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Is there a health issue with lead water supply pipes in your home?

2011-02-10T10:12:00.004-05:00

Water mains constructed of lead were installed in city and town streets and for supply piping to houses until the 1950s. According to many health organizations, ingestion of lead can have adverse health effects. Most lead water mains and supply piping installed on residential streets has been replaced in recent decades. Some municipalities completed lead pipe replacement programs and offered homeowners the option to have lead services between the street and the house replaced at a discounted price, however, numerous lead services are still installed. For information regarding whether water mains and supply piping in a municipal street is constructed of lead, we suggest consulting with your municipality to discuss whether such information is available in their files.

Source: www.winnipeg.ca

Lead supply piping that is installed between the street and a house can sometimes be identified by first finding the location where the water supply pipe enters the home (typically in the basement), and gently scratching the surface of the pipe with a screwdriver.

If the pipe is a grey shiny colour that seems soft when scratched (a screwdriver often leaves an impression in the pipe), it is probably made of lead. For comparison, the other major types of metal pipe materials in older homes are usually copper (which is distinguished by its brown colour and sometimes blue/green hues) or galvanized (which is usually a dull grey colour that is harder than lead).

If lead piping is observed in a home or if a homeowner is interested in measuring for the potential presence of dissolved lead in the supply piping, water samples can be properly collected and submitted to a qualified laboratory for analysis to verify the presence or absence of dissolved lead. Homeowners can also contact their municipality to determine if lead water supply pipes were installed in their neighbourhood or if a program exists for testing or replacement.

It is important to note that lead concentrations contained in a water sample are representative of one point in time only and will very likely fluctuate with repeated sampling activities. If lead concentrations are repeatedly detected above published allowable levels, a qualified specialist should be contacted to discuss further assessment and potential remedies.

For more information, visit AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Brampton and Orangeville.

The Worst Mistakes First-time Homebuyers Can Make

2011-02-07T13:42:00.001-05:00

Here's a great article courtesy of the Globe and Mail.

Note that the article reminds homebuyer to consider their closing costs: When calculating closing costs, assume you will need an additional 1.5 to 2.5 per cent of the purchase price to cover such things as the home inspection, legal fees, land transfer tax, property tax, property insurance, utility hook-ups and moving costs.

A home inspection is only fraction of the cost of these total closing costs.
Read the full article now.

Does a home inspection also include quotes for repairs?

2011-01-27T10:05:00.008-05:00

A home inspector may include in the binder or within the report a range of prices for typical repair/replacement items that are common to most homes. These cost estimates, however, are included for information/approximate budgeting purposes only and should not be relied upon as being 100 per cent accurate. As previously discussed, the quotes for different projects may vary greatly depending on the contractors recommended scope of work, experience, etc. It is also important to remember that the home inspection is a non-intrusive visual inspection of the home and the required repairs may change once a more thorough/destructive investigation is performed. On this basis, it is very difficult for anyone to provide a firm quote for many types of projects/repairs prior to doing a more intrusive investigation.

The cost for labour or materials may also change depending on availability and the time of year. For example, the cost of fibreglass insulation and some types of building materials will vary over the course of the year, depending on the availability of lumber (for wood products) or the demand for the product. In addition, if a contractor is very busy when a quote is being requested, they may respond to a request for quotation with an elevated price, not necessarily expecting to get the work. However if they do get the work, it would be well worth their while given the larger than normal profit that could be realized at the homeowner’s expense.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880

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How big of a concern is mould in homes?

2011-01-26T08:01:00.001-05:00

Moulds are forms of fungus (mildew, yeast and mushrooms are other forms of fungus) hat grow indoors and outdoors. People are exposed to mould spores (i.e. airborne seeds”) daily in the air they breathe; however, sometimes moulds grow excessively in certain areas called “amplification sites” (see below for further information) and can cause different types of illnesses.

Some moulds are more hazardous than other moulds, and different people have different responses to

mould exposure. In particular, those with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to health problems from mould exposure. Additionally, infants and children, pregnant women, and the elderly can be sensitive to the effects of mould exposure.

Some people that are exposed to mould experience allergic reactions, with symptoms similar to hay fever and the common cold but that last for longer periods, while others can experience aggravation to asthma. Researchers have identified that some fungi in indoor environments can induce allergic and irritant response, infectious disease, respiratory problems, hypersensitivity reactions, and organ toxicity. In addition, some moulds produce chemicals called mycotoxins, which can cause flu-like symptoms. It should be noted that the causes and effects of mould exposure on people are not very well understood. In some cases, health problems that are attributable to mould are temporary and can be controlled by limiting exposure to moulds.

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1-800-794-5880. For more information, visit AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Brampton and Orangeville.

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How do you know which contractor to hire for your renovations?

2011-01-20T10:00:00.006-05:00

Getting quotes from contractors can sometimes be very frustrating. Prices can vary significantly as can the suggested repair materials, means, and methods. It is always important to understand exactly what is included in the price so that the quotes can be properly compared. Once all of the pertinent information is obtained from the different contractors, you should have enough information to feel confident that you are comparing ‘apples to apples’ when looking at the different quotes.

Click here to read and download the full article.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

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Could there be a bomb in your basement?

2011-01-13T16:41:00.001-05:00

Have you looked in your basement lately?

Take this simple test to find out how safe your home is. Only 6 questions.

Click the following link on your computer (not your smartphone) to take the test now:

Take the test now.

At the end of the test, you should watch the short video demonstrating what can happen if you don't properly maintain your home and one of its components.

(Note: Don't open the link on your mobile phone, you'll be taken to our mobile website and not to the test.)

How do you protect your investment when buying a new home?

2011-01-12T09:53:00.003-05:00

Recently, new home builders have been receiving some bad press, and some with good reason. Normally, bad experiences are reported more widely than good experiences and for that reason, all builders are given the same bad name. Whether the negative perception is accurate or not, it is the responsibility of the home buyer to research local builders to find one who will suit their needs. The builder should provide the prospective purchaser with a list of references from people whose homes they have built. The purchaser should then visit the homes, to see the quality of construction on homes that are not model or show homes, which usually contain all of the bells and whistles since they are the builder’s main selling tool.

Similar to any real estate transaction, the builder will require the purchaser to sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) prior to building the home. This document sets out the terms and conditions for building the home, including the construction details, the price, the lot on which the house will be built, the closing date, the repercussions if the house is not built on schedule or if the purchaser has to back out of the deal, etc.

Most of the time the APS is slanted in the builder’s favour and it is therefore very important to have a lawyer review the APS prior to signing. The purchaser should arrange dates or benchmarks (specific stages in the building process) with the builder to visit the home to make sure things are proceeding as planned. Showing up on-site unannounced or visiting the site after hours may cause friction with the builder and/or sub contractors and may be considered trespassing since the builder is typically the owner of the house and property during construction of the home.

A professional home inspection is always a good idea, even with a new home.

Read and download the full report here.

What's the Issue with buying a Home that was a Former Grow Op

2011-01-05T09:41:00.002-05:00

Growing and/or producing illegal substances has become a problem in rural and urban neighbourhoods of all kinds across the country. In a short period of time, using readily accessible materials, a significant amount of illegal drugs such as meth-amphetamines, ecstasy, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), or marijuana can be produced in a residential setting, often undetected. Depending on how long the house is used, it may be unfit for occupancy due to electrical hazards, structural damage, and/or fungal and chemical contamination.

Growing marijuana plants requires a significant amount of electricity for lights to help the plants grow in locations not visible from the street. Often electricity is stolen by tapping into hydro lines before the meter or from adjacent homes to reduce operating costs and to prevent detection, since unreasonably high electricity bills may alert the authorities to illegal activities.

Tampering with live wires is very dangerous and exposed wires may be left on the exterior of the home, exposing neighbours to a potential fire or electrocution hazard. Unsafe wiring may also exist inside the home when additional receptacles are installed to plug in the lighting equipment.

In addition to lighting, chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce good ‘crops’. With conditions such as elevated humidity levels, these types of home are basically turned into small-scale greenhouses. Residential buildings are not well suited for excess moisture and mould is a common problem in grow houses. The chemicals and moisture are absorbed into the building materials and often mould grows on the interior and exterior wall surfaces, creating an extremely unhealthy living environment. Sometimes the operator will install a ventilation system to remove some of the moisture from the house. The ventilation system would ideally exhaust to the exterior of the house, but in some cases the moisture is only vented to the attic, resulting in significant amount of mould growth and structural damage to the roof framing members. The potential hazards of purchasing a house that was once used to grow marijuana also includes chemical residues in building materials, unsafe wiring conditions, and structural damage due to elevated moisture levels or improperly cut structural members to run ducting or bypass the electrical meter. Due to the time and cost of setting up marijuana grow operations; these houses are often used over a long period of time before they are found.

Read and download our full report here

For more information, visit the AmeriSpec Home Inspection website, serving the areas of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Brampton and Orangeville.

Keep spring pests from hatching in your home

2010-12-30T14:09:00.001-05:00

(ARA) - As spring approaches, homeowners won't be the only ones opting for stay-cations. Insects that hibernate during cold winter months reappear in the spring, setting their sights on a location closer to home than you think -- the safety and warmth of your house.

Hundreds of thousands of pests breed and hatch in large numbers in early spring. For example, most spiders live either one to two seasons and one female spider may produce as many as 3,000 eggs.

"Hidden places in your home could be the breeding ground for pests that hatch in spring," says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products used in and around homes and businesses. "Once these pests hatch, their numbers quickly increase, and food sources and shelter often determine the length of their stay."

Pests like bed bugs and stink bugs that have found their way into homes across the country often stay year round, as long as they find food and shelter.

Also, as the spring real estate market heats up, many lenders are requiring re-inspections that could reveal pest-related health and safety hazards. At least buyers and sellers are on the same page about one thing: the importance of taking preventive action to avoid or manage pest infestations. Ask any pest management professional to share horror stories about problems new homeowners have experienced with pests, often with repercussions for sellers who neglected to fix a problem.

What can homeowners and sellers do? Take these easy-to-follow steps, suggested by the acronym I.N.S.P.E.C.T

INvestigate - Become a pest detective and investigate your home or a potential new home for pest problems. On the inside of your home, open food containers, look for cracks in interior walls, look for signs of droppings, check vents to the outside, holes in window screens and know that pests like to hide in cool, dark places like attics and basements. On the outside of your home, make sure the cold temperatures aren't causing cracks in your exterior walls, and investigate for holes, unsealed garbage cans, woodpiles and plants that may be too close to the home. Also, check any structure that can hold standing water, which is a favorite breeding ground for mosquitos. Also check for stinging insect nests on the ground or in your gutters.

Study - Identify your pest problem so that you can use the proper method to solve or control the issue. Take time to search reputable online sites to identify pests. You can also contact a university extension office, or visit a local garden store that may have insight on common pests in the area.

Prepare - Think about the tools you'll need to solve your problem, including gloves, caulk and insecticides or herbicides. "One of the most common problems homeowners have is that they aren't sure which products to use or who to call to solve the problem," says Janet Hurley, integrated pest management specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. "Doing your research, talking to professionals and correctly using the products are the quickest ways to effectively end those pesky pest problems."

Eliminate - Take the time to eliminate access points and other inviting entryways for pests lurking outside. Remember to seal windows, caulk gaps around windows and doors and fix any water leaks. Be ready to tackle neglected or overgrown shrubs and trees near your home. These areas encourage ticks, fleas and stinging insects to stay, increasing your risk for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections and allergic reactions resulting from bites and stings.

Clean - Pests need a place to live, food and a source of water, so make sure you aren't providing them with room, board and all the comforts of home. For example, store cereals, crackers and other food items in plastic containers with secure lids. Without easy access, pests won't be able to find their way into your food.

Treat - Treating pest problems with the responsible use of pesticide products will help keep your home, lawn and community pest-free. This includes purchasing the right products for your problem. For some significant pest problems, such as termites, calling a certified pest professional is the best option.

To make inspecting your home easy, visit www.debugthemyths.com/inspectandprotect for a step-by-step checklist. You'll also find additional resources including regional fact sheets, kids' activities and other helpful information to help you protect your family's health and your property value from pests.

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Buying an Older Home? A home inspector can alert you to any potential homeowner insurance issues

2010-12-21T09:44:00.006-05:00

Are there any potential upgrade requirements that insurance companies may have that you should be aware of in order to obtain house insurance for an older home?

To answer this question, we should first clarify the purpose/intent of house insurance.

House insurance is intended to protect homeowners against most unforeseeable circumstances or accidents, but not predictable or inevitable events. Given that insurance companies continually compile and review the causes for insurance claims, they are capable of more accurately evaluating their risk associated with certain building components that have a high claim frequency.

To minimize their risk, insurance companies are requiring certain inspections or upgrades to high risk building components be completed to provide home insurance on certain (often new) insurance policies. Their policy modifications are not necessarily related to building code changes and requirements, or technological advancements, but rather are developed to reduce the risk of insurance companies from having to pay out on homeowner claims.

The specific inspections or upgrades to high risk building components vary from company to company and from region to region in Canada. Given the wide range of inspection/upgrade requirements that insurance companies may have, it is important for prospective homebuyers to clarify the requirements of insurance companies in your area.

Look elsewhere on our home inspection website for some specific requirements of insurance companies.

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1-800-794-5880

http://kitchener-waterloo-home-inspector.blogspot.com

Kitchener Home Inspector make buyer feel more comfortable with purchase

2010-12-10T15:28:00.002-05:00

Chris was very easy going and professional. The home I purchased isn't very old, but there were still small details I needed to be made aware of to feel comfortable in my home purchase. Sue McFadden, Kitchener

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880

http://kitchener-waterloo-home-inspector.blogspot.com

www.HowHomeInspectorsHelp.com

Plumbing Issues in Homes: Galvanized Pipes

2010-12-07T09:40:00.004-05:00

Galvanized supply and distribution piping was historically installed in homes prior to 1950.

These pipes commonly rust or corrode from the inside out, often reducing the pressure or restricting the flow of water or worse yet, leaking and creating flood damage to a home. Life expectancies for galvanized plumbing are generally on the order of 40-50 years.

Given that many galvanized pipe installations have recently reached their estimated life expectancies, the risk of a pipe leak occurring and the potential for flood damage is high. Some insurance companies are now refusing to provide homeowner's insurance on houses with this type of plumbing.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880

http://kitchener-waterloo-home-inspector.blogspot.com

Nearly 5% of Ontario Homes Have Elevated Levels of Radon

2010-12-06T08:38:00.001-05:00

Preliminary results from a Health Canada survey suggest that seven per cent of Canadian homes contain elevated concentrations of radioactive radon gas.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said people should test the air in their homes for radon.

“You can't see it, smell it, or taste it,” she said Tuesday. “The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test your home.”

The findings from the first year of a two-year project found that New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Yukon had the highest percentages of homes with radon levels above the national guideline.

The national limit is 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air. In New Brunswick, 11.7 per cent of homes had levels between 200 and 600 becquerels and 5.3 per cent had levels above 600 becquerels. In Saskatchewan, 14.2 per cent were in the first elevated level, with 1.6 per cent above 600.

In Manitoba, the survey found 22.1 per cent of homes with levels between 200 and 600 and 1.4 per cent over 600. Yukon had 10.6 per cent between 200 and 600 and 5.3 per cent over 600.

In contrast, Ontario had only 4.9 per cent of homes with any elevated level and Quebec had nine per cent. There were no homes found with elevated radon levels in Nunavut.

The survey looked at 9,000 homes in the first year, with another 9,000 to be tested in the second year.

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in rocks and soil. If it is released into the atmosphere it quickly gets diluted and is harmless.

But if it seeps into homes, it can concentrate, especially in winter, when houses tend to be sealed up against the cold.

Radon is suspected as the culprit in hundreds of lung cancer deaths, said Heather Borquez, president and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association.

“Last year, lung cancer claimed the lives of 20,500 Canadians,” she said. “It's estimated that about 10 per cent of lung cancer deaths are related to long-term exposure to residential radon.”

She urged home testing as well.

The Health Department suggests that homeowners check radon levels with test kits available at some hardware stores or through the Internet.

The test devices are deployed for a minimum of three months during cold weather.

If levels are high in a home, there are remedies, Health Canada said.

Some problems can be solved simply with better ventilation. Sealing cracks in foundation walls and floors and around pipes and drains can also help.

There are also systems which use a fan and piping to draw the radon from under the home and expel it outside.

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Home Inspection in Cambridge was very professional

2010-12-03T15:26:00.001-05:00

It was a thoroughly pleasant experience going through the Inspection Process with Jeff. He is truly professional and made certain we were aware of all issues found during the inspection. He also identified items which required immediate attention due to safety issues. This was the first time I have been involved in a Home Inspection and it was a memorable experience. -- Randy Swan, Cambridge

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880

http://kitchener-waterloo-home-inspector.blogspot.com

Is there a hole in the side of your house?

2010-12-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

You may not know it, but your house has a hole in its side. That's right, if you could add up the area of all of the small cracks and openings in your home you would probably find an "equivalent leakage area" -- ELA -- that would surprise you.

It could also be one of the reasons that your heating and cooling bills are high or your home feels drafty.

Here are some facts:

The actual diameter of the image to the right is 21 inches and has a diameter of approximately 2.4 square feet.

If you have a home that was built between 1981 and today, the average ELA would be a circle of 14 inches in diameter (area of about 1 square foot).

A home built between 1946 and 1980 would have an ELA of 16 inches in diameter (or 1.4 square feet in area) and an home built prior to '46 an ELA of 21 inches (2.4 square feet in area).

One of the best ways to determine the ELA of your home is through a simple "blower door" test which is a required element of home energy audits in Canada.

A home energy audit, conducted by a Natural Resources Canada licensed energy advisor, can help homeowners understand the areas of air leakage in a home and provide simple, cost effective ways to improve the air tightness of homes. Improving air tightness of homes is one of the best way to save on your energy bills.

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A Home Inspector's Holiday Discount

2010-11-24T17:05:00.002-05:00

Am I jumping the gun by providing a holiday discount?

I don't think so ... there are only 30 shopping days left before Christmas.

Download your free iPhone or Blackberry ScanLife App to scan the code discover AmeriSpec's holiday discount. Get your app here: http://web.scanlife.com/en/download-application

Share the coupon with your friends, neighbours and clients, but hurry because this promotion expires on December 31, 2010. To redeem the coupon either print it off or just show it to us on your phone at the inspection.

AmeriSpec makes your home inspection a risk-free investment.

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1-800-794-5880

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Electrical Issues in Homes: Knob and Tube Wiring

2010-11-23T09:36:00.004-05:00

Knob and tube wiring is characterized by separately run hot and neutral wires, paper insulated wires, ceramic insulators and the absence of junction boxes at wire splices.

If this type of wiring has been professionally maintained since its original installation, is often still a safe system. However, ungrounded conditions, improper modifications and amateurish home owner repairs of this type of wiring can lead to certain safety/fire issues; this is the main reason why knob and tube wiring is considered a higher risk than contemporary wiring installations.

Regardless of the actual rationale for the insurance companies concerns with 60 amp services and knob and tube wiring, their mere presence in a home is currently a common trigger for further review/upgrades to an older electrical system. Upgrading these components often reduces the insurance companies risk of an electrical fire and subsequent claim.

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1-800-794-5880

http://kitchener-waterloo-home-inspector.blogspot.com

Electrical Issues in Homes: 60-amp Electrical Services

2010-11-23T09:34:00.002-05:00

60-amp Electrical Services were commonly installed in homes prior to 1950.

The term "60 amps" represents the maximum amount of current that a home may use from the local utility at on time. It is currently common to install a 100 amp electrical service (as a minimum) in new house construction.

Whereas a 60 amp main electrical service is considered small by today’s standards, it is not inherently considered an unsafe system. However, there are two common safety issues often associated with older, 60 amp electrical services which will be noted in a home inspection.

These include increased risk of amateurish/unsafe historic electrical repairs and improper fuse size installations associated with the 60 amp system; both of these items can cause overheating of distribution wiring in the home, potentially causing an electrical fire.

The urgent issue is normally what does your insurance company say about it.

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Electrical Issues in Homes: Aluminum Wiring

2010-11-20T09:32:00.001-05:00

Single strand aluminum distribution wiring was installed in many homes between approximately 1968 and 1978.

Due to its tendency to oxidize and its incompatibility with certain fittings designed for use with copper wiring, aluminum wiring has been determined to overheat in certain situations. As long as proper connections are used, and the connections are made without damaging the wire, aluminum wiring is considered safe.

For years, the presence of aluminum wiring in a home has been an item that, if installed and managed properly, has not been a safety concern. However, more recently, several insurance companies have been requiring (for new insurance policies) that the aluminum wiring be inspected by designated electrical inspection/safety authorities, and if necessary, requiring certain upgrades or repairs to fixtures in the home or in some cases, requiring replacement of the aluminum wiring with copper wiring.

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Free Homebuyer Resources posted on AmeriSpec Home Inspection site

2010-11-18T15:38:00.009-05:00

Just posted: New CMHC and AmeriSpec homebuyer and homeowner resources.

http://www.homeinspectorshelp.com/amerispec-cmhc-resources/

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880

 

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Kitchener Homebuyer Thanks Home Inspector

2010-11-16T15:23:00.000-05:00

My wife and I were extremely satisfied with Ian's inspection of our new home. We was friendly, courteous, and very informative. We will be using all of his tips and suggestions in the maintenance of our home to ensure it stays in great shape. Thank you Ian and thank you AmeriSpec! -- Robert DeAngelis, Kitchener

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com
http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca
http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jbrookfield
http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj
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Home Inspections Make Good Sense in Brampton

2010-11-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

Ian took the time to show and explain everything that i had questioned him on... seemed very knowledgable about his work..he was very professional.. I would highly recommend him and your company.. businesses like yours make purchasing a home less stressful...thank you -- Jessie and Mike Cook, Brampton

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com
http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca
http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jbrookfield
http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj
http://twitter.com/gobrookfield

New Homebuyer Resources posted

2010-11-10T15:36:00.006-05:00

New homebuyer resources and checklists posted at http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com.

http://www.homeinspectorshelp.com/home-inspection-checklists/

Guelph Inspector Helps Homebuyer

2010-11-08T15:19:00.000-05:00

Denise was excellent, and provided us with a great deal of information. We would recommend her to others looking for an inspector. JM, Guelph

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com
http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca
http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jbrookfield
http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj
http://twitter.com/gobrookfield

MSN's Top 10 Home Defects. And the Number 1 issue is ...

2010-11-07T11:43:00.002-05:00

The house has poor drainage. 

This is the most common problem found by home inspectors. To improve drainage, you may have to install a new system of roof gutters and downspouts or have the lot re-graded to better channel water away from the house.

Download a free article here from AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service on wet basements.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com
http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca
http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jbrookfield
http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj
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MSN's Top 10 Home Defects. And Number 2 is ...

2010-11-07T11:42:00.003-05:00

The house has faulty wiring.

 An insufficient or out-of-date electrical system is a common problem, especially in older homes. This is a potentially hazardous defect and not to be taken lightly. You may have to replace the entire electrical system, or at least part of it, to bring this home up to code or to make it safe.

Get a free report on wiring issues in your home here.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

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Waterloo Home Inspector is commended on thorough job

2010-11-06T15:18:00.002-04:00

You guys certainly do a pretty good and thorough job!! I had used your services about 3 years ago on a home I had purchased in London, and kept your info., since I had had a good experience the first time, I thought I would use your services again!!!

Jeff came across as a very professional and knowledgable guy, overall myself, daughter, and current owners were impressed with his diligence in completing the inspection. -- Tom Kammer, Waterloo

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

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MSN's Top 10 Home Defects. And Number 3 is ...

2010-11-06T11:37:00.000-04:00

The roof leaks.

 If the roof has water damage, it may be caused by old or damaged shingles, or improper flashing. It's cheap and relatively easy to repair shingles and small amounts of flashing, but if the roof is old, you face a much larger expense to replace the whole thing.

Download an AmeriSpec report on roof issues here.

---  AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville | 1.800.794.5880 |  http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com | http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca | http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections | http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jbrookfield | http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj | http://twitter.com/gobrookfield

MSN's Top 10 Home Defects. And number 4 is ...

2010-11-05T11:35:00.002-04:00

The house has an unsafe heating system. 

An older heating system or one that has been poorly maintained can be a serious health and safety hazard. You may have to repair or replace the old furnace. This is a major expense, but new furnaces are more energy-efficient, which will probably save you money down the line. If your heating system is anything but electrical, install carbon monoxide detectors in a couple of locations in the house.

Download a free AmeriSpec report on furnaces here.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
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What should you do to maintain your smoke detector?

2010-11-05T09:29:00.000-04:00

It is important to test smoke detectors every month and change the batteries twice annually. And this weekend is one of those times!

To test the detector, press and hold the test button; the alarm should sound immediately. Hold an extinguished candle under the detector; the alarm should sound within 20 seconds.

The grill on the detector should be cleaned twice annually to remove dust and dirt, using a damp cloth and vacuum cleaner.

Smoke detectors eventually wear out, so they should be replaced approximately every 10 years.

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Great review for Orangeville Home Inspector

2010-11-04T15:14:00.000-04:00

I was very impressed with Mr. Frost's knowledge. He did a thorough inspection and explained what he was doing and what he was looking for as he was working. I would definitely recommend Mr. Frost and AmeriSpec, as I felt like they were looking out for me. Teresa Brownell, Orangeville

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MSN's Top 10 Home Defects. And Number 5 is ...

2010-11-04T11:30:00.004-04:00

The whole house has been poorly maintained. 

Examples of poor maintenance include cracked or peeling paint, crumbling masonry, broken fixtures or shoddy wiring or plumbing. You can easily repaint a wall, replace a fixture or repair a brick wall, but makeshift electrical or plumbing situations are serious and potentially dangerous problems. Replace any such wires or pipes.

Download a copy of our home inspection report on building permits here.

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
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AmeriSpec Home Inspector gives Guelph Homebuyer Peace of Mind

2010-11-03T15:25:00.001-04:00

He was extremely personable and definitely educated on all aspects of the home that would have needed to be addressed. His advice was appreciated in pointing out areas that would need repair and their priority. He gave us peace of mind that our purchase was a right choice as sometimes things may be done well cosmetically, they may not be as mechanically sound. Wendy Birtzu, Guelph

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AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com
http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca
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http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj
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Kitchener Waterloo Home Inspector Gets Rave Reviews

2010-11-03T15:11:00.000-04:00

Excellent service, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We were put at ease and guided through the entire process. Could not have asked for more. Several members of our family attended the home inspection and all had very positive comments. Thank-you for all your assistance. Josh Shea, Kitchener

Jeffrey was very thorough, and patient, explaining the scope of the service prior to the home inspection. Additionally, it is sad to admit that there still remains a dismissive manner with some contractors/service providers when addressing issues with a female.....but this was NOT the case with Jeffrey. He took the time to explain what he found, whether his finding was an issue of concern, AND gave a general explanation of ease of repair, as well as a ball-park estimate on cost of repair. Overall, the whole process was very informative! Joanne Anger, Cambridge

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MSN's Top 10 Home Defects ... Number 6 is

2010-11-03T11:27:00.003-04:00

The house has minor structural damage. 

Minor structural damage means the house is not likely to fall down, but you should deal with the problem before it becomes more serious. Such damage is usually caused by water seepage into the foundation, floor joists, rafters or window and door headers. First you need to fix the cause of the problem (a leaky roof, for example), then repair or replace any damaged pieces. The more extensive the damage, the more expensive it will be to repair.

Read our home inspection article on foundations here.

…

AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville.

1-800-794-5880
http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com
http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca
http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections
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http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj
http://twitter.com/gobrookfield

MSN's Top 10 Home Defects ... Number 7 is

2010-11-02T11:27:00.000-04:00

The house has plumbing problems. 

The most common plumbing defects include old or incompatible piping materials and faulty fixtures or waste lines. These may require simple repairs, such as replacing a fixture, or more expensive measures, such as replacing the plumbing itself.

For more information, see our home inspection article on plumbing here.

---  AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service: ecoEnergy Home Energy Advisors and Professional Home Inspectors serving Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Rockwood, Erin, Halton Hills, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville | 1.800.794.5880 |  http://www.HomeInspectorsHelp.com | http://www.GetEnergyGrants.ca | http://www.facebook.com/amerispecinspections | http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jbrookfield | http://www.youtube.com/user/brookfieldj | http://twitter.com/gobrookfield

Kitchener Waterloo Home Inspector Gets Top Reviews from Homebuyers

2010-11-01T14:55:00.000-04:00

Excellent service, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We were put at ease and guided through the entire process. Could not have asked for more. Several members of our family attended the home inspection and all had very positive comments. Thank-you for all your assistance. Josh Shea, Kitchener

Jeffrey was very thorough, and patient, explaining the scope of the service prior to the home inspection. Additionally, it is sad to admit that there still remains a dismissive manner with some contractors/service providers when addressing issues with a female.....but this was NOT the case with Jeffrey. He took the time to explain what he found, whether his finding was an issue of concern, AND gave a general explanation of ease of repair, as well as a ball-park estimate on cost of repair. Overall, the whole process was very informative! Joanne Anger, Cambridge

MSN's Top 10 Home Defects ... Number 8

2010-11-01T11:24:00.002-04:00

The house's exterior lets in water and air around windows and doors. 

This usually does not indicate a structural problem, rather poor caulking and weather stripping that require relatively simple and inexpensive repairs around windows and doors.

For more information, see our home inspection article on windows here.

I’m thinking of renting out my basement as an apartment. What requirements do I need to follow with respect to fire safety?

2010-10-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

The requirements for legal basement apartments vary considerably across Canada and are based on federal, provincial and local standards. Some provinces are still developing minimum standards to allow for a legal basement apartment. It is therefore important to consult your local building/fire department (before you start renovating!) to discuss local requirements.

However, the following is a list of several typical general requirements associated with retrofitting a basement into an apartment:

• Adequate fire separation between dwelling units should be installed. This typically consists of a “continuous” fire separation (i.e. lathe/plaster or drywall combined with fire rated doors equipped with self-closers) that will achieve a certain minimum fire resistance rating. It is important to note that “continuous” fire separation includes properly taping and filling drywall joints, and installing the drywall on closet and furnace room ceilings, heating ducts, etc. It should also be noted that there are often reductions on fire separation requirements if certain other means of fire protection are installed, such as linked smoke detectors or sprinkler systems.

• If the primary means of entry to a basement apartment involves entering another dwelling unit, a second means of egress should be installed. This is often achieved by installing a window, typically with

18” x 32” (minimum) dimensions, that can be easily accessed for exiting the basement during a fire.

• Smoke detectors should be installed on every floor that has a bedroom, in an area where the alarm can be heard when the bedroom doors are closed. Interconnected smoke alarms are required in certain situations.

• The apartment should be inspected by an electrical safety authority to ensure that there are no electrical hazards.

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How to prepare your house for winter

2010-10-21T14:58:00.000-04:00

Hibernating isn't just for bears. Spend a weekend tucking your house in before the big freeze, and face spring singing

By Laura Muir

1. Prep your heat source

"Fall is a great time to have a service technician come in and do a tune-up on your furnace or boiler," says Graham Clarke, a vice-president at the Toronto engineering consulting firm Carson Dunlop & Associates

There are also steps home owners themselves can take to ensure their heating system runs safely and efficiently. If you have a forced-air furnace, change the filter to make sure the air stays clean throughout the season. If your furnace has a humidifier, open its damper (often it's closed during the summer when the air conditioner is turned on) and make sure the humidifier pad is in good condition (free of dust and deposits). For homes with boilers, lubricate the circulating pump by putting a couple of drops of paraffin-based oil in the oil cups on top. Also, bleed the air out of radiators.

2. Turn off the air conditioner

When it's time to cover up your outdoor air-conditioning unit, Clarke recommends turning off its power right at the house's electrical panel. "In a lot of air-conditioning systems, there's a little heater that's using electricity all the time to keep the oil warm," he says. "And in the middle of winter, there's obviously not much point in keeping the air conditioner ready to be turned on at a moment's notice."

3. Maintain your fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, check the masonry or bricks for cracks, ensure that the damper is working properly, and have a look up the chimney. "You should have a clear, unobstructed view to the sky," says Preston Meyer, co-owner of Calgary's Hearth & Home Fireplace Specialties.

If the view is blocked, hire a chimney sweep. For a gas fireplace, take out the glass and clean it with vinegar and water, removing any milky white film. Then get rid of the black carbon that may have built up on the burner. You should also take out your vacuum cleaner. "Many gas fireplaces have a top and bottom louvred system that circulates the air," says Meyer, "and it's important to vacuum the dust at the bottom where the blower fan is installed to ensure longevity of the fan."

4. Clean your eavestroughs

Check that the downspouts don't discharge against foundation walls, and clean out eavestroughs. "That's not only to prevent a problem with the spring runoff," says Clarke, "but also just to help the snow and ice dissipate from the edge of the roof during the winter." If you're feeling ambitious, install a guard in your eavestrough to keep it clear of any late-falling leaves.

5. Final checklist

When you're outside, have a look at doors and windows to see if the weatherstripping and caulking are in good shape. Inspect your home's siding and roof, checking for missing pieces that may cause leakage. Outside faucets should be closed at the shut-off valve; drain the water left in the pipes by opening the tap. Inside the house, replace batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, "and make sure they're tested and working properly," says Clarke. He also recommends turning circuit breakers in the electrical panel off, then on again. "You want to make sure you give them a bit of exercise twice a year so they don't seize up," he says. "And if any of them don't operate properly, it's time to replace them."

Last, head up to the attic to see if anything is blocking the ventilation openings and check that your home's insulation is relatively uniform. Then put on your woolly socks and settle in.

2010-10-20T14:14:00.001-04:00

Moisture in Your Basement? Things to know before you start renovating. Download a Free Guide --> http://ping.fm/Rpwsv

2010-10-19T16:17:00.001-04:00

Don't forget that you can still receive up to $790 in tax-free grants for a new furnace this Fall. How? http://ping.fm/olBWX

A big and small energy saver for each room of your house

2010-10-18T12:56:00.005-04:00

(ARA) - Saving the environment can be an overwhelming task. With everything in the news about how to make your home more energy efficient, it's easy to become bewildered when thinking about all the improvements you could make. But there's no need to worry, as you don't have to make your home into a model for green living all at once.

In fact, if everyone did just a few little things, the earth would see a gigantic benefit, so you can still do your part even if it doesn't mean retrofitting your entire home. And a few small measures, like taking the ENERGY STAR "Change the World" pledge, can result in you seeing immediate savings.

Some of the world's leading brands recently teamed up with energy-savings experts to build an energy-neutral house to test earth-friendly practices in Boulder, Colo. Lifestyle experts were then invited to live in The Green House for three days, test its environmentally friendly products and experience the benefits of eco-friendly living.

The main takeaway from The Green House project is that there are a variety of steps you can take, big ones and smaller ones, to make each room in your home more eco-friendly:

Bathroom
Big: Install a low-flow aerating showerhead. Most models allow you to save around 30 percent on water usage without compromising on your shower experience.
Small: Avoid using toxic cleaning products, as chemicals find their way into the atmosphere and waterways. As you run out of old cleansers, replace with nontoxic cleaning products.

Kitchen
Big: Replace your old refrigerator or dishwasher with an energy-efficient model. Look for models that either meet or go beyond ENERGY STAR levels, like a new 4-Door French-door refrigerator from LG that's 20 percent more efficient than the minimum ENERGY STAR standard. The fridge achieves efficiency through linear compressor technology that alters output based on demand from the refrigerator. This means fewer temperature swings, ultimately using less energy and saving you money.
Small: Plant a garden, as the food out of your garden will be fresher and won't need to be transported to the store or to your home.

Bedroom
Big: Buy all-natural bedding that is made from earth-friendly materials.
Small: Unplug gadgets like cell phone chargers and unused appliances before going to bed, since they can use energy even when they are plugged in and not in use.

Laundry room
Big: Buy an energy-efficient washer and dryer. Consider a high-efficiency, front-load machine like a SteamWasher from LG. It uses more than 50 percent less water per load and is roughly 86 percent more energy-efficient than conventional top-load machines.
Small: Clean your dryer vent after each load, because even a partially clogged vent will hurt your dryer's efficiency.

Energy center
Big: Invest in a programmable thermostat, which can save you money by setting temperatures lower when you plan to be away or while you sleep. Some even can be controlled remotely while you are away.
Small: Replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs.

Garage
Big: If you're in the market for a new car, buy a gas-sipping hybrid.
Small: Take public transportation. Better yet, where possible, bike or walk on one trip each week where you would usually drive.

Living room
Big: Buy an ENERGY STAR-rated TV that will save you money when it's both on and off. With very low standby and on-mode power consumption, some new LED HDTVs from LG use only about 7 cents of electricity a day for average viewing of six hours daily.
Small: Unplug your DVD player or other accessories when they are not in use, especially when leaving for an extended time like a vacation.

Whether they are big or small, your energy-saving contributions won't go unnoticed by Mother Nature or your pocketbook. For more on The Green House project and more helpful home energy tips, visit www.SmartHouseSmartLiving.com. You can also take the ENERGY STAR Pledge at energystar.gov/changetheworld and join with millions of others in making energy-efficient choices at home and at work that save energy, save money and protect the environment.

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Find out more about the Home Energy Savings Program. You may be eligible for up to $5,000.00 in grants to make your home more energy efficient.

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How to Get Rid of Bats in Your Fireplace | eHow.com

2010-10-16T19:49:00.000-04:00

Call your local humane wildlife control agency to have the bats professionally removed from the home. Getting rid of bats professionally will prevent injury to the bats and yourself. Professional removers will locate all possible bat entry points and determine the stage of breeding the bats are in. Some locales do not permit removal when there are babies involved. Some technicians will install one-way doors that let the bats out of the building, then prevent them from returning.

Climb up onto your roof after bat removal and place a screen on top of the chimney to keep the bats out. Secure the screen to the chimney by nailing it down to prevent bats from climbing through. Do this task in November to ensure you do not trap baby bats inside the chimney.

Set up bat houses around your property in May to give the bats somewhere to live other than your home. Bat houses are available from specialty stores and online. Place the bat house in an area that receives sun exposure.

Why wrapping your water lines near your water heater is a good idea

2010-10-15T08:25:00.000-04:00

Wrapping your hot water lines near your water heater is easy to do and a great idea:

• It's an easy, inexpensive solution for reducing heat loss from water heaters, keeping water warm longer and lowering overall energy use.

• It decreases the length of time spent waiting for hot water to arrive at the faucet or at the shower, which helps to conserve water.

Be sure to wrap the hot water pipe for at least the first two metres from the water heater. Also wrap the first metre of the cold water pipe that connects to the heater.

For best results, use pipe wrap tubing that’s the same size as the pipe placed with the seam down, taped or wired in several places to secure it.

Find out more about the Home Energy Savings Program. You may be eligible for up to $5,000.00 in grants to make your home more energy efficient.

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Is it true that my dryer vent could be a fire safety hazard?

2010-10-12T09:23:00.001-04:00

Yes. It is important to keep your dryer vent clean and unobstructed to ensure that the dryer vent does not overheat. If the vent is clogged, the dryer has to work harder to discharge the exhaust from every load of laundry, which could cause the dryer to overheat, potentially causing a fire in the dryer.

It is also a good idea to make sure that your dryer is vented to the exterior of the home through metal ducting, and not plastic. Plastic is easily crushed (which can cause lint build-up in the dryer) and flammable (which means that if a fire starts, it will not be contained within the dryer).

The dirtiest item in Canadian homes is the ...

2010-09-29T15:56:00.000-04:00

The dirtiest item in Canadian homes is the kitchen towel, according to a study on hygiene released on Tuesday.

The study was conducted by the Hygiene Council, a group of international experts in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology and public health. Funded by Reckitt Benckiser, the makers of Lysol, the council makes recommendations to help improve hygiene in the home.

In an examination of 20 Canadian homes, the council's researchers found four contained kitchen towels that were highly contaminated with E. coli. The report recommends towels be washed in water hotter than 60 C or using boiling water in a pot to kill the bacteria, which can cause severe cramping and bloody diarrhea.

The council took various samples from 20 homes in each of nine countries, finding Germany and the U.S. had the cleanest kitchen towels, with 85 per cent of towels either spotless or at least satisfactory when it came to E. coli counts.

"What is apparent is that Canadians do clean, but not necessarily effectively enough by targeting specific areas with a method that really works," Dr. Donald Low, a microbiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and a member of the Hygiene Council, said in a release. "Practicing good hygiene through targeted disinfecting as well as regular hand washing is something we can all do to maintain a clean, healthy home environment."

The council also assessed bacteria and mould, finding that they were most commonly found inside fridges and on seals around the bath or shower. People living in homes with high levels of mould report an increased incidence of asthma, respiratory infections and symptoms such as rhinitis, sore throat, cough and common cold.

The cleanest fridges were found in Canada and the U.S., where just five per cent had unsatisfactory levels of bacteria and mould.

Canada also ranked the highest in the bathroom seals category, with just 20 per cent failing the test for bacteria and 25 per cent failing for mould. The U.S. was the next cleanest for bathroom seals, with 40 per cent failing the bacterial test. -- SASKATCHEWAN (CBC)

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What do homebuyers say about AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service?

2010-09-28T09:22:00.000-04:00

"Our experience with AmeriSpec was fantastic! You were able to accomodate an appointment for us within 2 business days and the telephone staff was very polite, helpful and professional. Our inspector exceeded our expectations. He was very knowledgeable, thorough and professional. He took his time and made sure that we understood everything that he was explaining to us. I would definitely recommed AmeriSpec to anyone looking for a home inspection!"

"Chris did a terrific job and answered all my queries. The inspection was done on short notice from my end and I was very pleased with the entire process." -- Jean McLeish, Cambridge

"Our inspector was Denise Larocque. We had no idea what to expect being first time home buyers. Denise made the entire process very comfortable for us, start to finish. Very thorough and professional, yet very personable, taking time to explain many things about home ownership and care of the house. Answering any questions we had as well as explaining alot of things we would never had though to ask.
The binder and all inclosed information is a definite bonus. Thank you Denise, and AmeriSpec for your professionalism and your patience with us.
We would recommend AmeriSpec to any one we know planning to purchasing a home in the future as it was a very positive experience." -- Craig Fletcher and Donna Brown, Cambridge.

"The inspection was a pleasant learning experience. Ian is a great personality for this work. He is knowledgable and helpful. I admit that, in the past, I have left this type of thing to my husband so I was a little apprehensive. Ian put me at ease immediately. He did not talk down to me and created a dialog that encouraged me to feel comfortable asking questions. The information he provided gave me confidence in the decision to purchase the house. I would be happy to recommend your company and Ian specifically to anyone in a similar position." -- Beverly Hobbs, Brampton

"A very informative survey of every aspect of the property that offers great insight as to the value of its components & to areas requiring attention in the future. Ian was very professional & helpul with the assesment & clearly explained this home's aspects.Very, very pleased. Thank you..." -- Bob Melinte, Georgetown
"It was a thoroughly pleasant experience going through the Inspection Process with Jeff.He is truly professional and made certain we were aware of all issues found during the inspection. He also identified items which required immediate attention due to safety issues. This was the first time I have been involved in a Home Inspection and it was a memorable experience." -- Randy Swan, Cambridge

“Denise answered all of our questions and explained in detail areas of our home that would need improvements right away and in the future. We feel that we now know what we are getting into with purchasing and older home. Your service definatly provided us with peace of mind. Thanks for making our first home inspection a good experience. We will pass your name on and continue to use AmeriSpec in the future..” -- Justin Moore and Becky Gropp, Kitchener

"We found the process to be well-organized, helpful and even educational. The inspection was completed efficiently and we enjoyed being right there to watch and learn. We really liked Chris a lot. He was very pleasant and quite receptive to all of our questions (even the dumb ones!)"

Saving energy might not be as difficult as you think

2010-09-24T14:47:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - While saving energy and lowering your bills during the winter takes some personal sacrifice, it might not be as hard as you think. With a combination of changing your habits and a few simple fixes, it's possible to realize significant savings on your utility bills.

You could be well on your way to saving money and lessening your impact on the environment this winter by making a few simple changes:

* Reduce your home's average temperature by a degree or two. You obviously don't want to make your house too chilly for you or your guests, but this is a case where a little can go a long way. For each degree, you may be able to save 1 percent on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over the whole winter, that 1 or 2 percent can amount to quite a bit in actual savings.

* Consider a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set the heat at a lower temperature while you are at work or while you sleep, and then program the thermostat to reach comfortable levels before you arrive home in the evening or get up in the morning. Products like the Schlage LiNK remote home-management system, which can be used with a Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat, allow you the option of controlling the temperature of your home from most Web-enabled cell phones or a computer no matter where you are. You can also set up the system so when you enter your code in the Schlage wireless keypad lock in your front door, the thermostat will adjust to a temperature that's most comfortable for you. You can even program the thermostat to send text or email alerts if the temperature goes below a preset level, indicating a potential heating system failure. With a system like this, you can save a lot of energy - and money - and always be comfortable when you arrive home.

* Check your HVAC filters and replace them if they are dirty. This should be done at least once a month during times of heavy usage, according to the Department of Energy. Clearing and cleaning any vents in your heating system will also help it run more efficiently. The Schlage LiNK remote home-management system, when used in conjunction with the Trane thermostat mentioned above, will send text alerts when filters need to be replaced.

* Seal places where heat could escape. Some strategic caulking and weather stripping can go a long way toward bringing your heating costs way down; the Department of Energy says properly sealing your home can reduce costs by 20 percent. Using duct sealant to close up any exposed heating or cooling ducts can also offer significant savings.

* Keep curtains open during the day to let in natural heat energy. Keep them closed at night to provide extra insulation around your windows.

If you're looking for more ideas on how to save energy, it may be a good idea to have a local contractor conduct an energy audit on your home or visitwww.energystar.gov for more information. The auditor will be able to give you minor tips, as well as suggestions for major projects you may want to do in the future. After all, with a few simple cost-saving measures in place, you might be able to afford bigger energy-saving projects in years to come.

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Find out more about having an energy audit completed on your home through the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program. You may be eligible for up to $5,000.00 in grants to make your home more energy efficient.

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