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Building Inspector

Building Inspector

Introduction

What is a Home Inspection?

Do I need One?

How do I find a qualified Home Inspector?

 

These are important questions and the members of your provincial organization of the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHI) want you to know the answers.  Purchasing a home is the largest investment most of us will make.  This process requires the expert assistance of and experienced Realtor and a qualified Home Inspector.

 

In recent years, prudent homebuyers have increasingly requested professional home inspections to provide them with valuable information on the conditions of the home’s systems and components before making their buying decision.

 

A qualified Home Inspector will examine the home’s major systems including….

  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Heating
  • Roofing
  • Foundation
  • Interior & Exterior

 

The home inspector will not make the buying decision for you.  An inspector can provide you with the information you need to help make that decision wisely.

 

You will benefit most from your inspection if you can be at the house during the inspection. The home inspection is a good time to become familiar with the house.  Do not hesitate to ask questions.  A good inspector will be glad to take the time to explain proper maintenance and operating procedures for many of the building components.

 

When choosing your inspector, be sure to ask about experience and professional qualifications.

 

Home inspection is a unique discipline requiring special training, knowledge, and communication skills that differ substantially from those of other building professionals.  CAHI chapters home inspectors are generalists with a comprehensive knowledge on may systems.  Membership in a CAHI provincial organization assures that a professional home inspector has demonstrated the ability to meet or exceed the CAHI Standards of Practice.

 

What does this mean for You?

For the consumer…

Peace of mind & more protection for you.  You can be assured when you retain a member of a CAHI provincial organization to inspect your home, you are hiring a professional with proven ability, experience and impartiality.


What is covered during a building inspection?

 Standard of Practice

  1. Introduction
  2. Purpose & Scope
  3. General Limitations & Exclusions
  4. Structural components
  5. Exterior
  6. Roofing
  7. Plumbing
  8. Electrical
  9. Heating
  10. Central Air Conditioning
  11. Interiors
  12. Insulation & Ventilation

 

1.             Introduction

1.1          The Quebec Association of Building Inspectors (AIBQ) is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1990 whose volunteer membership consists of private, fee paid home inspectors. AIBQ’s objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its member’s inspection services to the public.

1.2          These Standard of Practice:

A. provide inspection guidelines.

B. make public the services provided by private fee-paid inspectors.

C. define certain terms relating to these inspections.

 

2.             Purpose and Scope

2.1          Inspections performed to these guidelines are intended to provide the client with a better understating of the property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspection.

2.2          Inspectors shall:

A. observe readily accessible installed systems and components listed in these standards.

B. submit a written report to the client which shall;

  1. describe those components specified to be described in sections 4-12 of these standards.
  2. state which systems and components designated for inspection in these standards have been inspected.
  3. state any systems and components so inspected which were found to be in need of immediate major repair.

2.3          These standards are not intended to limit inspectors from:

A.    reporting observations and conditions in additions to those required in Section 2.2

  1.  excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by the client.

3              General Limitations and exclusions

3.1          General Limitations:

A.   inspections done in accordance with theses standards are visual and are not technically exhaustive. 

  1.  These standards are applicable to buildings with four or less dwellings units and their garages or carports.

3.2          General Exclusions

A.    Inspectors are NOT required to report on:

  1. life expectancy of any component or system.
  2. The causes of the need for a major repair.
  3. The methods, materials and costs of corrections
  4. The suitability of the property for any specialized use.
    1. Compliance or non-compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
    2. The market value of the property or its marketability.
    3. The advisability or inadvisability of purchase of the property
    4. Any component or system which was not observed.
    5. The presence or absence of pests such as wood damaging organisms, rodents or insects.
    6. Cosmetic items, underground items, or items not permanently installed.

 

B.    Inspectors are NOT required to:

  1. offer or perform any acts or service contrary to law.
  2. Offer warranties or guarantees of any kind
  3. Offer or perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or any other job function requiring an occupational license in the jurisdiction where the inspection is taking place, unless the inspector holds a valid occupational license in which case he/she may inform the client the he/she is so licensed, and is therefore qualified to go beyond the AIBQ Standards of Practice, and for an additional fee, perform additional inspections beyond those within the scope of the basic AIBQ inspections.
  4. Calculate the strength, adequacy or efficiency of any system or component.
    1. Enter any area or perform any procedure which may damage the property or it components or be dangerous to the inspector or other persons.
    2. Operate any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable.
    3. Operate any system or component which does not respond to normal operating controls.
    4. Disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment, plant life, soil, snow, ice, or debris which obstructs access or visibility.
    5. Determine the presence or absence of any suspected hazardous substance including but not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, contaminants in soil, water and air.
    6. Determine the effectiveness of any system installed to control or remove suspected hazardous substances.

11.   Predict future conditions, including but not limited to failure of components.

  1. Evaluate acoustical characteristics of any system or component.

 

Limitations and exclusions specific to individual systems are listed in following sections.

 

4.             System: Structural Components

4.1          The Inspector shall observe:

a. structural components including:

  1. foundations
  2. floors
  3. walls
  4. columns
  5. ceilings
  6. roofs

4.2                The inspector shall:

  1. describe the type of:
    1. foundation
    2. floor structure
    3. wall structure
    4. columns
    5. ceiling structure
    6. roof structure
    7. probe structural components where deterioration is suspected. However, probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finished surface.
    8. Enter under floor crawl spaces and attic spaces except when access is obstructed, when entry could damage the property, or when dangerous or adverse situations are suspected.
    9. Report the methods used to observe under floor crawl spaces and attics.
    10. Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal or harmful condensation on building components.

 

5.             System: Exterior

5.1          The inspector shall observe:

  1. Wall cladding, flashings and trim.
  2. Entryway doors and representative number of windows
  3. Garage door operators
  4. Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, areaway and porches including railings.
  5. Eaves, soffits and fascias
  6. Vegetation, grading, drainage, driveway, patios, walkways and retaining walls

 

5.2.A          The inspector shall observe:

  1. Describe wall cladding materials
    1. Operate all entryway doors and representative number of windows including garage doors, manually or by using permanently installed controls of any garage door operator.
    2. Report whether or not any garage door operator will automatically reverse or stop when meeting reasonable resistance during closing.

 

5.2.B          The inspector is NOT required to observe:

  1. Storm windows, storm doors, screening, shutters, awnings and similar seasonal accessories.
    1. Fences
    2. Safety glazing
    3. Garage door operator remote control transmitters
    4. Geological conditions
    5. Soil conditions
    6. Recreational facilities
    7. Outbuildings other than garages and carports

 

6.             System: Roofing

6.1          The inspector shall observe:

  1. roof coverings
  2. roof drainage systems
  3. flashings
  4. skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations
  5. signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components

6.2          The inspector shall:

  1. describe the type of roof covering materials
  2. repost the methods used to observe the roofing.

 

6.3          The inspector is NOT required to:

  1. walk on the roofing
    1. observe attached accessories including but not limited to solar systems, antennae and lightening arrestors.

 

7.             System: Plumbing

7.1          The inspector shall observe:

  1. piping materials, including supports and insulation
  2. fixtures and faucets
  3. functional flow
  4. leaks
  5. cross connections

B.            interior drain, waste and vent system including;

  1. traps; drain, waster and vent piping; piping supports and pipe insulation
  2. leaks
  3. functional drainage

C.            hot water systems including;

  1. water heating equipment
  2. normal operating controls
  3. automatic safety controls
  4. chimneys, flues and vents

D.            fuel storage and distribution systems including;

  1. interior fuel storage equipment, supply piping, venting and supports.
  2. leaks

E.             sump pump

 

7.2          The Inspector shall:

  1. Describe:
  2. Water supply and distribution piping materials.
  3. Drain, waste and vent piping materials.
  4. Water heater equipment.

 

  1. Operate all plumbing fixtures, including their faucets and all exterior faucets attached to the house.

 

7.3          The inspector is not required to:

  1. state the effectiveness of anti-siphon devices
  2. determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private
  3. operate automatic safety controls
  4. operate any valve except water closet flush valves, fixture faucets and hose faucets.
  5. Observe;
  6. Water conditioning systems
  7. Fire & lawn sprinkler systems
  8. On-site water supply quantity and quality
  9. On-site waste disposal systems
  10. Foundation irrigation systems.
  11. Spas, except as to functional flow and functional drainage.

 

8.             System: Electrical

8.1          The inspector shall serve:

  1. service entrance conductors.
  2. service equipment, grounding equipment, main over current device, main and distribution panels.
    1. Amperage and voltage ratings of the service.
    2. Branch circuit conductors, their over current devices, and the compatibility of their amperages and voltages.
    3. The operation of a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on its exterior walls.
    4. The polarity and grounding of all receptacles within six feet of interior plumbing fixtures, and all receptacles in the garage or carport, and on the exterior of inspected structures.
      1. The operation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.

 

8.2          The inspector shall:

  1. describe;
  2. service amperage and voltage
  3. service entry conductor materials
  4. service type as being overhead or underground.
  5. Location of main and distribution panels

B.            Report any observed aluminum branch circuit wiring.

 

8.3          The inspector is NOT required to:

  1. inset any tool, probe or testing device inside the panels
  2. test or operate any over current devices except Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.
  3. Dismantle an electrical device or control other than to remove the covers of the main and auxiliary distribution panel.
    1. Observe:
    2. Low voltage systems
    3. Smoke detectors
      1. Telephone, security, cable TV, intercoms, or other ancillary wiring that is not a part of the primary electrical distribution systems.

 

9.             System; Heating

9.1          The inspector shall observe;

  1. Permanently installed heating systems including;
  2. Heating equipment
  3. Normal operating controls
  4. Automatic safety controls
  5. Chimneys, flues and vents
  6. Solid fuel heating devices.
    1. Heat distribution systems including fans, pumps, ducts, and piping with support, dampers, insulation, air filters, registers, radiators, fan-coil units, convectors.
    2. The presences of an installed heat source in each room.

 

9.2.         The inspector shall:

  1. describe
  2. energy source
  3. heating equipment and distribution type.
    1. Operate the systems using normal operating controls.
    2. Open readily openable access panels provided by the manufacturer or installer for routine homeowner maintenance.

 

9.3.         The inspector is NOT required to:

  1. operate heating systems when weather conditions or other circumstances may cause equipment damage.
    1. Operate automatic safety controls
    2. Ignite or extinguish solid fuel fires.
      1. Observe:
    3. The interior of flues.
    4. Fireplace insert flue connectors
    5. Humidifiers
    6. Electronic air filters
    7. The uniformity or adequacy of heat supply to the various rooms.

 

10.          System; Central Air Conditioning

10.1        The inspector shall observe:

  1. Central air conditioning including:
  2. Cooling and air handling equipment
  3. Normal operating controls
    1. Distribution systems including:
    2. Fans, pumps, ducts, and piping with supports, dampers insulation, air filters, registers and fan-coil units.
    3. The presence of an installed cooling source in each room

 

10.2        The inspector shall:

  1. describe;
  2. energy sources
  3. cooling equipment type.
    1. Operate the systems using normal operating controls.
    2. Open readily openable access panels provided by the manufacturer or installer for routine homeowner maintenance.

 

10.3        The inspector is NOT required to;

  1. operate cooling systems when weather conditions or other circumstances may cause equipment damage.
    1. Observe non-central air conditioners
    2. Observe the uniformity or adequacy of cool-air supply to the various rooms.

 

  1. 11.          System: Interiors.

11.1            The inspector shall observe:

  1. Walls, ceiling and floors
  2. Steps, stairways, balconies and railings
  3. Counters and a representative number of cabinets
  4. A representative number of doors and windows
  5. Separation walls, ceilings, and doors between a dwelling unit and an attached garage or another dwelling unit
    1. Sumps.

11.2        The inspector shall:

  1. Operate a representative number of primary windows and interior doors
  2. Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal or harmful condensation on building components.

11.3        The inspector is NOT required to observe:

  1. Paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments on the interior walls, ceilings, and floors.
    1. Carpeting
    2. Draperies, blinds or other window treatments.
    3. Household appliances
    4. Recreational facilities or another dwelling unit

     

    12.          System: Insulation & Ventilation

    12.1        The inspector shall observe:

    1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished space.
    2. ventilation of attics and foundation areas
    3. kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems.

    12.2        The inspector shall describe:

    1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces
    2. absence of same in unfinished space at conditioned surfaces

    12.3        The inspector is NOT required to report on:

    1. concealed insulation and vapor retarders
    2. venting equipment which is intergral with household appliances.

     

     

    GLOSSARY

    Automatic Safety Controls:               Devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from excessively high or low pressures and temperatures, excessive electrical current, loss of water, loss of ignition, fuel leaks, fire, freezing or other unsafe conditions.

    Central Air Conditioning:                 A system which uses ducts to distribute cooled and/or dehumidified air to more than one room or uses pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, and which is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet.

    Component:                                          A readily accessible and observable aspect of a system, such as a floor, or wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or mails where many similar pieces make up the component.

    Cross Connection;                              Any physical connection or arrangement between potable water and any source of contamination.

    Dangerous or adverse situations:    Situations which pose a threat of injury to the inspector, and those situations which require use of special protective clothing or safety equipment.

    Describe:                                              Report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.

    Dismantle:                                            To take apart or remove any component, device or piece of equipment that is bolted, screwed or fastened by other means and that would not be dismantled by a homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance.

    Engineering:                                        Analysis or design work requiring extensive preparation and experience in the use of mathematics, chemistry, physics and the engineering sciences.

    Enter:                                                     To go into an area to observe all visible components.

    Functional Drainage:                         A drain is functional when it empties in a reasonable amount of time and does not overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously

    Functional Flow:                                  A reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling when another fixture is operated simultaneously.

    Household Appliances:                       Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances

    Inspector:                                              Any person who examines any component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the use of mathematical sciences.

    Installed:                                               Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools for removal. 

    Normal Operating Controls:            Homeowner operated devices such as a thermostat, wall switch, or safety switch.

    Observe:                                                The act of making a visual examination

    On-Site Water Supply Quality:        Water quality is based on the bacterial, chemical, mineral and solids content of the water.

    On-Site Water Supply Quantity:     Water quantity is the rate of flow of water

    Operate:                                                To cause systems or equipment to function.

    Primary Windows and Doors:          Windows and/or exterior doors which are designed to remain in the respective openings year round and not left open for the entire summer.

    Readily operable Access Panel:       A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance which has removable or operable fasteners or latch devices in order to be lifted off, swung open, or otherwise removed by one person, and its edges and fasteners are not panted in place.  Limited to those panels within normal reach or from a 4-foot step ladder, and which are not blocked by stored items, furniture, or building components. 

    Recreational Facilities:                     Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment, or athletic facilities.

    Representative Number:                    For multiple identical components such as windows and electric outlets, one such component on each side of the building.

    Roof Drainage Systems:                    Gutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, and similar components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building.

    Safety Glazing:                                    Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.

    Shut Down:                                           A piece of equipment or a system is shut down when it cannot be operated by the device or control which a home owner should normally use to operate it.  If its safety switch or circuit breaker is in the “off” position, or its fuse is missing or blown, the inspector is not required to re-establish the circuit for the purpose of operating the equipment or system.

    Solid Fuel Heating Device:                Any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuel burning device, including but not limited to fireplaces whether masonry or factory-built, fireplace inserts or stove, woodstoves (room heaters), central furnaces, and combinations of these devices.

    Structural Component:                      A component which supports non-variable forces or weighs (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).

    System:                                                 A combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions.

    Technically Exhaustive:                     An inspection is technically exhaustive when involves the extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculations and other means to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

    Under floor Crawl Space:                  The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and he underside of the lowest structural component.

     

    Maintenance Schedule

    General Interior

    a)       Windows should be inspected at least annually for general operation and damage from leakage and condensation.

    b)       Fireplaces & chimneys should be cleaned and inspected annually.

     

    Electrical

    a)       Each circuit should be labeled to identify which circuit it controls

    b)       Screw-in type fuses should be tightened semi-annually.

    c)       A supply of correctly sized fuses should be kept on hand.

    d)       Circuit breakers should be manually tripped and reset semi-annually. (Do this when you turn the clocks back/ahead)

    e)       Test buttons on ground fault circuit interrupters should be operated monthly.

     

    Hot Water Heater

    a)       The heating system should be serviced annually by a qualified technician.

    b)       The circulating pump and motor should be lubricated as directed by a serviceman or the manufacturer.

    c)       The chimney clean-out should be inspected and cleared at least semi-annually, (Note: chimneys with liners usually have no clean-out).

    d)       Air release bleeder valves at the top of the radiators should be bled as necessary, however they should be checked every few months.

    e)       Radiator control valves should be visually checked for leakage every few months, but do not operate.

     

    Forced Air Heating

    a)       The heating system should be serviced annually by a qualified technician.

    b)       The fan and motor should be lubricated as directed by a serviceman or the manufacturer.

    c)       The chimney clean-out (if installed) should be inspected and cleared semi-annually.

    d)       The filter(s) should be inspected monthly and cleaned as necessary during the heating season. (approximately every two months)

    e)       The electronic air cleaner should be cleaned monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

    f)        The humidifier should be inspected monthly and cleaned as necessary during the heating season.

    g)       The water supply to the humidifier should be shut off at the end of the heating season. The humidifier should be drained, cleaned and a new sponge pad added (if necessary).

     

    Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps

    a)       A qualified serviceman should inspect the system and recharge, if necessary, annually.

    b)       Most systems require the power to be on for up to twenty-four hours before using the system.

    c)       The condensate drain line emerging from the duct work above the furnace should be visually checked for leakage during the cooling system.

    d)       The outdoor section should be level. If the supports settle or heave, adjustments should be made by a serviceman.

     

    Insulation

    a)       The attic area should be inspected annually for condensation problems (e.g. mildew), blocked vents, roof leaks and pests.

    b)       Door and window caulking and weather stripping should be inspected every fall.

     

    Plumbing

    a)       Every fall, the inside control valves for outdoor faucets should be closed.  The outside pipes should be drained and the exterior faucets left open.

    b)       The bathtub and/or shower stall caulking and grouting should be checked regularly. Gaps should be filled in as soon as they are noted, no matter how small.

    c)       The main shut-off valve for the plumbing system should be operated semi-annually to ensure that it can be closed in an emergency.

    d)       The sump pump should be tested at least monthly. It may be wise to keep an auxiliary pump on hand as a spare.

    e)       Recommended maintenance of a septic tank includes an annual inspection.  Cleaning is recommended when the bottom of the sum mat is within three inches of the bottom of the outlet, or the sludge depth is greater than two feet (typically every three to five years).  This work should be undertaken by a septic tank cleaning firm and is not recommended for the home owner.  A septic tank requires active bacteria to function satisfactorily.  Chemicals such as lye, strong caustics, acids, disinfectants, and the like should not be introduced in large amounts or at regular intervals.

     

    Roofs

    Inspection

    Seasonal inspection is recommended and after all heavy windstorms

    Repairs

    It is common that isolated faults develop with the roof surface. Repair faults immediately. Plastic roofing cement is the best material to use for this purpose. Keep material in ready supply. Apply with paint brush or spatula.

    Roof Drainage

    Spring and fall cleaning of gutter/eavestroughs is essential if there are trees nearby. Any minor leak in the gutter can be patched with plastic roofing cement.  Extension of downpipes or use of concrete splash pads prevents soil erosion and channels roof drainage away from foundations.

    Do not allow vines or tree branches near eavestroughs.

    Ice Damming

    Ice damming can develop at the roof edge (eaves). If possible, shovel the snow off your roof carefully and remove any ice formations at the eaves.  Should ice damming persist, the installation of electric heat cables is recommended.

    Roof Covering Replacement

    Don’t wait until severe leakage occurs.  But you don’t want to replace your roof prematurely either.  It is best to get an impartial opinion on remaining life expectancy.

     

    Garages

    Automatic Overhead Doors

    Ensure that the auto-reverse (safety) function of you automatic opener operates properly.

    Overhead Door

    Your wood or clapboard overhead door requires painting or sealing on the inside and all edges as well as the outer face.  In addition, lubrication of the shell tracks with heavy grease should be performed yearly. Painting/sealing the interior of the door protects the wood from humid/dry conditions which naturally occur inside your garage.

    Gas Proofing

    The integrity of all garage walls common with the house must be maintained in order to avoid automobile fumes from entering the dwelling.  If there is an adjoining door between the house and the garage, a self-closing device must be installed.

    Any hole or fault in a common wall must be repaired. Believe it or not, even tape or plastic will provide an adequate gas proof barrier. The self-closer helps assure the entry door does not stay open.

    Detached garage Draining

    The biggest enemy of a detached garage is uncontrolled water. Ensure proper grading and roof drainage. Install rain gutter/troughs to the garage.

     

    Windows/Doors

    a)       Windows systems must be equipped with well fitting, seasonal storms or screens. Glazing or putty work may be necessary periodically.  Glazing/putty is the best material to provides the water tight seal between the window frame and the glass pane.

    b)       All primary entry doors must be weather stripped at the top, bottom and sides. Storm doors are recommended when entry doors or entrances are directly exposed to the weather.  Doors usually swell and expand if the top and bottom edges are not sealed or painted.

     

    Chimneys

    a)       Chimneys must be reviewed yearly.  Use field binoculars to do this.  Most chimneys deteriorate slowly. Yearly inspections will alert you to any drastic changes in conditions.

     

    Painting/Staining Treatment/Caulking

    b)       Above and beyond a complete paint job, some spot painting and caulking touch-ups may be required yearly.  Window sills and surfaces exposed to direct sun usually require periodic treatment.

    c)       Do not let paint peel or stain fade to a point where bare wood is exposed. This is when rot is most likely to develop.

    d)       Caulking is required to be installed at the intersection joints of all dissimilar materials and at all through-wall openings.  All old caulking must be removed prior to a new application.

    e)       Caulking not only reduces air infiltration, but provides a water resistant seal at vulnerable joints of the wall assembly.

     

    Fences and Decks

    a)       Minor fence and deck repairs are common. Use pressure treated wood or cedar for repairs. Use only galvanized nails. Keep the underside of decks and fences ventilated. This impedes dry rot or fungus growth. Wood stain or tinted wood preservative is a far superior product to paint as a surface treatment for fences and decks.

     

    Winter Preparation

    Garden Hose Taps/Hose Bibbs

    Close inside shut-off valve to all outside taps. Leave exterior valve open allowing any trapped water to drain out.

    Garden Hose/Sprinklers

    Ensure that you have drained any water from your garden house or lawn sprinkler if you store these items in the garage or shed.

    Lawn/Garden

    Remove as many leaves from your lawn as possible prior to the first snow. Some shrubs may have to be wrapped with rope or burlap to avoid snow damage.

    Drainage

    Clear areawells, window wells, catch basins and open storm drains of debris. This will ensure that melted snow will drain properly.

     

    Gardening/Landscaping

    Window Wells

    Keep window wells clear of debris.  The well floor must be lower than the basement window sill.  Window well covers are considered optional.  The natural drainage patterns are not interfered with when the well is clear of debris.  By not exercising this precaution, water could penetrate into your basement causing a leak.

    Grading, Site Drainage

    Ensure that the ground slopes away from the house, window wells and retaining walls. A one-inch slope over one foot for the first six feet from the building element is most preferable. Any ground depressions which develop near foundations should be topped up with soil immediately. 80% of all basements leak and retaining wall failures result from improper grading or site drainage.

    Trees/Shrubs

    Trim tree branches away from walls and roof overhangs.  Position small trees and shrubs so that a reasonable clearance exists from the exterior walls.

    Garden Beds

    Install a separation barrier should you wish to place a garden bed against the house. You could use pressure treated lumber for this purpose.  When soil is in contact with the brick, spalling or deterioration will occur.  Accelerated wood rot will also occur when in contact with the soil.  Shrubbery or tree branches too close to the house impedes air movement. The lack of ventilation could cause the brick to spall/deteriorate or the wood to rot.

    Lawn Care

    The best time to plant grass seed or thicken your lawn is early spring or mid fall.  The same holds true for installing sod.  To avoid winter kill, it is best to spread out snow/ice in shaded lawn areas.

    Patio Stones/Interlocking Brick

    Maintain an even base support under the patio stones. Ensure that the stones slope gently away from foundation walls.  The best base for patio stones, interlocking brick, etc is limestone screening. Patio stones which are not evenly supported are subject to cracking and shifting.

    Asphalt Driveways

    Cracks which develop in asphalt driveways should be repaired in the Spring or Fall.  The driveway should be sealed every two years.  Repairing cracks and sealing the asphalt keeps the driveway surface water resistant.  This greatly reduces the likelihood of pot holes or other settlement defects.

    Inspect/Rodent (vermin) inspection

    It is prudent to review your lot, fences and exterior walls and roof overhangs each Spring and Autumn.

     

    Insurance companies, mortgage companies and mortgage insurance companies have recently expressed concerns with specific systems/components in older homes and buildings.

    The following includes, but is not limited to, the various concerns you may have to consider with your mortgage or insurance broker:

    • Knob and tube electrical branch wiring.
    • 30, 50 or 60 amps. main electrical service.
    • Electric, radiant ceiling heating.
    • In-house fuel oil storage tank (older than twenty-five years)
    • Underground, in-use fuel oil storage tank.
    • Abandoned, underground fuel oil storage tank.
    • Older (more than forty years) galvanized steel, water lines.
    • Large tree on front yard with older, main sewer line.
    • Existing basement apartment (not retrofitted to Fire Code requirements).
    • U.F.F.I. (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation).
    • Wood burning stoves or wood burning inserts.
    • Unlined chimney flues servicing wood burning stoves/other solid fuel appliances.
    • Insulbrick exterior siding.
    • Row house/semi-detached house with a) interconnected crawlspace or  b) attic spaces.
    • Row houses/semi-detached house with wood frame dividing /common walls.
    • EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall siding.

     

    Code of Ethics

    Honestly, justice and courtesy form a moral philosophy which associated with mutual interest among people constitutes the foundation of ethics.  The members recognize such a standard, not just by passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principals guiding their conduct.  It is their duty to practice the profession according to this code of ethics.

     

    The Keystone of professional conduct is integrity.  The members will discharge their duties with fidelity to the public, to their clients, and with fairness and impartiality to all.  They should uphold the honor and dignity of their profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character, and avoid any conflict of interest.

     

    1. The member will express an opinion only when it is based on practical experience and honest conviction.

      2.  

    2. The member will always act in good faith toward each client.

      3.  

    3. The member will not disclose any information concerning the results of the inspection without the approval of the clients or their representatives.

      4.  

    4. The member will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service without the consent of all interested parties.

      5.  

    5. The member will not accept nor offer commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from or to other parties dealing with a client in connection with work for which the member is responsible.

      6.  

    6. The member will promptly disclose to his client any interest in a business, which may affect the client. The member will not allow an interest in any business to affect the quality or results of his inspection work, which he may be called upon to perform. The inspection work may not be used as a vehicle by the home inspector to obtain additional work in another field deliberately.

      7.  

    7. A member shall make every effort to maintain and improve the professional integrity and reputation of the building inspection profession.  He will report any relevant information concerning possible violations of this code by other members of the Association for remedial action.

     

    Reproduce with permission from Chelsea Home Inspections (division of 3721779 Canada Inc.) Meech Lake, Chelsea, Québec

     

    This page is provided as a service to the reader. It is not an advertisement for, nor an endorsement of Chelsea Home Inspections. The views expressed are those of the author.


Contact John 613 769 4830 or e-mail Contact John
He will gladly help you with your real estate needs.