Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on wine storage cabinets. New Home Perfection… Almost A must have feature in many West Vancouver new homes is a wine storage closet or display cabinet. This can become a prominent feature in a dining room or family room. On two recent inspections in British Properties, both had such […]
Not Cool | West Vancouver Read More »
Photo: Stucco blister that when pressed, squeazed out water. Never a good sign to have water behind an exterior surface. Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector notes on a building envelope that is not performing as required, indications and consequences. Building Envelope Defined Think of the building envelope as a raincoat for the house. Its purpose
Building Envelope Distress | West Vancouver Read More »
Abstract: Halfmoon Bay home inspector note on polybutylene piping, a product that has been discontinued from use. If you have it, your insurance company needs to know about it and they can advise you what to do about it. Photo: Polybutylene domestic potable water lines are grey in colour and will be stamped along their
Polybutylene Plumbing Cautions | Halfmoon Bay Read More »
Photo: Note the water stain on the particle board to the left side of the electrical panel. Abstract: Halfmoon Bay Home Inspector note on water water stains. Are they serious or not? Litmus Testing with Particle Board Particle board is essentially sawdust mixed with epoxy, then compressed under an industrial hot press. It is used
Particle Board as Litmus Paper | Halfmoon Bay Read More »
Photo: Moss growth on roof was 4 to 6 cm. Abstract: Bowen Island Home Inspector discusses potential risk to occupancy. Green Roof by Default A home inspection on the last day of 2020 presented a unique situation. The roof was completely covered in a layer of moss. This was not by design but rather due
Not Enviro Friendly Green Roof | Bowen Island Read More »
Abstract: West Vancouver home inspector notes on Kitec plumbing, its troubled history, how to identify it and what to do about it if you have it in your house. Photo: Kitec plumbing is typically bright orange for hot and blue for cold water service. Failure of Kitec Plumbing Kitec was a brand name for flexible
Red Flag with Kitec Plumbing | West Vancouver Read More »
Abstract: Sechelt Home Inspector notes on how to identify when a structural wall has been damaged without adequate support. Serious deflection consequences may result. Photo: The 2×6 exterior wall studs are exposed at the base of the window frame. Structural Attack So the seller needed more light in two rooms on the north side of
Damaged Structural Wall | Sechelt Read More »
Abstract: Sechelt Home Inspector notes on winterizing exposed exterior water lines on a house using a product commonly referred to as heat tape. Tips on how it works and how best to install it for maximum benefit. Photo: The electrical heat tape can be seen wrapped around the drain line. Since there is no insulation
Freeze Protected Pipes | Sechelt Read More »
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector notes on how the BC Plumbing Code is poorly worded and applied to the main water shut-off valve, and its accessibility in case of emergency. Photo: Main water shutoff valve located next to the foundation wall. Difficult to access because it is in the crawlspace, distant from the access hatch. What
Inaccessible Main Water Shut-off Valve | Gibsons Read More »
Photo: There are still many surviving cottages in West Vancouver. Here is a detail of the soffit (horizontal roof overhang). Modern soffits include openings for roof ventilation. In this case there is none. Any modifications to this soffit will be costly. Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector notes on how home buyers should make best use
How to Defeat ‘Subject to Inspection’ Clause | West Vancouver Read More »
Abstract: Madeira Park Home Inspector notes on a deck that, in the inspector’s opinion, could collapse at any time. Here’s what the we did about it and the real estate agents’ responses. Safety comes first at all times, and its everyone’s responsibility to take appropriate action. Photo: The base of this post is rotten. The
Action Unsafe Condition | Madeira Park Read More »
Abstract: Gambier Island Home Inspector notes on how to find a qualified roofing contractor during a busy season and get their commitment to do the job. Photo: Failed (leaking inside) roof which needs to be replaced now. The original inquiry (Aug 12, 2020)… We have a cottage on Gambier and are looking for a roofer
Find Roofing Contractor | Gambier Island Read More »
