Mandatory Municipal Building Inspections

The Ontario Building Code regulates the inspections for which a Builder is required to give notice. The inspector must inspect for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the
permit documents:

1. Readiness to construct footings.
2. Substantial completion of footings and foundations prior to commencement of backfilling.
3. Completion of ductwork and piping for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
4. Readiness for inspection and testing of building sewers and building drains, inside and
outside water service pipes, drainage systems and venting systems, the water
distribution system and plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances.
5. Substantial completion of the structural framing.
6. Substantial completion of fire separations (townhouse and semi-detached dwelling units).
7. Substantial completion of insulation, vapour barriers and air barriers.
8. Substantial completion of interior finishes.
9. Substantial completion of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
10. *Occupancy – completion of construction and installation of components required to permit the issue of an occupancy permit: required exits, handrails, guards, smoke
alarms, gas proofing between attached garage and dwelling unit; water supply, sewage disposal, lighting and heating systems; completion, operating, inspected and
tested water systems, building drains and sewers and drainage systems; outstanding orders have gained compliance.
11. Final Inspection – correction of identified deficiencies not related to occupancy,
exterior decks and landings , substantial completion of exterior cladding.

• If decks or landings are not completed at the time of occupancy and the difference in elevation exceeds 2′ 0″, the builder will be directed to temporarily block or disable the
locks on patio and garden doors to prevent the door from being opened. DO NOT RE-SET THE LOCK OR REMOVE RESTRICTIVE DEVICES UNTIL THE DECK(S) AND
HANDRAILS ARE COMPLETED.
• Gas fired appliances are regulated by the Gas Code. Inquiries related to the supply and installation of gas should be directed to ENBRIDGE GAS.
• Hydro – The minimum number and location of plugs and switches is regulated by the Ontario Building Code. The inspection of the wiring and supply of hydro is regulated
by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) – contact 1-877-372-7233

IMPORTANT NOTES

• If decks or landings are not completed at the time of occupancy and the difference in
elevation exceeds 2′ 0″, the builder will be directed to temporarily block or disable the
locks on patio and garden doors to prevent the door from being opened. DO NOT
RE-SET THE LOCK OR REMOVE RESTRICTIVE DEVICES UNTIL THE DECK(S) AND
HANDRAILS ARE COMPLETED.
• Gas fired appliances are regulated by the Gas Code. Enquiries related to the supply
and installation of gas should be directed to ENBRIDGE GAS.
• Hydro – The minimum number and location of plugs and switches is regulated by the
Ontario Building Code. The inspection of the wiring and supply of hydro is regulated
by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) – contact 1-877-372-7233

Beware – Mistakes Are Made

I have personally inspected new homes and others less than 2 years old and found the following deficiencies:

• Missing felt paper or ice water shield – this was on 2nd level of newer townhouse.
• Basement landing joist hangers secured with drywall screws
• Engineered floor joist damaged by plumbers drill
• Main electrical panel installed too high
• Trip hazards at bathroom entrance where change in level was over 1/2 inch
• Joist hangers only nailed on one side ( this is a common one )
• Brick and Debris used as back fill (  Only clean fill is supposed to be used )
• Holes drilled in floor joists with less than the 2 inches of clearance from edge of joist.
• Rough-in for bathroom placed beside main electrical panel
• Casement windows that cannot be opened due to hitting architectural feature of roof
• Areas of attic where insulation was missing or very little installed
• Dimple Wrap installed backwards
• Missed and cracked caulking
• Cracked bricks used during construction
• Too much mortar used on brick joints to compensate for poorly installed foundation
• Gutter size inadequate for size of roof and number of downspouts
• Torn and damaged shingles

Article from BarrieToday.com on Tornado Damage

“Up to 40 homes damaged by Thursday’s tornado may be condemned after many of them lost their roofs, some due to poor workmanship, an engineering professor with Western University’s The Northern Tornadoes Project believes.

“With some of the roofs off, the whole roof off, we saw a lack of following the building code,” said Greg Kopp, ImpactWX chair in severe storms engineering and the project’s lead researcher.

“There weren’t sufficient nails, in many cases there were no nails holding the roof onto the walls. And during a tornado, or any wind storm, the roof becomes like a wing and wants to lift up, so you have to hold it down,” said Kopp.

Read Full Article

Your TARION Warranty

Even though you paid for this warranty as part of the purchase price of your new home,  you basically have “no rights” and very little “Protection” as a consumer.  The Ontario Government has finally recognized the plight of the “New Home Buyer”  and according to a Toronto Star article has decided to replace Tarion citing ‘conflict of interest’ concerns, the Ontario government will create a standalone home builder regulator separate from the warranty provider.

Even though buying a house maybe one of the most expensive investments that most families make,  it is still basically a “Buyer Beware” environment for home buyers in Ontario.  When buying a new home, check with existing home owners who are already living there to see what kind of support the builder is providing.

Unfortunately Tarion got a reprieve as the legislation that was to remove them from Inspecting Homes, which they apparently never did, was dropped when Ontario Legistlator was Prorogued in 2021.  The bill to require licensing of Home Inspectors also suffered the same fate.  

Military Mortgage Brokers

RCMP and military personnel in Canada should consider using a military mortgage broker because these brokers specialize in understanding the unique housing and financial needs of service members. They have expertise in navigating the specific benefits and programs available to RCMP and military personnel, such as mortgage options tailored to their income stability and relocation assistance. By working with a military mortgage broker, RCMP and military members can access specialized guidance and potentially secure more favorable terms and rates on their mortgages, ensuring their housing needs are met effectively.

Whether military personnel will save money by using a military mortgage broker depends on various factors such as the specific terms of the mortgage, the broker’s fee structure, and the individual’s financial situation. However, there are several ways in which military personnel may potentially save money with a military mortgage broker:

1. Access to Specialized Programs and Benefits: Military mortgage brokers are well-versed in the unique benefits available to service members, such as VA loans in the United States or specialized programs for military members in other countries like Canada. By leveraging these programs, service members may qualify for lower interest rates, reduced down payment requirements, or waived mortgage insurance premiums, potentially resulting in significant cost savings over the life of the loan.
2. Negotiating Better Terms: Military mortgage brokers often have established relationships with lenders who are familiar with the needs of military personnel. These relationships may enable brokers to negotiate more favorable terms on behalf of their clients, such as lower interest rates, reduced closing costs, or waived origination fees, which can translate into substantial savings over time.
3. Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Military mortgage brokers can provide personalized guidance and expertise tailored to the unique financial circumstances of service members. By helping borrowers navigate the mortgage process effectively and avoid costly mistakes, such as choosing the wrong type of loan or missing out on valuable benefits, brokers can potentially save military personnel money in the long run.
4. Efficiency and Time Savings: Time is money, especially for busy military personnel who may have demanding schedules due to deployments, training, or other obligations. Military mortgage brokers can streamline the homebuying process, helping service members secure financing quickly and efficiently. By expediting the process and minimizing delays, brokers can save borrowers both time and potential expenses associated with prolonged searches or missed opportunities.

While there may be costs associated with using a military mortgage broker, such as broker fees or commissions, the potential savings and benefits they provide can outweigh these expenses for many military personnel. Ultimately, it’s essential for service members to carefully weigh the advantages and costs of working with a broker to determine if it’s the right choice for their individual circumstances.

Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown Mortgage Broker

Quebec

Gatineau Mortgage Broker

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Mortgage Broker

Moose Jaw Mortgage Broker

Regina Mortgage Broker

CHOOSE YOUR LOCAL MILITARY OR RCMP MORTGAGE BROKER FROM ACROSS CANADA

100% Money Back Guarantee

Valid for 30 Days after you take possession of your new home.

The Midland Home Inspector is the only Home Inspection company to offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee without Strings or Time Restrictions.  Some companies will offer a Guarantee but you have to decide prior to getting your inspection report!

Roger Frost has the Knowledge, Training and Experience to offer an “Iron Clad”  Money Back Guarantee on every one of his Home and WETT Certified Inspections.  We hide nothing, all our Prices, Items we Inspect are clearly stated on our website,  also our Experience, Knowledge and Home Inspection Training is clearly visible on our site.  When you hire the Midland Home Inspector you know up front what to expect, what you are paying, who is doing your inspection and the expertise level of your home inspector.

While most companies rely on franchise promotions to obtain your business, we base our growth on satisfied customers and excellent service. Our sole purpose is to protect you, our customer, by being the best inspection company in the Simcoe County and Barrie area.

Enjoy a “Risk Free” home inspection call Midland Home Inspections now.

Phone or Text 705-795-8255    

Send Email

Below is a list of items that may be inspected by your WETT Certified Inspector on a Wood Stove, Pellet Stove or Fireplace inspection:

• Chimney & Cap
• Chimney Liner or Flue Tiles
• Smoke  Chamber
• Wood Stove or Fireplace Damper
• Firebox & Firebricks/Linings
• Hearth & Floor Protection
• Mantle & Clearances to Combustible Walls & Ceilings
• Heat Shield Construction for Reduced Clearances
• Proper Flue Pipe Installation & Venting
• Clearance to Combustible Exterior Items
• Chimney Foundations & Masonry
• Overall Condition of the Woodstove, Fireplace and its Chimney

Chimney

 I always start an inspection on the roof. This is a damaged chimney that will have to be repaired prior to being deemed acceptable for use. This type of chimney damage is usually a result of not have a rain cap installed or not sealing cracks that have developed on the chimney cap. A little caulking can sometime save a home owner a lot of money.

Chimney Flue Tiles

Chimney flue tiles are inspected for cracking and proper joints. Allowing water to enter your chimney flue is a bad idea and rain caps are very important to preserving you chimney. This chimney will require a new clay flue tile to be installed.  Most insurance companies will ask if you have rain cap and screen installed on chimney.  A small investment in prevention can save you hundreds of dollars in needless repairs.

Wood Stove Installation

Wood stove and metal chimney installation is checked to ensure all components are installed in accordance with WETT guidelines and manufactures instructions.

If you are not sure about your fireplace or chimney installation or clearances, call the Barrie Home Inspector for information and common problems prior to booking an inspection.

Wood Stove Clearances

Wood stoves and fireplaces all have required clearances from combustibles that must be maintained. Wood stoves have their clearances identified on ULC or other approved agency, usually on a plate at back of appliance.

Contact Barrie WETT Inspections for your woodstove, fireplace or pellet stove inspection.

Report issued at time of WETT Inspection.

Commercial Inspections

The Commercial Building Inspector team has over 25 years experience, knowledge, and training in the field of Commercial Building Inspections. We have the education and training that enables us to find & identify the sources of water penetrations, heating and cooling deficiencies, defects in construction, and structural problems.Our commercial inspection team will evaluate the condition of the property and structure, and any systems affecting its use. Our report will clearly document the building’s physical condition and specify items that may require major repair or replacement.

Our Inspection Standards

We provide Property Condition Assessments based on ASTM guidelines and a detailed Commercial Building Inspection which includes structure, building envelope including roof, sidewalls and doors and windows; interior finishes including floors, walls and ceilings; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC; fire suppression and life-safety systems. Our comprehensive inspections also include the property: walks, roads, drive and parking areas and landscaping including storm water runoff and drainage.

Have Your Commercial Property Inspected by the Midland Home Inspector, who is a Qualified Building Code inspector. Roger is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association and is fully qualified on Large Buildings and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code. An unknowing inspector may lead you to believe your property is code compliant when you could in fact be faced with spending thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in required building code upgrades.

In the late sixties and early seventies, copper prices rose and contractors/electricians switched from copper to lower costing aluminum wiring. Knowing your property has aluminum wiring prior to purchasing could be a huge money saver for you. Many insurance companies will not insure a building containing aluminum wiring and the cost of retrofitting a property could be prohibitive due to budgeting.

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability. It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hotplate wiring and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement (resulting in fiber cement) or woven into fabric or mats. All types of asbestos fibers are known to cause serious health hazards in humans. Removing asbestos from a property can be expensive and time consuming. Personnel have to be licensed to perform asbestos removal.

Mould: Leaking roofs or basements can lead to an excess of moisture in your crawl space, basement or storage areas of your building or office. The best reason is to avoid the growth of fungus, mold, or mildew that may decay and destroy wood and potentially your indoor air quality. Moisture in any form provides the missing ingredient for spores to thrive and grow in its environment. Having your property or building inspected can prevent expensive clean up costs that might be incurred after you purchase a property.

We use Infrared camera on commercial property roofs to find hidden leaks and areas which may soon have a failure. This technology enables us to find leaks that have not yet fully penetrated the entire roof and would not be visible to the naked eye. This enables us to report on predictable service life remaining on most flat roofs.

The Commercial Property Inspector has been in business for over 15 years and has performed over 7,500 inspections. As a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Assc he has master the Ontario Building Code by completing all the Part 9 (small buildings) and Part 3 (large buildings over 600 m2) which enables him to use this experience when inspecting your commercial real estate investment. All inspections are performed to ASTM E2018 standard and report is based on PCA format. The Midland Home Inspector provides residential home inspection services for Midland, Alliston and Orillia.

Our Commercial Property inspections are based on ASTM E2018 – 08 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process

What if the report reveals problems?

Every building, even new construction has deficiencies, there will always be human error. Our detailed report separates each of your buildings major systems and includes a picture and description of defect. The Overview section of our report summarizes the overall conditon and requirements of each major building system.If required and arrangements are made at time of booking inspection we will provide a 10 Year Cost Estimate, based on observations made at time of inspection.We also, upon request, provide Letter of Reliance for your Financial Institution.What does a Commercial Building inspection include?Your Building Assessment report will review the condition of the properties major systems, including the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

Environmental Reports

• Phase 1 Environmental Assessment
  Includes a Site Visit, Evaluation of Neighboring Sites, Review of Records, Review Municipality or City Records and File Search of Public Records.
• Phase 2 Environmental Assessment
  is an “intrusive” investigation which collects original samples of soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants. This investigation is normally undertaken when a Phase I ESA determines a likelihood of site contamination. The most frequent substances tested are petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, asbestos and mold.

Note: Results from a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment usually take one week to produce, time may vary, depending on complexity of project.

Our Mission Statement – Our goal is to help the purchasers of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential buildings with their due diligence to make sound financial real estate decisions. Our professional commercial building inspectors provide important maintenance advice and maintenance cost estimates to help first time and seasoned investors in commercial real estate get acquainted with their investment property.

12 Common Defects Found During Home Inspection

Protect your Investment – Look Around Your Home

The Midland Home Inspector identifies the twelve most common items found during a home inspection. These are items that are commonly found during a home inspection but are not listed in any order of importance.

1. Lot and Roof Drainage

Keeping water out of your house in one of the most important areas to be considered in building design and annual maintenance checklists. Eave troughs collect large amounts of water, average is 160 gallons per hour, which is then directed down to ground level to be dispersed. This is where most systems have problems, from missing extensions to reversed splash pads, and it is important to ensure all water is directed away from your home. I have actually come across homes where the sump pump was pumping water out into the exterior corner of the house where the water ran right back down the foundation to be re-cycled again. Areas around foundations are prone to settling and should be built back up to ensure that any water will flow away from home.

2. Foundations

The primary function of the foundation is to transfer the load of your house unto your footings. Water can enter your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Cement block foundations are required to be parged and then coated with damp proofing product to prevent this. Poured concrete foundations are required to have form holes sealed to prevent water entry. Minor cracks in foundations can be attributed to settlement of building or shrinkage cracks which would appear in poured concrete foundations. Any crack in your foundation is a potential source of water entry into your basement. If your area has excellent drainage and surface water is not an issue then sealing your cracks yourself could be an option, if not then a professional will seal poured concrete cracks using injected foam or epoxy for around 300 to 600 dollars. Sealing with epoxy will make the cracked area stronger than surrounding untouched area. Horizontal cracks in basements are stress cracks and usually should be inspected by engineer to ensure safety of the home.

3. Cladding

There are many types of cladding used in homes today, we are going to discuss brick veneer and vinyl siding, the most common types of cladding used in new homes in Midland, ON. Brick – There are two common types of brick in use today, clay and cement bricks, clay being the most expensive and more durable of the two. The most common defects in brick are caused by poor workmanship and settling of the house or foundation. Checking the brick work for cracks in mortar is very important part of your home inspection. Finding cracks prior to moisture and freezing damage occurring can drastically reduce the amount of work required to repair problem. Corbelled brick corners are an area where cracked mortar is very common but is an easy fix. Step cracks usually indicate a structural type problem is present and deeper investigation is required. Home owners can cause damage to bricks by building planters which allow soil to contact brick, this will result in spalling of brick face and eventually the brick will crumble and require replacement. Vinyl Siding – This product has proven to be an attractive and low maintenance alternative to brick. If not properly installed vinyl siding can come loose which will make it very susceptible to damage. Properly installed siding has to be able to expand and contract without warping, this is done by not hammering in nails tightly and the fastening slot will allow siding to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Washing your vinyl siding spring and fall is also a good idea as this will help prevent staining from airborne contaminants. Vinyl siding is susceptible to cracking, especially in winter months when cold temperatures can make it extremely brittle.

4. Windows

Windows come in all sizes and shapes with many different types of opening models. We are going to concentrate on mainly the casement style window, as this is the type of window, which commonly has defects. Casement windows commonly have problems with the cranking mechanism. Stripped windows cranks are commonly found on windows in children’s bedrooms and are mainly due to the fact that in the winter these windows tend to freeze up and then when the crank is operated, a stripped mechanism results. Broken seals in thermal units are another common defect found in windows. Windows around 15 years, and older, are usually found to have problems with leaking thermal units. There is a process that involves inserting tiny one-way vents into these units which can eliminate the moisture problem and save you money. The “R” value of windows is not so high that this procedure would create a huge heat loss. Then there are the common defects in windows, which can include, no caulking, cracked glass panes, improperly trims, sagging headers above windows, require painting and last but not least cracked or rotting wood.

5. Roof

We are going to concentrate on asphalt or fibreglass shingles as this is by far the most common type of product used in new homes today. Shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years depending on quality of product and environment that they endure. Shingles on south side of home usually fail first due to greater exposure to sun and UV radiation. Proper venting is a very important factor that can greatly affect the life of your shingles. Building code requires 1 square foot of vents for every 300 square foot of roof. Ensuring adequate venting is important part of home inspection, a lot of homes have inadequate soffit venting due to insulation preventing continuous movement of air. This allows moisture and heat to build up in your attic and will dramatically reduce life of shingles. Inspecting flashing, valleys, skylights, vents and eave trough are another important factor of your home inspection. Ensure your inspector has a ladder and walks your roof if he is able.

6. Furnace / Air Conditioning

Furnaces have an estimated life span of 15 to 20 years and this can vary greatly with maintenance being the biggest factor in extending life of your furnace. Your furnace cannot have any holes, be rusted through in any area and must be hooked up to an approved venting system. If connected to a “B” vent, a one-inch clearance must be maintained from combustibles, which also includes insulation. Check your flame color, yellow or orange flames indicate incomplete combustion which may be fixed with a simple tune up from your furnace technician. Many furnaces have no cap for filter cover which allows for both heat and cold air to escape into your basement. Your HVAC duct should be sealed using metallic duct tape to block any areas where air is escaping from your system. Humidifiers are a common cause of water source for damaging furnaces; they become clogged calcium and mineral deposits and overflow allowing water to enter body of furnace causing premature failure of unit. Central air conditioners are essentially a sealed unit. Using a temperature gauge can determine if unit is operating at a level that is acceptable. I use 58 degrees F as a bench mark in testing in hot weather. This ensures that unit will maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. All lines and insulation are checked for any damage or required replacement.

7. Electrical

The number one concern for homeowners and insurance companies is aluminum wiring. Installed in the early seventies as a substitute for high priced copper, aluminum has generated a lot of negative press, some maybe not deserved. Knowledge of aluminum wire is required to be disclosed by the home seller. Consequently some people are creatively hiding aluminum wiring. This might involve installing wire so insulation covers all exposed wire and running copper from main panel to junction boxes where it is connected to the existing aluminum wire. Adding pony panels, which allowable and recommended, is a great way of expanding your main panels resources. I came across one pony panel, a full sized 100 amp panel, which was powered off supply cables in switch box. This panel was noted in listing as an asset! There are a myriad of minor electrical problems to be checked in your home. Another main panel observation is that many people rather than add a breaker just attach two or more wires to an existing breaker, this is a not permitted and is a potential fire risk. Open junction boxes, missing covers, wiring contacting heat ducts and un-supported wiring are common defects noted on majority of inspections.

8. Plumbing

The other half of the keeping water away from your house equation is your interior plumbing system. Lack of caulking and sub-standard products or workmanship is also a big offender when it comes to keeping your house dry. Galvanized pipe is another item that insurance companies may be concerned about. Galvanized pipe tends to corrode from the inside out leaving any visible signs of impending failure, which tends to make insurance companies a little nervous about insuring homes with galvanized plumbing.  Read about Problems with Pex Plumbing

9. Insulation

Homes today have a much higher insulation R-value than older models, the standard for your attic insulation is R-40. Coupled with vapor barriers this is a very important part of your homes building envelope. Many homes have lots of insulation but it has been compromised by workmen installing products such as pot lights and ceiling fans and never remedied. The un-suspecting homeowner never realizes the loss of heat and release of moisture that is taking place. I have inspected homes where there has been a sun room added on and for a period of two or more years that complete area has not had any insulation. Vermiculite insulation is receiving a lot of attention due to asbestos hazard. Most vermiculite was produced from Libby mine in Montana and contains trace amounts of asbestos. There is some type of vermiculite that has no asbestos risk, which can only be determined by laboratory testing. Homeowners are obligated to disclose any vermiculite insulation that they know of. This is another area where your home inspector can help and possibly save you a lot of money and headaches. Having Vermiculite professionally removed can range as high as $20,000 for a typical home.

10. Mould or Mold

We are addressing both Canadian and American mould or mold problems, eh!

Mold has been a inspection headliner for quite a number of years. Mold is present everywhere, outside, in your home and sometimes even in the wood you are building with. Moud requires three items to grow, they are; warm environment, protein supply (paper on drywall will do) and moisture. As you can see if you have any water or moisture problems in your home for any length of time then you probably have mold somewhere in your home. That is why it is so important to keep water out of your home and control the water you do have in your home by the proper use of exhaust vents, HRV units and humidity control.

11. Structural

The structural component of your home includes all the items that comprise the supporting elements of your home, which include but are limited to; footings, floors, foundation, walls, columns and piers and roofing system. Visual inspection involves looking for cracks, missing supports, under-sized support construction, twisted or cracked beams, joists, rafters, trusses or support members. Consider your structure as the exterior and interior framework that encompasses your home. Defects in this system can be considered serious and should not be taken lightly as you whole home depends on this system.

12. Miscellaneous

Here is a quick list of some of the items that I have come across that might not have been discussed above: Septic tanks – Water pooling at the end of your bed or signs of effluent leaking are sure signs that you have some kind or septic bed problem. Chimney – Masonry chimneys can be visually ok but not approved for type of appliance you are using. Wood stoves and fireplaces usually require WETT cert for insurance. Caulking – Any two different surfaces that are exposed to weather should be caulked. For example your window and siding should always be caulked. Trees – Ensure there are no dead trees on property that might damage your house or any of your neighbor’s property. Also trim branches away from any siding or roofing product. Concrete Steps – Must be either cantilevered or on frost footing. Handrails – Required to be 900 mm high in most exterior applications. Decks – If over 23 5/8 inches (600mm) from ground are required to have guards & handrails. Basement Bedrooms – Required to have separate exit on same level or window that is minimum area of 0.35 M2 with no dimension being less than 15 inches (380 mm). Bathrooms – shall have either exhaust fan or opening window. Hot Water Heater – Safety Pressure valve shall have vent directing blow-off to floor. Garages – Required to have fume barrier and auto door closure if interior door installed. These are just some of the common types of defects encountered during a residential home inspection, there are thousands of items that could possibly be identified. 

Contact the Midland Home Inspector

Send Roger an Email for Information or Availability

Cell Phone  705.795.8255

Toll Free   888.818.8608

Wood Deck Construction

Building Permit Required

The Ontario Building Code Act requires a permit to be issued prior to starting construction, if the deck is attached to the house or the deck exceeds 10m2 (108ft2) in area or is greater than 2 ft above ground level.

What is Required for Permit

With the submission of a Building Permit Application we will require:

1. A copy of a survey/site plan showing:

Lot lines including dimensions. Location of proposed deck dimensioned to all other buildings and lot lines and the municipal address.

2. One copy of the deck construction drawings. The drawings must have sufficient detail so that someone, following the drawings, could build the deck.

The following shall be provided: Foundation Plan detailing: Footing size and location. Size, span, and direction, of beams, floor joist and decking. Dimensions of all components. Elevations to show: The general appearance of the deck. Cross Section detailing: Footing depth and construction. Height of deck walking surface above grade. Height of guard above walking surface. Step details. Deck construction. Guard construction. Details, such as deck to house connection.

3.Two Copies of manufacture’s installation instructions for proprietary products and materials if applicable.

4. Payment of a permit fee

For further information regarding inspections of decks visit Barrie Home Inspections

Do I Need a WETT Inspection?

Most insurance companies now require a WETT Certified Inspection of any Wood Burning Appliance prior to issuing policy.

What is a WETT Inspection?

Typically, when people are looking for an insurance type of inspection, a visual inspection is conducted to determine if there is evidence of any problems with the installation. This includes examining clearances, chimney heights and visual signs of deterioration. If there are concerns identified, then the inspector should make a recommendation that the appliance be checked and, if necessary, repaired by a WETT certified technician or chimney sweep.

What is inspected?

A WETT inspection is an inspection carried out by an inspector who is WETT Certified.

Below is a list of items that may be inspected by your WETT Certified Inspector on a Wood Stove, Pellet Stove or Fireplace inspection:

• Chimney & Cap
• Chimney Liner or Flue Tiles
• Smoke  Chamber
• Wood Stove or Fireplace Damper
• Firebox & Firebricks/Linings
• Hearth & Floor Protection
• Mantle & Clearances to Combustible Walls & Ceilings
• Heat Shield Construction for Reduced Clearances
• Proper Flue Pipe Installation & Venting
• Clearance to Combustible Exterior Items
• Chimney Foundations & Masonry
• Overall Condition of the Woodstove, Fireplace and its Chimney

Chimney

 I always start an inspection on the roof. This is a damaged chimney that will have to be repaired prior to being deemed acceptable for use. This type of chimney damage is usually a result of not have a rain cap installed or not sealing cracks that have developed on the chimney cap. A little caulking can sometime save a home owner a lot of money.

Chimney Flue Tiles

Chimney flue tiles are inspected for cracking and proper joints. Allowing water to enter your chimney flue is a bad idea and rain caps are very important to preserving you chimney. This chimney will require a new clay flue tile to be installed.  Most insurance companies will ask if you have rain cap and screen installed on chimney.  A small investment in prevention can save you hundreds of dollars in needless repairs.

Wood Stove Installation

Wood stove and metal chimney installation is checked to ensure all components are installed in accordance with WETT guidelines and manufactures instructions.

If you are not sure about your fireplace or chimney installation or clearances, call the Midland Home Inspector for information and common problems prior to booking an inspection.

Wood Stove Clearances

Wood stoves and fireplaces all have required clearances from combustibles that must be maintained. Wood stoves have their clearances identified on ULC or other approved agency, usually on a plate at back of appliance.

Contact Midland WETT Inspections for your woodstove, fireplace or pellet stove inspection.

Report issued at time of WETT Inspection.

When buying a new property there are a number of items that often appear during a home inspection and are sometimes very expensive to repair.  Water entering a basement is an issue most purchasers are concerned about.  This is where Experience & Knowledge coupled with an excellent moisture meter and thermal imaging can identify hidden problems.  Aluminum wiring is another issue that can be of issue on older homes built during the late 1960’s and 1970’s.  Many insurance companies will not insure a home with aluminum wiring.  Any structural deficiencies will most likely require an engineer or designer at a minimum and a building permit to repair.  Asbestos, whether on heating ducts  or in your attics insulation, is sometimes hard to find but can also be very expensive to have removed.   Many times I have encountered asbestos in a hard to find location because all the visible and easily accessible asbestos had been removed.  When Buying a Property always Remember |  Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware  |  You only have yourself and your Home Inspector to rely on,  The Home Seller and Realtor will be long gone when a Major Problem arises.

What if the report reveals problems?

All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your real estate contract. Deciding on whether to fix an item or asking for a price reduction is a matter the buyer has to resolve with the aid of their Real Estate Agent. The Midland Home Inspector will identify the problem and give an informed opinion on the condition and need for repair or replacement.

What does a home inspection include?

A home inspector’s report will review the condition of the home’s major systems, including the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits without the diagnostics.

What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?

A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. Major electrical appliances typically work fine until they fail. Buyers should schedule their final walk through as close to the closing date as possible and make sure all the major components of house are working and any appliances that were included. You can ask your lawyer to with hold funds for repair of any items that were not working at time of walk through.A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks “Safety” not “Code” when performing a home inspection. This does not mean you should hire a home inspector who does not have any code training because if he does not know the building codes he will not know what to look for. The Ontario Building Codes are the bare minimum requirements that a house has to be constructed to.A home inspector should not be trying to promote repair services, contractor referrals or home warranty products. He is being paid to provide you with a professional report on the condition of the property you are purchasing not trying to separate you from more of your hard earned money.

Should I attend the home inspection?

It is recommended that the client be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. The Midland Home Inspector asks that you attend the inspection to participate and learn important information about your new home. This enables you to see, hear and read about the deficiencies, maintenance and system information about your home.