Barrie Home Inspector

Home Maintenance and Tips for Home Owners

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Home Security

Personal Interest

Keeping Your Home Safe: How To Put Burglars Off Trying To Break In

Our homes are our castles – havens against the outside world, expressions of our tastes and design choices and a place for our loved ones to live together in, hopefully, domestic bliss. So when someone threatens it, it can be extremely frightening and upsetting. There are many ways to try to stop burglars, however. Here are some ideas to consider.

Make your home harder to break into

Burglars like to be able to get in and out quickly and discretely, so anything you can do to prevent this will help. Make sure any outdoor sheds and other buildings that contain ladders, tools etc are firmly locked. No point in providing thieves with the wherewithal to get into your house. Never leave spare keys hidden outside. People who do that tend to unwittingly choose some pretty obvious places to stow them. Instead, give the spare to a trusted neighbour.

Consider switching to a gravel driveway, or have areas of gravel under your windows. Gravel makes a lovely, loud crunching sound when trodden on. Grow thorny, or spiky plants against the walls too – good options for this are roses, firethorn or juniper.

Make your home looked loved

Keep the garden neat so the house doesn’t look neglected. Mow the lawn regularly – get someone to do it for you if you are away for a long time. Weed borders; sweep up fallen leaves and empty trash cans. Make sure the house exterior is well maintained. Burglars might assume a house in disrepair is owned by someone physically unable to look after it – and therefore less able to defend it.

Don’t let the mail build up in your absence either. Ask a friend to go in to collect it for you, or arrange for it to be temporarily redirected. Keep larger items like bicycles or lawnmowers out of sight too and place curtains over garage, basement or shed windows to prevent anyone looking in.

Make your home look occupied

It stands to reason that most thieves will think twice about targeting a house that looks like it is occupied. Draw the curtains and leave some lights on (or on an automatic timer switch)  when you go out at night, or perhaps leave the radio or TV playing.

Lock all doors when you are going out or to bed, and check all windows are closed. Never leave notes on the door saying ‘Gone Shopping’. Finally, create a written inventory of your valuable possessions and their estimated value or insured amounts – photographs and purchase receipts will also prove useful in the event of a break-in.

Make your house and home security something to invest in

The range of home security equipment out there is mind-blowing, from strong locks to state-of-the-art alarm systems. Ideas to enhance security include switching to more secure window locks, replacing door locks with deadbolts, making sure door hinges are on the inside and installing a decent burglar alarm– some will link to your local police station.

Such an investment is worth doing properly – after all, it will go a long way to protect your assets, not to mention your peace of mind. If, however, you are concerned about how to pay for such measures, take some time to consider how you will raise the money to fund them. A financial advisor or broker can steer you towards a number of financing methods, such as reasonable loan arrangements with manageable repayment rates. If you own your own home, there are many excellent remortgage deals on the market – most mortgage advisors would be especially pleased to see the additional funds released spent on raising the security of the property and its contents. If all else fails, perhaps you could take on some extra work to raise the funds. This temporary sacrifice of your time will result in long-term security and happiness in your home: who could ask for more?

Why You Should Invest In Canadian Property

Real Estate

Why You Should Invest In Canadian Property.  Canada presents a land of opportunities for millions of immigrants in this great country. Certainly, when it comes to Canada, the word immigration immediately pops up like another name for the so-called country. This is because historically the natives inhabiting this country were too little to optimally take advantage of the assets and development prospective of Canada. The Canadian government thus, opted for the next greatest alternative of opening its doors for immigrants worldwide to focus in the direction of developing a much better, profitable and vibrant country.

One thing that stands out towards Canada is definitely the vast picturesque landscape that has remained mostly unspoilt even just in the aftermath of the introduction of particular areas of Canada. The combination of modernism with the rustic elegance of pure attributes and sights really identifies Canada. The ultra-modern cities located over the US-Canadian boundary have all the features that a modern twenty-first century Earthizen wants. For several years, Canada has relished optimum status within the world’s top most livable cities. This is exactly the result of tremendous development when it comes to infrastructure, security, environment, health and fitness care, and lifestyle in the country. The focused development of Canadian cities is one of the key factors responsible for producing Canada among the most popular property investment destinations of the world.

If the Canadian cities attract opportunities in hordes, a major recognition goes to the stunning countryside covering the whole Canadian landscape. Since a huge number of Canadians reside within one hundred kilometers with the US-Canadian border, the countryside in Canada is left largely unspoilt and untapped. The northern part of the country is either covered in snow or includes thick forests which make a great exquisite tourist destination. Inuit or Eskimos who constitute local number of Canadians are also abundantly present in North Canada. The western part of the country is better recognized for its huge countryside landscape resonating clean and fresh air that draws in tourists from other regions of the world. The wildlife and forest is a substantial part of the leisure activities on any Canadian visit. The entire country is filled with immense organic attributes like the world famous Niagara Falls.

Montreal is a large success among Brits and French property investors because the city boasts of an antiquity of Canada’s history. Mostly French speaking individuals who have lived on the best place since generations and some European migrants comprises the Montreal population. Canada was a community of Brits in addition to French at various times and you can find the amalgam of the two extraordinary cultures exactly in Montreal.

There isn’t any dearth in the variety of property available in Canada. You can choose from low-end or high-end apartments from penthouses or villas. And if you are planning obtain in leasing property; Canada is next to none with a consistent flow of tourists for the whole year. The best place to invest in vacation homes is along the coast, as tourists often flock these regions for apparent reasons.

Wanna invest in Canada? Feel free to visit Overseas Property For Sale and discover the perfect Overseas Property in Canada that will truly fulfill your dreams and perfectly fit your lifestyle.

Different Materials to Use for Basement Flooring

Basements

Different Materials to Use for Basement Flooring.  Basement flooring is obviously the foundation of the process of remodeling your basement. If basement flooring is not done right, you are just going to waste money and effort in trying to make your whole basement look good. The great thing is that there are several options on how you can have a beautiful, worth it flooring.

Water is Enemy

Water in whatever form – be it from underground moisture or drainage issues – is a bane to basements. Before doing any remodeling, have your basement drainage system checked thoroughly and fixed by a plumber. You’d not want it to have a well created basement only to understand that water starts to creep in. Sometimes water slippage can come from the exterior drainage outside the house.

Due to the damp nature of most basements, moisture is really a usual headache. Moisture can cause stains to tile floor, mildews and molds to carpet floor and damage to plywood and hardwood floor. At any rate, moisture can weaken the bond of the adhesive utilized to stick whatever flooring material you’ve. Thus, prior to totally performing any remodeling, do precautionary tests on the wetness of the floor.

Test the Floor

One way to test the wetness or the moisture level of the floor is to use a waterproof material that is about 4 inches-by-4 inches in size. Place flat the waterproof material, preferably the type of flooring that you have in mind to use, on the basement floor. Seal it in such a way that no air gets in. Put it in several corners of the floor walls and one in the center area of the floor. Leave it for at least a day and then check if there is any moisture coming in.

If you notice any type of moisture, then you need to figure out and fix the floor issue first before proceeding with remodeling. It also means that your floor is naturally damp. At this point, it is ideal if you ask the opinion and suggestion of a basement flooring expert. You can probably make do by changing the type of flooring material to be utilized or install a vapor barrier.

Flooring Materials

There is no such thing as perfect flooring material. It is always a case-to-case basis. It also depends on the desired look and really feel that you want for your basement. Whilst that being stated, here are some typical flooring options and their usual attributes:

1. Wooden Subfloor – It’s inexpensive but is prone to rotting when there’s no vaporizing barrier installed.

2. Carpet – It’s extremely easy to install but is prone to mildew and molds.

3. Painting the Subfloor – You can do it your self in the event you know how you can paint walls. But you may need to keep re-painting after a couple of months.

4. Stained Basement Floor – This gives you room to be very creative with several styles and colors obtainable. But you may have to invest a bit much more compared to, say, using a wooden material.

5. Tiled Floor – This also allows you much more room for creativity and is a viable option for wet basements. But this material would not help a lot in lessening the coldness of the floor so you may need to use rugs.

Another essential consideration with regards to basement flooring is if who’s performing the flooring function: you or a hired expert? If it’s you, keep in mind that tiles and stained basement floor might take more effort to haul and install. The latter supplies also need specialized skills and equipments.

Find out more about basement finishing system. Explore more online sources on basement finishing systems.

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Smoke Detectors Required in RV’s and Trailers in Ontario

Electricity

Smoke Detectors Required in RV’s and Trailers in Ontario.  An excerpt from the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office identifies the requirement for Smoke Detectors to be installed in RV’s and Trailers in Ontario. This would also apply to tourists that are visiting the Province.

During the past two weeks, two men have died in separate trailer fires in Ontario. It has been confirmed by Office of the Fire Marshal investigators that no working smoke alarms were recovered from either trailer. Fires in these types of seasonal homes can spread incredibly fast.

As a result of these tragic fatal fires, the Fire Marshal of Ontario is reminding everyone that it is the law to have a working smoke alarm in their trailer home, motor home and other recreational vehicle. In addition to smoke alarms, these homes, vehicles or boats used for sleeping should be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm.

While many new trailer and RV models may already meet a construction standard requiring working smoke alarms, older models may not be equipped with any or they may not have been properly maintained. Smoke alarms should be tested before sleeping in any of these seasonal homes, then monthly and after any absence of more than a few days. Replace any smoke alarms that may be more than 10 years old.

Failure to comply with the applicable Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $100,000.

QUOTES

“The Ontario Fire Code requires every ‘dwelling unit’ in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas,” explained Ted Wieclawek, Fire Marshal of Ontario. “What many people may not know is that the term ‘dwelling unit’ includes seasonal homes such as park model trailers, cabins and cottages and may include trailer homes, motor homes and other recreational vehicles”.

“Smoke alarms can alert you and give you and your family the precious time needed to safely escape a fire,” said Wieclawek. “Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in any structure where people may be sleeping or living.”

There’s no question that working smoke detectors save lives. Statistics from the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office indicate that in about 50% of fatal home fires, the victims had no smoke alarm
warning.

Effective March 1, 2006 every home in Ontario must have working smoke detectors on every storey of their home and outside of sleeping areas. This new law applies to single family homes, semi-detached homes and town homes that are either owner occupied or rented. Additionally, all smoke detectors must be replaced every ten years.

Fines for non-compliance by individuals range from $235.00 up to $50,000.00 and tenants can be fined for intentionally disabling smoke detector units.

The cost of a smoke detector combined with a carbon monoxide detector is about $60.00. At this price, and when you consider your own life and those of your family, it’s money well spent.

For more information about the new smoke detector law in Ontario visit the Ontario Fire Marshall’s website at http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/.

I am amazed at the amount of homes in Barrie ON that have no smoke detectors or defective smoke detectors. Although there was a big “push” to ensure every home, and every level, has a working smoke detector during the initial implementation of the new law, there is no enforcement or education being conducted at the present time and the results are clearly visible with the amount of homes not having any or adequate protection.

Landlords in particular should ensure their rental units are complying with the smoke detector requirements to protect themselves and their tenants.

Smoke alarms are critical safety devices that have been in existence for at least 30 years, however, Ontarians still continue to die in homes without working smoke alarms. This is why the provincial campaign Working Smoke Alarms: Its the Law was developed. Ensuring homeowners, landlords and tenants of residential occupancies are aware of their responsibilities and comply with the smoke alarm requirements will significantly increase public safety in Ontario.

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Maintenance Tips – Protect Roof From Winter Damage

Real Estate

Maintenance Tips – Protect Roof From Winter Damage.  As the winters approach nearer, homeowners suffer a massive headache. You may need to call a professional roofer in case your ceiling has turned to mush and your gutters are tearing away from the house. Follow the given steps that are helpful in protecting your home from the harsh winters. Your safety must top the list of important to- dos. If you are unable to reach the roof easily, do not try to go further.

The major cause behind the build up of ice and snow on the roof is warm attic. If your house lacks proper insulation and ventilation, it lets the heat vanish from the roof through the attic. It allows te snow on the roof to melt on a faster rate that gives rise to formation of ice on the roof. It may clog the gutters and damage the roof.

To clear the snow from your roof, it is good to invest in a snow rake. Whenever a heavy storm occurs, it is suggested to clear the roof. Start from the top of the roof and move downwards. Be careful not to damage the shingles.

Heavy ice build up on the roof is a real threat, as it may result in heavy gutters that get ripped away quite easily. Use a hammer to carefully chip away the ice, if you are also going through the same phase.

Pressure builds up because of frozen water in the pipes, which may result in bursting of pipes. Pipes most vulnerable to freezing are the ones that are present in outside walls, attics and crawl spaces. To reduce the problem of frozen pipes, follow the given tips.

To slow down the heat transfer rate, fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping. High amount of insulation is always better. If there are holes and cracks in the outside walls, it is advised to fasten them with caulking, as soon as possible.

For the water to drain off easily, keep the drains and downspouts clean. Debris like twigs, dirt and leaves act as a hurdle in proper drainage. So it is important to clear the roof off all such things. Also remove any tree branches that might be resting on your roof.

It is important to regularly inspect and maintain your roof, especially in winter season. This way, you will not have to face a leak or a costly roof repair.

Scott Rodgers is a famous writer who has been writing on roofing since a long time now. His skill has given motivation to a lot of workers, ranging from Everett Roofers

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