, porches, driveways, garage, drainage, retaining walls, grading, and plants or vegetation that may impact on damage to home.

Interior

Electrical and plumbing systems; foundation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; water heater, septic system, electrical system, windows, doors, floors, ceilings and walls.

During the home inspection we will open accessible access hatches and cover plates, but we will not take apart any coverings or items that have been secured with screws, nails or glue.   This home still belongs to the seller and we have no right to make any obtusive holes for inspection.\

We applaud Mike Holmes and his fight against shoddy workmanship and renovations done without permits etc.  When uncovering a number of electrical, structural, plumbing or heating deficiencies, we always note the possibility that renovation work was done without a permit.

Many contractors will pick up a “fixer upper” to have some work for winter months. Lipstick on a Pig Homeowners will also do quick make over repairs and improvements to try and increase their profit.  I personally like to call these projects, “Lipstick on a Pig“,  and this is another area where only experience and knowledge can prevent you from buying a potential “Money Pit”.

The City of Barrie has hundreds and hundreds of basement renovation that were done without building permits.  This is identified from such items as steel stud walls with no approved devices used to run electrical cables.  This could electrify the entire wall system is an electrical cable shorted out.

The City of Orillia has a huge amount of building that are being used other than permissible zoning.  Some single residential homes have been converted into triplexes, and if you buy on of those properties you will ultimately become responsible for any upgrading the City may determine at a future date.

Ramara Township has some of the worst examples of building quality that I have ever seen.  One day I inspected a cottage which had the entire exterior wrapped in plastic.  The interior walls had the electrical wiring visible up high on walls.   When I located the access hatch for sump I found out why.  The entire area under floor was full of water.  The client immediately call off the inspection.   We then proceeded over to a cottage in same neighbourhood for a “quick inspection”.   The floor joists in the crawl space were all completely rotted.  Some steel beams had been inserted to carry the load.   We called it a day after that inspection.

Buying a new home,  think your protected because there was a municipal inspection, actually around 12 visits for new home building permit is normal.  Here is a list of items I have found after house has passed final inspection by municipal building departments:

 

  • Electrical main panel too high from grade.  Max of 69 inches to top of breaker.
  • Sump pump missing air barrier.
  • Electrical cables touching heat ducts.
  • Missing or low insulation in attic
  • Missing Water and Ice shield, usually only on upper roof.  $400 dollar saving for roofers.  Most inspectors will not climb ladders.
  • Exterior penetrations not sealed.  Plumbing, vents, windows.
  • Gaps in garage fume barrier.
  • Hinges on exterior of doors.  Security issue as pins can be lifted.
  • Defects in concrete finishes, porches and garage floors.

An Educated Consumer is a Smart Consumer –  Take some time to understand who Be an Educated Consumeryou are hiring and if they are the right person for you to be trusting with your investment.

 

What First Time Buyers need to know about Home Inspections

Home Inspection

What First Time Buyers need to know about Home Inspections

Barrie Home InspectorHome inspection should be a top priority for anyone interested in purchasing a new home. This includes first time buyers. After years of scrimping for a deposit and hard slog at work to climb the career ladder you may be thrilled to finally be able to afford your first house or apartment. You may even be burning with excitement at having finally found your dream house after months of visiting underwhelming or overpriced properties. The last thing you want is anything to spoil it. Getting a home inspector in to examine a property that you are thinking of buying is crucial, however. Even an immaculate and new apartment or a house that looks like a showroom can be hiding costly flaws. They might make you live to regret ever buying the property years down the line.

As a first time buyer you probably won’t have any particularly detailed knowledge of what makes a property sound and how to check a home is in good order, and there is no reason why you should. For example, can you identify what signs give away five or more of the most common roof problems? Or do you know how to tell if a property is at risk of developing a mold problem? Or how about making sure that the wiring is as it should be? Thought not! That is okay because fortunately, a good home inspector will be able to do all of this for you and more.

A home inspection checklist for first time buyers

For your own peace of mind you might consider making sure that you are present during the home inspection of your potential first home. It is useful to have your own checklist of basic tasks which a home inspector should carry out in order to ensure that you get a thorough job. The home inspection should include the following:

* Checks on the structure and foundation of the property: Irrespective of whether a house is built on a concrete slab or full basement, it needs to be resting on a foundation that is able to both take and distribute its weight. It also needs to be capable of withstanding the lateral forces of soil, which can sometimes cause problems with leaks and cracks. It cannot be stressed enough that checking the foundations of a house is absolutely crucial. It is true that first time homeowners can get wrapped up in all of the other things involved in securing a property like bargaining the best price and finding a mortgage. The latter is an especially huge issue for Americans in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis as less mortgages are now available for people buying their first home. This is not just the case in the USA.

In the UK too, for example, qualifying and finding a first time mortgage is the number one concern of people buying property for the first time as banks have been accused of lending less since the financial crisis. As money.co.uk says, “If you’re looking to buy your first home then finding the best first time buyer mortgages is likely to be one of your main priorities”. There is no point on buying a castle built on sand, however, and the fact is that a thorough home inspection to check that a house has solid fundamentals is often a prerequisite for a decent mortgage. After all, it is in the lender’s interest that the property should be structurally sound. Therefore researching your mortgage and getting a home inspection ultimately go hand in hand.

* Inspection of the plumbing system: Plumbing inspection involves a number of different checks. These checks include examining pipes and faucets for leaks and checking the water pressure in the bathroom furthest away from the property’s water source. Other elements of a plumbing inspection might include checking that the water piping in a property has wrapped pipes to ensure that hot water is preserved over the winter and that the water tank it big enough to meet your needs as the prospective new owner.

* Inspection of the heating system and verification of the type of heating system: An examination of the heating system should include a detailed inspection of the venting system and checking the system for possible leaks. An examination of the blower to ensure that there is no lubrication or possible obstructions should also be undertaken, as should an inspection of the furnace’s inside chamber. In particular some furnaces suffer from holes or rust in this area of the furnace. The inspector should also clean the pilots, burners and sensors. They should verify that there is no risk of the furnace overheating by checking its maximum temperature. Finally the crucial carbon monoxide test is imperative. Other checks that should be included in a heating system inspection include ensuring that the air filters in the furnace are clean, checking the vent registers and that the thermostat is functioning correctly.

* Checking that the property’s wiring and overall electrical system is sound and safe: A house inspector should inspect a minimum of six electrical appliances in a house to ensure that the electricity system is functioning as it should. Furthermore, an inspection should also entail a polarity and earth fault loop test on sockets around the property at random; verification of whether adequate protective bonding conductors are in place; and an inspection of the consumer unit.

* Checking to ensure that there are no bug or insect infestations or a potential environment in which an infestation could develop: Wood-destroying insects can be particularly lethal for homes. For example, powder post beetles can lay their eggs in the cracks in unprotected wood and their offspring can start tunnelling once they have hatched. Therefore, a check for insects in the property is imperative.

* Inspection for asbestos: This should entail taking measures to identify the possible location of asbestos in a property and also the concentration of asbestos. It could also involve making a record of all of the materials in a property which contain asbestos and carrying out a risk assessment on those materials.

* Inspection of the well and septic system: If the property has its own well and septic system, then they should be examined. For example, a well’s record should be obtained from the relevant authorities and its location noted. The well casing should be in good condition without cracks and it should drain correctly. The water quality should also be tested by sampling the water for e coliform, E. Coli and nitrate.

Other things that should be checked

There are other aspects of a house inspection that should be on the checklist and the devil is in the detail. For example, the inspector should look around the attic or basement if the property has one and check the windows and doors to ensure that they open and close properly. All closets, walls, ceilings and floors should be examined. Nor should the outside of a property be neglected. A property’s facade and other aspects of the exterior should also be thoroughly examined for any indication of rot or weather damage. The inspector should also make a thorough examination of the roof, either by getting onto the roof or inspecting it with binoculars.

New Home Inspections

Home Inspection

New home inspections for Barrie ON. New home buyers in Ontario are protected under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. This offers protection against defects in material and workmanship, delayed closings, unauthorized substitutions and deposit protection up to a total of 300,000 dollars. Many of Tarion’s material warranties do not compare well with any premier manufactures warranties.

In Canada hardly anyone buys a home without having a Home Inspection performed by a trained professional. This is to protect the buyer from buying a home with defects or problems that he or she would probably not have found themselves. CHMC says, “One of the best ways to see if a home is in good condition, livable and safe is to hire a professional home inspector. A properly trained home inspector will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect how another component works or how long it will last.” It is strange that an organization which receives its money from the home buyer, as the fee is added onto the cost of the home, does not recommend a Pre-Delivery Inspection by a Qualified Home Inspector. One would think that maybe they did not have the best interests of the “Home Buyer” at heart?

Tarion currently operates independently of the government and any regulatory agencies. Although all the funding for Tarion ultimately is paid for by the Home Buyer, there is no protection for the Home Buyer other than the Tarion Ombudsman, which works at Tarion and is paid by Tarion. There have been Private Members bills submitted to the Ontario Government to have Tarion held accountable to the Ontario Ombudsman but there has been no progress against the powerful home builders lobby at this time.

The situation in Ontario concerning Tarion’s lack of accountability has spawned groups like the “Canadians for Properly Built Homes” (CPBH) which is fighting on behalf of new home buyers for some accountability for The Tarion New Home Warranty Corporation. In 2008 they issued a Press Release: “Canadians for Properly Built Homes (CPBH) is very pleased with the Ombudsman Ontario’s report “Building Clarity”: Investigation into how the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services represents its relationship with the Tarion Warranty Corporation to the public:, and supports its recommendations. With Ombudsman’s findings, the Government of Ontario and Tarion can no longer continue to deny the very serious issues with Ontario’s new home warranty system. It is clear that the current system of home warranty in Ontario has not adequately protected may Ontario purchasers of newly built homes. This have been devastating for many Ontario families.”

When buying a new home you are also incurring the cost of the building permit which is issued by your local building department prior to construction starting on your new home. As part of the building permit your home has specified inspections that are required for each stage of building. Many times deficiencies are either overlooked or the inspection is not made which allows the builder to provide a substandard product without proper supervision. Some of the items typically found by home inspectors on new home construction include: missing attic insulation, loose heat registers, drains to weeping tile left open, improper slope on furnace and hot water tank vents, damaged floor trusses, improperly nailed joist hangers, wrong nails used in joist hangers and improperly installed shingles.

Your Home Inspector and lawyer are the only persons involved in your new home purchase that work entirely for you. Everyone else that is ultimately being paid by you has a vested interest that is not with the buyers. When you attend your pre delivery inspection the home is still in possession of the builder, and is often not even finished, and this is the best opportunity for you to have deficiencies addressed and corrected. Do not listen to builders who ask that you put items on your 30 day inspection. This will only lead to disputes about who caused damage etc and can lead to endless paperwork and issues with the builder and Tarion. If you fail to produce on piece of documentation or fail to also send that documentation to both Tarion or the Builder, Tarion will disallow your claim, Bingo, you lose. Investing $300.00 for a Professional Home Inspector to accompany you on your Pre Delivery Inspection will be the best investment you make in your new home purchase.

Learn about What is a Home Inspection, then visit The Barrie Home Inspector’s site on Home Inspection Articles for all your projects.

Infrared Cameras and Home Inspections

Home Inspection

Infrared Cameras and Home Inspections.  Thermal imaging is the use of light rays that are invisible to the naked eye. There is an infinite range of light that is invisible to the naked eye. The wave lengths of light that are invisible to the naked eye are actually quite small. All light is identified by its wave length, frequency and energy.

Humans can only see light in the 400 to 750 nanometer range. Some animals can see light in the infrared spectrum and you can buy infrared film for you regular camera. An example of low-energy light rays is radio waves which are typically described by their frequency.

A prism placed into a ray of sunshine in a dark room reflects the colours of the rainbow using a property known as dispersion. This is the method Sir William Herschel utilized in the 1800’s in conjunction with thermometers to discern the presence of invisible light rays. He called his discovery the thermometric spectrum later to be known as infrared.

Using a infrared camera is a quick and easy method of determining the presence of air leaks in the exterior walls and ceilings of homes, also known as the building envelope. Although un-able to measure scope of leak it identifies where leaks are present. Infrared cameras are also an excellent means of finding moisture in walls and ceilings and are a valuable tool for professional home inspectors.

The benefits of employing infrared thermography in buildings are; Air leakage pathways present within a completed construction can be identified and rectified prior to subjecting the building to air permeability tests, reducing the risk of repeat testing being required; Depending upon the nature of the construction, even a building that meets or exceeds the building regulations may still be at risk of premature deterioration due to air leakage and subsequent condensation, therefore identifying where air leakage is occurring can be critical; Air leakage pathways can often indicate rainwater ingress pathways further adding to the potential benefits of an infrared survey; and Thermography is commonly used to identify air change rates with the help of the so-called ‘blower-door’ process, which creates under-pressure in buildings. Because the air pressure outside is higher than the pressure inside, the air will try to enter through unsealed areas. Using an infrared camera, this airflow can easily be seen, clearly revealing any unsealed areas, which can then be attended to before coverings and fittings make correcting this potential fault both expensive and time-consuming.

The Barrie Home Inspector was the first company to use Thermal Imaging technology in Simcoe County and now offers the service Free on request for any home inspection package. As a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association and with the experience of over 4,000 home inspections your Peace of Mind is 100% Guaranteed.

Want to find out more about Simcoe County Home Inspector, then visit Barrie Home Inspector’s site on how to choose the best Best Qualified Home Inspector for your real estate needs.

Basic Basement Construction

Basements

Basic Basement Construction.  Always check with Barrie Building department and apply for any required permits prior to construction. A basement is an area below the first floor with a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches. Basements may be created using masonry blocks or poured concrete. Modern homes are typically constructed using forms and poured concrete. Many basements provide added living space, including bedrooms, bath, recreation rooms.

Basement wall damageBasements are typically the area of a structure most at risk for water damage because they are located below grade and surrounded by soil. Soil releases water it has absorbed during rain or when snow melts, and the water can end up in the basement through leaks or cracks.

The roof on your home can collect over 600 gallons per 1000 square feet after 1 inch of rain has fallen. Install and maintain gutters and downspouts so that they route all rainwater and snow melt far enough away from the foundation of the building to ensure that pooling does not occur near the walls of the structure. At least 10 feet from the building is best, and at the point where water leaves the downspout, it should be able to flow freely away from the foundation instead of back toward it, and should not be collecting in pools.

Foundation weeping tiles are actually not tiles but 6 inch diameter plastic pipe with small holes in it. Weeping tile pipe is placed against and level to the bottom of the foundation footing. Once the weeping tile pipe is completely installed, coarse gravel is placed on top and level with the top of the footing.

Newer homes basements are typically protected using a black dimpled product which is attached to perimeter of basement walls. Most home owners think this is a water proofing barrier designed to keep water away from their foundation. The wrap is actually designed to allow water to quickly drain down void, created by the dimples, and enter weeping tile. This prevents any hydraulic water build up against concrete prevent water intrusion.

Sump Pump Installation by Barrie Home InspectorA sump pump is a pump placed in the basement of a home used to pump water from the basement to the outside or drain into the home’s drainage system. Sump pumps usually work in conjunction with a sump pit, which is a hole dug in the basement of a house which collects water during a rainstorm. The pump then pumps the water out of that sump pit.. A sump pump is usually necessary either in cases where the home’s basement is below the water table level, and or when the home is located in a place where flooding is common. In Ontario a sump pump is required by Ontario Building Code and must be installed unless waived by the building official.

Home that are located in areas where a high water table exists typically will have a backup sump pump installed in case of pump failure.  Also a battery back up is sometimes used in case of power failure.   During the home inspection process these are both indicators that a high water table exists and the home owners may have had water issues in their basement.   These are only clues and cannot be the sole evidence used to indicate water issues,  but are a strong indicator that further investigation is required.

Although there are many great books and part time college courses that now teach Home Inspections,  nothing will replace experience and first hand knowledge obtained through building homes and renovation projects over a life time of inspection and construction experience.   Caveat Emptor –  Buyer Beware !

 

For actual inspection pictures of defects please visit the Barrie Home Inspector’s site

Commercial Property Inspector – Barrie

Real Estate

Commercial Property Inspector – Barrie is a Certified Building Code Official. He has attained the required training and education with the Ontario Building Officials Association and is fully qualified on Large Buildings and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code. An unknowing inspector may lead you to believe your property is code compliant when you could in fact be faced with spending thousands or tens of thousands in required building code upgrades.

Aluminum Wiring: In the late 1960′s and early 1970′s copper prices rose and contractors/electricians switched from copper to lower costing aluminum wiring. Concerns with this type of wiring have arisen, for example, when aluminum wire is connected to devices (eg. receptacles, light fixtures) which were not designed for aluminum, or, when aluminum and copper wires are attached. In these cases a reaction can occur causing the connections to fail, perhaps become disconnected, and/or, potentially overheat, spark and catch fire. Symptoms of this can sometimes be seen in the discolouration of receptacles, flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic insulation.

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability. It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hotplate wiring and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement (resulting in fiber cement) or woven into fabric or mats. All types of asbestos fibers are known to cause serious health hazards in humans. Removing asbestos from a property can be expensive and time consuming. Personnel have to be licensed to perform asbestos removal.

Mould: Leaking roofs or basements can lead to an excess of moisture in your crawl space, basement or storage areas of your building or office. The best reason is to avoid the growth of fungus, mold, or mildew that may decay and destroy wood and potentially your indoor air quality. Moisture in any form provides the missing ingredient for spores to thrive and grow in its environment. Having your property or building inspected can prevent expensive clean up costs that might be incurred after you purchase a property.

Thermal imaging (infrared camera) is used on all our commercial property inspections. This amazing technology can aid in the detection of heat loss, moisture, water leaks, over-heating conditions and even mould detection. We also perform moisture checks with our up-graded digital moisture detector which allows us to detect moisture up to an inch behind most building products.

The Commercial Property Inspector has been in business for 7 years and has performed over 4,000 inspections. As a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Assc he has master the Ontario Building Code by completing all the Part 9 (small buildings) and Part 3 (large buildings over 600 m2) which enables him to use this experience when inspecting your commercial real estate investment. All inspections are performed to ASTM E2018 standard and report is based on PCA format.

Looking to find Toronto Commercial Property Inspections, then visit www.commercialbuildinginspector.ca to find the best advice on GTA Commercial Property Inspections for your next investment.

Professional Barrie Home Inspections

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.

Barrie Home InspectorA 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

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.

Understanding Your Septic Tank

Plumbing

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

Septic TankThe 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.

Commercial Building Inspector–Toronto and GTA

Real Estate

Commercial Building Inspector–Toronto and GTA.  Commercial Building Inspections are an important decision before investing in a property.  Understanding your buildings systems and condition is paramount to purchasing property.  As a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association you can rest assured that your building will be code compliant and suitable for your occupancy requirements.

In Ontario Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code covers buildings over 600 M2 in size.  The Ontario Building Officials Association offers many courses specific to Large Buildings which would be considered necessary if planning to inspect a Part 3 building.

Member of Ontario Building Officials AssociationLarge Buildings is an intensive course dealing with the Occupancy of Buildings; Building Fire Safety; Safety within Floor Areas; Exits; Barrier Free Design; Structural Design; Change of Use and Renovations to name a few.  As you can see from the subject titles all of these aspects of a building are important and can be very expensive to repair or upgrade.

The Classification and Construction course typically offers and includes the following: building classification; separation of major occupancies; building area and height; streets; building size and construction; occupant load; fire separation/fire-resistance ratings; firewalls; closures; Ontario Building Code requirements; fire stopping; provision for firefighting; and mezzanines and interconnected floor spaces.

Part 3 Fire Protection is an OBOA course dealing with all aspects of your buildings fire protection features.  Your local building department may require you to upgrade your features where the following are lacking or require improvement; Fire Resistant ratings; where the building coded requires Fire Separations because of Building Classification, separation of major occupancies, service spaces and exits including penetrations of fire separations.  An unknowing inspector may lead you to believe your building is code compliant when you could in fact be faced with spending thousands or tens of thousands in required building code upgrades.

Commercial Building InspectorThe Commercial Building Inspector is a qualified Building Code inspector.  He is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association and is fully qualified on Large Buildings and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code.  An unknowing inspector may lead you to believe your building is code compliant when you could in fact be faced with spending thousands or tens of thousands in required building code upgrades.

The most important aspect of having your Commercial Property inspected is knowing the Qualifications of the actual inspector performing the inspection.  There is no value to hiring a well known firm whose founder is extremely well educated, only to find out that you are going to be dealing with an employee, who may or may not have the qualifications you are looking for.  The Commercial Building Inspector attends every inspection and uses only highly trained assistants to aid him.

 

The Commercial Building Inspector has experience in Project Reviews, Over 4,000 paid inspections, is a Certified Building Code Official and has experience in hundreds of plaza’s, Malls, Strip Malls, Medical Buildings, Apartment Buildings, Mixed Use and Multiple Occupancy building inspections.  Visit www.commercailbuildinginspector.ca to review Buildings Inspected and Qualifications, you won’t be disappointed.

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