13 May
02 Mar
The #1 Reason Montréal Roofs Leak in Winter
By Michael Winkel, Certified Building Inspector Have you ever been sitting back on your sofa, seeing no evil, thinking no evil, when suddenly, you hear a dripping sound? Alarmed, you investigate and discover water dripping from a single point in the ceiling. The drywall and carpeting are soaking wet. How can this be? Is there a hole in the roof? Not likely -- the problem is much more likely due to ice...
22 Nov
The Bidet: Everything you ever wanted to know (and more!)
Common in much of Europe and Asia, bidets are toilet-like plumbing fixtures designed to promote posterior hygiene. Although bidet prevalence in certain regions represents a humorous cultural distinction from American-style paper wiping, bidets do sport considerable convenience and comfort advantages. Bidets are becoming increasingly common in North America and it is important that first-timers and home inspectors understand how they operate. Contrary to popular belief in regions where they are uncommon,...
23 Oct
Most Important Thing to Do About Asbestos? Don’t Panic!
From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer in the forms of mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity, and asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue. The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increase with the...
16 Oct
10 Ways You Can Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons: Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions' financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous for homeowners in most parts of the U.S. It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has been converted...
08 Oct
Winter Preparation: Let’s Go Nuts!
All the squirrels and chipmunks are running around, busy collecting nuts, making sure their homes are well stocked… and you? What exactly are you doing to get ready for winter? Before settling into hibernation mode, it’s a good idea to do a thorough walk around your home and see what may benefit from a little TLC before winter hits. You may have already made it an annual ritual to turn off...
