Author: buildinginsights_vkv4y8

You have probably heard the term asbestos being used when it comes to home renovations, car maintenance or even at work. Prior to 1990, asbestos was primarily used to insulate buildings and homes as well as for fireproofing. In industries such as construction, it was used in many products such as cement, plaster, building insulation, floor or ceiling tiles, drain piping, house siding, heat shielding and roof shingles to name a few. Some other common products are vehicle brake pads and motor transmission components like clutches. 

These naturally occurring fibrous crystals can be detrimental to your health if inhaled. Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to:
•  asbestosis – lung scarring which can cause breathing difficulties
•  mesothelioma – a rare type of cancer within the lining of the chest
•  lung cancer – if you’re a smoker, your risk is greatly increased

Exposure to asbestos can occur if a building or home is undergoing renovations or being demolished. These small fibres can be released into the air during activities such as removing insulation, removing roof shingles or siding, disturbing vinyl floor tiles, breaking acoustical ceiling tiles, sanding plaster or scraping old surface treatments like spackling, paint, putty, caulking or drywall if they contain asbestos. 

However, there are no significant health risks as long as the materials which contain asbestos are sealed behind walls and floorboards, isolated within the attic or tightly bound and left undisturbed. You can reduce your risk of exposure by hiring a professional to test for asbestos before completing any renovations, remodeling, demolitions or additions to your home. In the case where asbestos is found, do not panic. You can hire an asbestos removal specialist to eliminate the hazard before starting your home project.

Asbestos can also be found within some brake and transmission parts. Before attempting any car maintenance, it is suggested that you call the auto parts supplier to see if any of the parts you will be working with contain these fibres. If you are unsure, it is best to take your car to a commercial automotive shop so they can service your brakes or clutch.

If you are ever unsure if the product or material you will be working with contains asbestos, always call a professional. It is better to be diligent and do your homework ahead of time.

When it comes to home renovations, don’t believe everything you hear. Making your house into a home can require some work, but many blow aspects out of proportion – especially those you see in the media. While some horror stories are true and can make you nervous to tackle a home renovation project, we’ve demystified some of the tales you’ll hear.

Minor Renovations Don’t Need Permits
If you’re looking to mainly do cosmetic renovations to your home, chances are you won’t need a permit. If it’s more intense than that however, you may need one so it’s a good idea to check before starting. Better to be safe than sorry!

Buying Your Own Materials Saves You Money
This may be the case if you’re doing the home renovations yourself. If you’re hiring a contractor though, they may have already built a relationship with a supplier which could save you some money.

Environmentally-Friendly Renovations Aren’t Cheap
Despite the fact that some ‘green’ materials may cost more upfront, they can end up saving you some serious cash in the long run. There are also rebates you can take advantage of those offered by the Green Ontario Fund.

Projects Always Run Over-Budget
Not the case at all! While it’s good to have a buffer in case any unforeseen costs occur, the majority of projects end up on or under budget. Don’t believe what you see on TV, that’s just for the drama factor!

If It Isn’t Broken, Don’t Fix It
Even if there’s nothing actually broken, updating a room or space can really add value to your home. Not only that but you’re living there now, why not make it the best you can be so you can enjoy it?

Renovations Are A Hassle
Many people believe they’re noisy and messy, but this doesn’t have to be the case! Adding a protective layer of plastic around doors to the renovation area can help reduce noise. Protective doormats at entrances can also help stop dust and dirt from being tracked around your home.

If you’ve never heard the term before, overland flooding refers to floods that occur because the water level outside of your dwelling is rising which causes it to sneak into your home. It can happen for a number of reasons like heavy rains, high volumes of snow melting or dams overflowing. 

Unfortunately, many insurance companies in Canada don’t cover this type of flooding. This means your claims have a high chance of being denied if it happens to you. It’s a good idea to review your insurance policy to see if it is indeed covered. If not, many companies offer add-ons which could be a great investment – especially if you’re in an area that’s susceptible to flooding. 

While there are government programs in place to help homeowners like you deal with the damage, there are a few things you can do inside your home to make it flood ready. When renovating below ground level, be sure to use water-resistant building materials. Weather protection sealant around basement windows as well as ground-level doors is a great idea too. Another option is to install flood barriers around these windows and doors. Just be sure the tops of the shields are higher than ground level. 

As for your property, ensure your lot is graded properly. If possible, make the grade slope away from your house – that way any water will drain away from your basement. Also, make sure any downspouts extend at least 2 metres away from your basement walls. It’s also a good idea to check your roof and eavestrough at the first sign of heavy rain in case of any blockage which could lead to flooding. 

Want to know more about overland flooding and what you can do to protect yourself? Check out the Government of Canada website to ensure you’re flood ready this spring. 

In this day and age, it’s really easy to find ways to save on energy in your home, but it can be a little intimidating for someone who hasn’t tackled it before. There are a lot of energy efficient products available on the market. We have some tips on how to get started. Whether you choose to tackle all of these, or just one at a time, every little bit you do makes a difference when it comes to saving energy and keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket!

1. Seal air leaks around windows and doors

Because air takes the path of least resistance, you can either lose air from within your home, escaping to the outdoors, or you can have a draft of cold or hot (depending on the season) air entering your home. If your air conditioner, or furnace, is having a hard time keeping up, look into whether your windows and doors need to be resealed. Most of the time, you can seal small leaks yourself with caulking. It’s relatively inexpensive, particularly when compared to the potential energy savings. Larger issues may need to be addressed by a window and door professional, which may be more costly.

2. Replace light bulbs with energy efficient models

There are two types of bulbs to look into when it comes to energy efficiency. The first is compact fluorescent lamps (or CFLs), and the second is light emitting diodes (or LEDs). Up until a few years ago, many of us were used to using incandescent bulbs, but the use of these bulbs was banned in Canada and the US between 2014 and 2015. Between CFL and LED, LED are more energy efficient, and are often available in cool white, or for those who prefer the warm glow of their old incandescent bulbs, a warm white option is often available.

3. Install a programmable thermostat

The biggest benefit to investing in a programmable thermostat is, of course, saving money. You can adjust your settings such that you create a comfortable temperature while your home, then ease up on the energy consumption during times you’re out of the home. GreenON is a program administered by the Government of Ontario where participants receive a no-cost smart thermostat and a home energy review. Learn more, or sign up, on their website.

4. Top up your attic insulation

Insulation technology changes constantly, and there is a good chance your home’s attic insulation no longer meets the minimum required amount. You will have to decide whether you want to tackle adding insulation yourself, or hiring a professional, but either way, topping up your attic insulation remains a valuable return on investment.

5. Government grants and manufacturer rebates on windows and furnace upgrades

The Government of Ontario recently announced a rebate program that gives homeowners up to $500 when they install Energy Star-certified windows, up to a maximum of $5,000. Additionally, certain furnace purchases may be eligible for a special incentives through Save on Energy.

6. Reflective film on south-facing windows

It’s important to note that not every window in your home needs reflective film, but adding it to south-facing windows will help block infrared light, which minimizes the amount of heat coming through the window in the summer and prevents warm air from escaping the house in the winter.

If you have questions about any of the above tips, or anything else related to making your home more energy efficient, contact us! We’re happy to help!

A well-lit home is important, whether you plan to sell, or just want to live comfortably in your spaces. There are many options to choose from when it comes to lighting, so which are the best?

The simple answer is – a variety of light sources! 

Whether it’s recessed lighting, pendant lights, under-cabinet mounted lighting, table lamps, or wall sconces, the important thing is that they all work together to brighten your living spaces and accentuate your home’s features.

Ensure that busy rooms, such as the kitchen, have more than one light source. Few things are more frustrating than trying to prepare meals in a dimly lit kitchen. You can combine recessed lighting with pendant lighting over an island, as well as under-cabinet mounted lights, and even bright lighting in a range hood. 

Don’t overlook natural light! Consider window coverings that diffuse light, but still brighten up the space. Added bonus – When you can control the amount of natural light, you’ll often save on your energy bill! If you live in the cold climate, opening your blinds on a sunny day can help heat your home, and keeping blinds closed during the summer can help keep your home cool. Just be cautious, as UV rays can damage and discolour materials and fabrics such as floors and sofas. 

Whatever you choose for lighting, be sure you look into using energy efficient bulbs, or check out the newest trend in lighting  – Smart Bulbs, which you can control using a tablet or smartphone.

Thermal imaging is a very useful tool used during in-home inspections. It can help to identify and locate hidden moisture, often behind drywall, or other places that a homeowner may not think to look. Building Insights uses a high resolution thermal camera to map images of the surface temperature of walls and ceilings in order to identify where these problem areas may be. The cause of variations in surface temperatures is often trapped moisture. Additionally, we incorporate the use of a moisture meter to confirm whether the issue is moisture related.

Water can be one of the most damaging issues in a home, as it can lead to mould growth, structural problems and more. Detecting water damage as early as possible is imperative in containing these issues. Our thermal cameras can produce images that aide in a more in-depth diagnostic look behind the drywall of your home, or a home you may be looking to purchase.

This process is also useful in detecting problems in addition to water damage, such as air leakage, missing insulation, electrical issues, construction defects, etc. 

At Building Insights, thermal imaging is available as a stand-alone inspection or can be combined with other inspection services. We can help you feel confident knowing that what is behind your walls is safe. Contact us today to book a home inspection, or a thermal imaging inspection.

Bed bugs are making a comeback and it’s important to know what they are, how to spot them and how to get rid of them.

Bed bugs are small reddish insects with a flat oval shaped body, whose eggs are white in colour and are about the size of a pin head. They can live several weeks and up to a year without feeding so it’s important, once they are spotted, to be dealt with immediately.

Bed bugs like to lay their eggs in crevices or small cracks in wooden floor boards, picture frames, electrical outlets, etc. They also love to hide out in small spaces like inside mattress pads, night tables and in-between furniture fabric. They feed on blood, human or animal and are most active at night. Bites commonly result in small red welts on the body, usually in a line of 3.

Once bed bugs are seen, they need to be dealt with before spreading further. Bites usually go away on their own. For any areas where you’ve seen the bugs or their shells, vacuum all fabrics/furniture, wash any clothing or sheets in hot water, discard any furniture where the infestation is heavy. If the infestation does not go away with these non-chemical methods it is best to hire a licensed pest control company who has the experience and knowledge to properly address the problem.

Bed bugs are certainly annoying but they can be easily dealt with and prevented from occurring again through regular cleaning and washing.

Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning

In an effort to promote healthy living and improve indoor air quality, air duct cleaning has become a hot topic. Do I need to clean my air ducts? And if so, how often should I have them cleaned? These are fair questions. Let’s look at some of the Pro’s and Con’s:

Pro’s

• Having your air ducts cleaned provides peace of mind to a homeowner that they are taking extra measures to improve their indoor air quality

• Cleaning your ducts may improve air flow throughout your heating/ cooling system

• Having a professional inspect your air ducts could help in the long run by noticing and fixing any breakages.

• Having your ducts cleaned prior to replacing your furnace is a good idea, as in most cases the new furnace will move more air, disturbing any settled dust in the ducting system.

Con’s

• CMHC studies indicate that duct cleaning can have a negative effect on the Indoor air quality in your home for a period of approx. 6 weeks, by disturbing otherwise settled dust particles. 

• The equipment used to clean air ducts can actually have damaging effects, possibly requiring repair work in the future

• Industry experts suggest that if you use a good quality furnace filter with a minimum Merv 8 rating and change it every 2-3 months as recommended, there is no need to for regular duct cleaning.

• Duct cleaning does not include the furnace. Your furnace must be cleaned/serviced separately by a licenced technician.

Either way, if you decide to get your air ducts cleaned, or if you don’t, always make sure to hire a professional who understands how best to complete the job.

Hiring the right Contractor for the job can be a daunting task, but with these 5 easy tips you can be sure to be on the right track.

1. Ask for recommendations

Talk to your friends and family members Have they worked with contractor’s in the past that they had a good working relationship with, who was fair and honest and they would recommend? In addition, home inspectors, such as Building Insights, have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to understanding which contractors do good quality work.

2. Conduct phone interviews then meet face to face

The next step, once you have your potential list of contractors, is to give them a call. Set up a ten minute time frame where you can ask them general questions such as:

– Have they worked on this specific type of project before?

– Are they able to provide a list of financial references?

– Can they provide a listing of past clients as referrals?

– How many other ongoing projects would they have at the same time as yours?

These will help quickly determine whether they have the ability to take on your project and if they would be a good fit.

3. Do your research

Reach out to their past and current clients. Ask them about their experience. Even better, see if you can visit a current worksite and take note on how the contractor handles the homeowners property, if the worksite is safe and tidy and how the subcontractors interact.

4. Don’t let price be your only guide

Low bids often come with some cut corners so don’t let price be your only guide! Aside from friend, family and client recommendations, a good relationship with a contractor is all about comfort and communication. The easier the back and forth is in a working relationship the easier it will be to share ideas, discuss finances and ensure a successful end product.

5. Get it in writing

Make sure that you get everything written up in a comprehensive contract. A start and projected end date, proof of liability insurance, a payment schedule, detailed plans including materials to be used, etc.