Carpenter ants are small insects that can cause big problems. As home inspectors, we often come across the signs of carpenter ants in a home and we need to let homeowners know why this could be important. Carpenter ants can damage wooden structures in a home, and their presence usually means you have a problem with water leaking into your home. We’ve noticed that there is a lot of misunderstanding about these insects, so here are...
The last few weeks have brought the bitter cold, blowing winds and snow we all dread. Winter in these parts is not for the weak. One thing you really want to avoid at any time of the year, but particularly in winter, is problems with your hot water tank. When you’ve been stuck outside shovelling and come in looking for a hot shower or bath, you want to make sure...
A few weeks ago, a school in LaSalle had to be evacuated due to carbon monoxide poisoning. 43 people, adults and children, were taken to hospital for treatment. It appears unclear whether the school had a carbon monoxide alarm or whether it was functioning. What is clear in either case is that the threat of carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer, is still very much a concern. The good...
New Year Wish List: Smart Smoke Detector This holiday season, many smart home devices were flying off the shelves in stores. These devices were designed to make life easier by offering connectivity to your smartphone and providing many new and convenient features for homeowners. If a smart device was under your tree, congratulations. Now you have the chance to add other smart devices for your home. One great addition would be a...
As many homeowners may know, it was announced that the period of eligibility for the RénoVert tax credit offered by the Quebec government had been extended to March 31, 2019. This means that there is still some time left to get your renovations done and claim the tax credit. That credit can be a nice little gift under the Christmas tree for you. Or it can help pay off all the...
November is Radon Awareness Month in Canada but most people don’t even know what radon is. People are aware of the importance of testing for things like carbon monoxide in a home but not everyone is aware of the need to test for radon as well. So let’s learn a little about radon, where it comes from, its effects and four good reasons to test for it in your home. What...
