A dry basement is a cornerstone of a healthy home environment. Yet, many homeowners overlook a critical aspect of ensuring a dry basement: exterior grading and water control. In regions like Ontario, where heavy rainfall and snowmelt are common, effective water management around the perimeter of your home is essential to prevent water penetration into the basement. Let’s explore why …
In the realm of home safety, few devices are as crucial as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. These small, often overlooked gadgets serve as vigilant guardians, alerting us to potentially life-threatening situations. In Ontario, where safety regulations are stringent, the importance of these alarms cannot be overstated. Let’s delve into why these alarms are so vital and how …
What is Knob and Tube Wiring? Knob and tube was the standard electrical system that was used from 1880 to 1930. Ceramic knobs were secured into wall studs or floor joists – these knobs were used as anchors for the wiring. The wiring was then fed through ceramic tubes that were cut into wall studs and flooring. In was by …
Introduction In the 1970s, stucco ceilings, also known as popcorn ceilings or acoustic ceilings, were a popular choice for many homes and commercial spaces. This textured ceiling finish was not only fashionable but also provided acoustic benefits by reducing noise levels. However, what was once a trendy design element now poses a potential health hazard. Many stucco ceilings from that …
You can take steps to reduce and control the amount of radon in your home. Testing is the only way to determine radon levels. Have your home tested by a professional. EPA guidance suggests mitigating if levels are at or above 148 Becquerels/meter3 (4 picocuries/liter). The effectiveness of any one radon-reduction method will depend upon the unique characteristics of your …
Well, crawlspaces like any other home component are there for a reason. The typical reason is that a basement was not required, a basement was not allowed due to high water tables or just because it saved someone money. It is rare to see crawlspaces in new construction now just because a finished basement adds living space and value to …
A lot of the time, our clients that are buying a property with aluminum wiring ask for our professional opinions on if the wiring should be replaced. The common misconception about aluminum wiring is that the product itself is not safe, and insurance and mortgage companies typically treat it as a high-risk installation. Aluminum wiring is in fact a safe …
What is an energy-efficient home? An energy-efficient home would be categorized as a home that uses less energy or that uses energy responsibly. Building codes have changed in the last two decades in order to make newly constructed homes more energy efficient. Buying an energy-efficient home or upgrades to an existing home will enhance comfort and help save on utility …
As Canadians, one of the largest expenses comes from heating our homes in the winter months. In older homes which are poorly insulated this may come at an even larger expense. That is why it is imperative that we maintain our HVAC systems. Most furnaces are going to be fuelled by natural gas; fewer are fueled by oil and electricity …
Cold rooms were designed to be underground, typically under a porch, and their purpose is to be cold enough to store preserves and other food. Since they are below a porch, they are technically underground spaces that are on the exterior of a home, hence they have no insulation but do have ventilation to allow for air exchange. The way …
