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THE IMPORTANCE OF THERMAL IMAGING

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.

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BED BUGS!

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.

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PROS AND CONS OF AIR DUCT CLEANING

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.

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5 TIPS FOR HIRING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

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.

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KITCHEN RENOVATION: FACELIFT VS. REMODEL

When you’re looking to update your home, the kitchen is always top on the list. It’s one of the most used rooms of the house, acting as a place of gathering, comfort and celebration. Needless to say it can start to look worn out pretty quickly. So when you’re thinking about an update, it usually goes one of two ways; a facelift or a full remodel. What’s the difference you ask? Well let’s explore a little further:

Facelift

If you love the layout of your existing space then a facelift is your best option for updating the room. What that usually entails is modifying existing cabinets with new hardware and materials, adding new cabinets to make the space more functional, as well as repairing worn out sections of existing cabinetry.

Remodel

A remodel can range anywhere from adding simple storage and cabinets for more function to a complete gutting and overhaul to change the layout of your kitchen into something that works specifically for your needs. This could involve taking down walls, adding new windows, designing new cabinetry or adding in an island. This is obviously the more costly of the two options but it guarantees that you end up with a space designed exactly with you in mind.

Whichever option you go with make sure that it is right for you, your budget and your home!

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FOUR WAYS TO GET THROUGH THE WINTER BLUES

The winter blues, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as it’s more commonly known, affects everyone in different ways. In winter especially as the days are so short and the temperatures drop well below freezing, it’s important to have strategies focused on keeping the mind and body active. Here are four ways to help cope with the winter blues: 

1. Get outside

Studies have shown that a even a thirty minute walk at lunch time can improve our moods significantly. Getting outside into the natural daylight as much as possible is extremely important. Just remember to dress for the weather!

2. Keep active

Keeping active both mentally and physically is crucial for the winter months. In the summer it takes almost no effort to get out for an after-dinner stroll, or hop on your bike for a spin around the park but in winter, while it takes a little bit more planning, outdoor activity has the same emotional and physical benefits. 

Try picking up a new hobby such as learning how to play bridge, knit a scarf (or mittens!), join a gym, take up a dance class or begin a journal. Keeping the mind active and having something to concentrate on and look forward to has numerous benefits.

3. Stay warm

Studies have shown that being cold can increase the symptoms of the winter blues, while keeping your body warm can reduce those symptoms by half! So bring on the soups, stews, tea and hot cider! Wear warm clothes and shoes, and aim to keep your home between 18C and 21C (or 64F and 70F degrees).

4. Socialize

Socializing has been shown to be good for your mental health as well as helps ward off the winter blues. Meet a friend for coffee, invite them over to dinner, pick up the phone or write a letter. Make an effort to keep in touch with the people that you care about. Most important, while it may be tempting to stay in and cozy up on the couch every night, accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you just go for a short while, the benefits will be great.

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HOW TO DRY OUT A BASEMENT AFTER A FLOOD

The spring is quickly approaching and we couldn’t be happier that nice weather is on its way! With all of the snow melting away, flooding is a definite possibility as we’ve seen over the past few weeks. Learn what to do if you discover flooding in your basement in the coming months.  

Disconnect, Pump, Remove and Dry

Before attempting anything in the basement, make sure to disconnect all power and electricity! The next step is to pump the water out of your basement using a gas-powered water pump (which can be purchased or rented from a local hardware shop). As an alternative, you can reach out to a company that completes emergency flood restoration services to remove high and low levels of water from your basement. After the water is removed, get rid of any damaged items and move everything else out of your basement to dry. You will likely need to remove your carpet padding and get rid of it, unless you have specialized equipment to clean it. To help dry out the affected areas use fans, dehumidifiers and/or open windows and doors (if weather permits).

Clean, clean, clean!

Since all the items from your basement should now be removed, it’s time to complete a deep clean of the area. To prevent any mould from growing, make sure to disinfect and clean the floors, walls and doors.

Prevention

Ensuring your home is in tip-top shape before the winter is key to flood prevention! During the fall, it is important to look around your property and ensure water is running away from your home. Take a look at your gutters and make sure the spouts are pointing away from the property and that they are clear of any debris. If your home doesn’t already have a sump pump, make sure to install one; an automatic sump pump “should keep normal amounts of rainfall from building up in a basement”.

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DECLUTTER YOUR HOME

Whether you are looking to sell your home or just looking to improve your current home, decluttering your house should be on the top of your to-do list.

Why Declutter?

There are so many great reasons why you should declutter your home, but first and foremost, decluttering can help foster a safe and healthy area for you and your family. We’ve all had accidents around the home that could have been avoided; tripping over a backpack on floor, stepping on kids’ toys, etc. By getting rid of unnecessary clutter, you can make it easier to safely navigate around your home.

Having clutter in main areas can clearly present daily issues, but don’t forget about clutter in hidden places, such as basements, storage, and furnace rooms. Having extra items around large appliances such as a furnace or water heater can pose a fire hazard. Creating an organized space can help lessen safety hazards and makes it easier to detect if an issue arises.

Where to Start

The task of organizing your home can seem daunting at first, however, it doesn’t have to be. Start with a plan; pick one room each week to make the task less overwhelming. Each room should take less than an hour! When organizing the room, put all of your belongings into four categories: keep, trash, storage or donate. Still not sure where an item belongs? If it doesn’t add value to your life, consider getting rid of it. Once you have decided where your belongings should be, make sure you fully complete the task that day; throw out your trash, put away storage item, and donate your belongings right away!

Benefits

After you declutter your home, you will start reaping the benefits right away! By creating more space in your home, you will instantly be less stressed. If you are thinking of selling your home, a decluttered space will show the true potential to home buyers.

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FLIPPING A HOUSE

Buying a home, fixing it up, and reselling it down the road is a great way to increase the value of a home and make income! It is important to note that there are a lot of risks involved in house flipping, including losing money instead of making a profit, and experiencing a large amount of stress due to financial obstacles and strict deadlines. Before purchasing a property that you intend to flip, make sure to consider the follow advice to avoid a house “flop”. 

Plan, Plan, Plan!

Before purchasing a home to flip, it is imperative to create a detailed budget with how much you are planning to buy the home for, how much money you are going to put into it (expenses), and how much you want to sell it for. Putting extra money aside for a contingency fund is always a great idea as unexpected costs and issues can arise when renovating. This budget will give you a great idea about how much income you could earn on a property. Additionally, it is important to understand local zoning laws and permit requirements before buying the property to ensure you can properly carry out renovations in the amount of time that you budgeted for.

Taxes

The Canada Revenue agency has made recent changes to taxation regarding house flipping, be sure to speak to an accountant so you fully understand any tax implications associated with flipping a house.

Hire a Home Inspector

Conducting a home inspection before buying any property is an invaluable investment which will give an unbiased, objective assessment of the property. Home inspectors will walk their clients through the interior and exterior of the property and will visually assess all of the major systems. They will take their time to explain what they are specifically looking for and what they find along the way. Items that are typically inspected are plumbing, electrical, grading, roofing, siding, windows, doors, HVAC systems, the foundation, structural components and much more. The inspector will discuss the severity of potential issues and share their objective recommendations about the property.

Flipping is an Investment

When flipping a home, it is important to make cosmetic changes that will appeal to a wide audience, including paint colours, cabinetry and countertops. Try not to make bold or personalized choices that are on your personal wish list – just because you love a specific trend or colour does not mean that potential buyers will! Neutralized choices will appeal to more home buyers and lead to a lower number of days of the market.  While cosmetics are important, it is also important not to take short cuts on the items you don’t see, such has electrical/ mechanical upgrades, structural issues, insulation. Use good quality products and professional help where needed. The quality of the workmanship in all aspects will be evident in the finished product and will go a long way to determining the sale price of the home.

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LET IT SNOW!

The snow has been falling hard the past few months, and although it may be a beautiful sight, it can pose significant issues for homeowners! Since we’re in the middle of winter, we thought we would share our best snow removal tips to help you make it through to the spring!

Prepare for the Task at Hand

Before tackling the snow, make sure you are dressed appropriately! Dressing in layers allows you to take off article of clothing when you get warmer from working hard, and still be comfortable. Snow removal can be hard on the body, so make sure to stretch your arms, legs and hips before going outside.

Invest in Quality Equipment

Even though we would all prefer to see light and fluffy snow all around us, that’s definitely not not the reality of snow in Ontario. Heavy, mushy and wet snow all create a difficult removal process. Whether you purchase a durable shovel or invest in a snow blower, make sure you have equipment that can handle all types of snow and ice. When purchasing a shovel, look for one that is ergonomic and has a wide-grip handle – this will help avoid back injuries by reducing the weight of snow.

Stay on top of it

The more snow accumulates, the hard it is to remove. Make sure to shovel your driveway, sidewalks and paths to your home early and often to avoid heavy snow/ice. When shoveling, you should bend your knees, and lift with your legs to avoid injury. Look around your home and yard to see if anything that is covered in snow could break, including tree branches, shrubs or even your roof!

Don’t forget the salt and sand!

To avoid ice from forming or to get rid of ice, make sure to apply salt or sand to your driveway, sidewalk and pathways. Both these items have advantages and disadvantages; salt will only work in a limited temperature range and has a negative affect on the environment when used in large quantities. Alternative ice melters are available and work at lower temperatures. Sand, on the other hand, can be used at any temperature but can clump and freeze together, make removal harder.