A condominium in West Vancouver can easily cost as much as a single family home. Avoid entering into a condo real estate purchase without evaluating the entire financial risk of ownership. Never limit the inspection to the individual strata unit only, as the major costs are almost always associated with the common areas. In particular, […]
West Vancouver Condo Inspection Expertise Read More »
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: 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 »
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: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on an older condo and its location. There are many gems in West Vancouver to be found in older condos. Many have been owned by mature adults with no children (pristine condition) and are located in prime locations with easy (walkable) access to shopping, the library, recreation centre and
In Praise of Old Condos | West Vancouver Read More »
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on cautions about renovations that have incorporated the open floor plan. Open Floor Plan | Fads and Fades Where did it come from? Some time in the 1970’s, open floor plans came into the vernacular of real estate. For whatever reason, having larger expanses of a visible area became
Open Floor Plan Renovation | West Vancouver Read More »
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on plumbing leak and consequential damage and extensive repairs. Photo: Water damage to sheeting and the stud walls looks like this. The wood can be stained black, decomposed to a spongy softness and easily flaked off with finger pressure. Plumbing Leak Recently a home owner in West Vancouver called
Plumbing Leak Rots Wall | West Vancouver Read More »
Abstract: North Shore and Sunshine Coast Inspector note on what it means when the house is described in its MLS listing as having ‘good bones’. This should be a red flag for buyers. MLS Listing Information Prior to doing an inspection we always review the MLS listing. In particular we carefully read the realtor’s description
Realtor Speak Good Bones | Sunshine Coast Read More »
Photo: In the photograph above, the UST in the centre of the frame. It has been crushed and rolled up, ready for transport to a metal recycler. Behind the UST, the contaminated soil has been stockpiled onto plastic sheeting. The soil is awaiting lab analysis. It will then be transported to a processing facility where
West Vancouver | Underground Storage Tank Read More »
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector notes on how some home inspection firms only have a virtual presence in the community, yet appear on-line as if locally based. Does this inspire trust? Google Search Results Let’s take a look at which firms are located in West Vancouver and do home inspections. The following information is from
Home Inspector Transparency | West Vancouver Read More »
The above photo was taken during a home inspection in West Vancouver in British Properties. It’s a photo of the floor drain in the mechanical room. The drain is located where all the copper pipes come together in the lower centre of the photo. Note all the floor staining in the vicinity of the drain.
West Vancouver | Plumbing Issues Read More »
