Older homes can be full of charm and character, but they may also have worn out systems and components - anything from ancient water heaters to sagging floors. The specific issues that will affect your older residence will depend on how well the home has been maintained. If the home has been well cared for you should only expect to perform some minor repairs, but in the majority of cases at l ...
Whether you are buying or selling a home, a professional general
home inspection is a valuable tool because it gives you a clearer
picture of the condition of the home, including important areas as
heating and cooling, plumbing, foundation and electrical systems.
In fact, the more detailed and specific the report, the better
informed you will be.
A professional home inspection is a small in ...
What are some typical structural concerns associated with a home's foundation that I should be looking for when purchasing a home?
A home's foundation is well, its foundation. A typical poured concrete foundation begins with a footing that supports the foundation wall. The footing is a concrete slab installed below where the foundation will sit and is poured on undisturbed or very well compa ...
"How do I determine the electrical capacity of my home? Will it handle my requirements?"
The electrical service provided to a home is measured in amps, which is a measure of the "flow rate" of electricity through a wire.Today's average home is constructed with electrical service of 100 amps, which means that the large main wires entering the home can safely handle 100 amps of current before ...
"I am thinking of building a deck in mybackyard. What type of supports should Iprovide for my deck?"
There are many aspects of a deck that should be considered when discussing the structure. These include; joist, beam, and post size, support, and spacing; decking thickness; and guard/railing height and spindle spacing. These aspects are especially important when a deck is high off the grou ...
"Question: I received three quotes for performing a foundation repair in my house and they vary from $400 to $10000. Generally speaking, why do contractor quotations vary so much and should I select the lowest bidder to do the repair?"
Getting quotes from contractors can sometimes be very frustrating. Prices can vary significantly as can the suggested repair materials, means, and methods. It ...
"I have noticed that there are damaged bricks on my chimney
above the roof line. What has caused this and what needs to be done
to correct it? "
A chimney is designed to exhaust products of combustion from a fuel-burning appliance to the exterior of the building. A masonry chimney is typically built on its own footing and foundation with brick or concrete block on the exterior. Post 1940's a ...
"I am doing renovations on my home and my contractor says there is asbestos in my home that has to be removed. Is asbestos really a concern and what types of building materials may contain asbestos? "
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral (a fibrous hydrated silicate) mined in many countries around the world, including large quantities in Canada. There are two main types of asbestos mine ...
"I live in an older home. My heating bills have been high and I notice cold, uncomfortable drafts at several locations in my home. How can I reduce my heating bills and create a more comfortable climate in my home?"
The cause for high heating bills and uncomfortable drafts are uniquely caused by specific conditions in each home, however, the following common causes for high heating bills and ...