Photo: An all too common site on the West Coast. Buckets on a floor catching ceiling leaks. Abstract: Bowen Island Home Inspector note on water leaks and spray foam insulation. Problem Leak We received a call from a client on Bowen Island for whom we had done a home inspection over a year ago. After […]
Ceiling Leak After Reno | Bowen Island Read More »
Code Application The new British Columbia building code comes into effect Dec 10, 2018. As of that date all architects, engineers, designers and contractors will be bound by its provisions. The current building code was issued in 2012. Home Inspection Application A home inspection is not done for code compliance because every property older than
New 2018 BC Building Code Read More »
We discuss older modular homes whose electrical systems have been modified in the past because of renovations. For these situations there are both mandatory and recommended inspections to consider. The other day we received a phone call asking for an inspection on an older mobile home. It was built in the 1980’s. There were various
Mobile Home | Silver Label Read More »
Abstract: Common areas are often overlooked during a condo or townhouse (strata) purchase. But common areas can be a source of financial pain. At end of service life, owners are responsible for their replacement costs. North Vancouver has some great townhouse developments that were built in the 1980’s. These developments were close to transit, schools
North Vancouver | Who Pays for Common Area Reno Read More »
Click here for PDF version. CONCRETE FOUNDATION CHECKLIST The following checklist is specific to concrete foundations only. As foundations age and a house settles, some crack propagation can be expected. Over time, water ingress may occur with subsequent damage to not only the concrete foundation itself but also to the interior structural and finish components.
House Foundation Inspection | DIY Checklist Read More »
Abstract: North Shore and Sunshine Coast Home Inspector notes on house systems, what to expect when they approach their end of service life and how to budget for their replacement. When installing a new roof, it is best to budget for gutter replacement at the same time. Here’s why. We are going to consider three issues
Roof-Gutters-Facia Reno Tips | Sunshine Coast Read More »
Abstract: Keats Island Home Inspection notes on lot considerations. The property may be vacant or with a tear-down. We review the questions that need to be addressed when the focus is on the suitability of the lot for future development. This past weekend I accompanied a serious buyer to Keats Island. We looked at a
Find the Perfect Lot | Keats Island Read More »
A house constructed in 1945 will have unique issues. As a buyer, be prepared for over 70 years of renovations! In this post we discuss some of the issues from an inspection viewpoint. The older the house, the greater the challenge for both seller and buyer. From the seller’s perspective, the question is always how
1945 Vintage House Inspection | Powell River Read More »
In this post we discuss some of the feature unique to a 1950’s built house. Last week we received a call from a real estate agent in Powell River requesting a home inspection. The inspection was required the next day. Fortunately we are able to comply with this request. The house was intriguing because it
1950’s House Features | Powell River Read More »
On occasion, a client will call EKAN to only inspect the roof on their property. This limited inspection provides an estimate of the remaining service life that can be expected. Roofs are expensive to replace and homeowners should use all available resources to make a judgement when replacement is necessary. Obviously a leaky roof with
Roofing Inspection | Material Selection Tips Read More »
A home inspection is a sampling procedure and will not capture all the issues. As home inspectors we do our best to identify issues. The work is done by checking a representative sample of items. For example, bedroom windows are checked for proper operation because that is a life-safety issue (for emergency egress); however, not
Manage Risk with a Home Inspection Read More »
Photo: House showing its age. Abstract: Bowen Island Home Inspector discusses renovation issues. Renovation Opportunities Some of the best opportunities in real estate are when the assessed value of a house is only 10% to 20% of the total property’s assessed value. Another way of stating this is that, there is opportunity when 80% to
1960’s House Reno Options | Bowen Island Read More »
