DH Home Inspections

03/02/2022

YOUR ROOF
Your roof not only protects your home from the weather, it also impacts the curb appeal of your home. Looking after your roof and having the correct roofing material are crucial.

In our region, the most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. Most people can look at their roof from the ground each spring and fall for damaged/missing shingles, or areas that seem to be not aligned (which is an indicator the shingles were installed by a unqualified person). If you notice an abnormality, contact a reputable roofing company to come and examine your roof in detail.

Extreme hail and wind are common causes for damage; whenever an extreme weather event happens, take the time to look at your roof afterwards.

If you are replacing your shingles, they are a variety of options to choose from. A reputable roofing company will explain the pros and cons of different shingles to you, the hail and wind resistance of the shingles, and warranties. Educate yourself on the warranties, there are differences between the warranty on the shingles versus the installation warranty offered by the roofing company.

Given the consistent high winds we experience in our region, it is worthwhile investing in shingles that offer higher wind resistance.

Ensure your roofing company installs a high quality ice and water membrane before applying the shingles.

It may be beneficial to contact you insurance company before isntalling a new roof and see if they offer discounts for using certian materials.

Roofing materials and practices have changes drastically over the past several decades, it is highly recommended that you use qualified professionals for your roofing needs.

02/20/2022

POLY-B PLUMBING

Poly-B plumbing was commonly used from the mid-80's until mid-90's. Poly-B plumbing is easily identified by its unique grey colour and is also stamped with "PB2110".

Poly-B plumbing has been subject to class action lawsuits across North America and courts have consistently found Poly-B to be defective material. Poly-B plumbing degrades over time and is prone to developing leaks.

If you have Poly-B plumbing, you must inform your insurance company and verify what your policy will (and will not) cover in the event of a claim. It is prudent to weigh the coverages and costs of several policies and obtain the policy that suits your needs.

There are no warning signs when a leak will develop. Often, leaks are unnoticed until damage is found on the ceilings, walls and floors. It is possible that mold may form in areas where leaks are unnoticed.

Consideration must be given to replacing the Poly-B plumbing. Replacing plumbing is intrusive, disruptive, and some might find it expensive (although the costs should be weighed against lower insurance fees, easier resale-ability of your home, and peace of mind).

Contact a reputable and licensed plumber for replacement options and costs. Ensure you also obtain estimates for repairing the ceilings, walls and other damaged areas.

You must do your own research and determine what risks are acceptable to you. There is a wide array of information available in regards to Poly-B, some if which may be inaccurate and some of which may be highly alarming. Use reliable sources of information.

12/07/2021

FLOOD DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS - Many people can perform their own visual inspection of their foundation for flood damages, which will help you decide if you should call in an expert for further examination. The severity of flood damage is largely based on thee things:

- How how was the water?
- How long was water inside the home?
- How fast (or turbulent) the water flow was?

Walk around your home and look for evidence that walls have shifted or moved. Stand at each corner and look down each wall for bows, bulges, waves, etc. Is the top of the foundation wall still level? Are there new cracks? Check connection to the foundation (If they are visible). Has soil around your foundation been disturbed? If there are any signs that your home has moved, you should consult an expert.

Other signs of possible foundation damage to check are:
- Are there new gaps around windows and doors?
- Are windows and doors out of square?
- Are windows are doors difficult to operate
- Do the floors feel slanted?
- Are you floors soft or spongy?
- Are ceramic tiles cracking?
- Have siding bricks cracked or come loose?
- Has your siding come out of level?
- Are there cracks in your drywall?
Are moulding cracking or pulling away form the wall?

There may also be erosion happening underneath the foundation that isn’t visible. There are no easy ways to check for this, and problems might not be noticed for quite some time.-

11/19/2021

SKYLIGHTS - Skylights are very common in homes built between the 1970’s and mid 90’s, and they remain popular. Skylights require maintenance as they age, becoming susceptible to mositure intrusion, seal failures, and other damage. Replacing a skylight can be costly and easily exceed $1000. Common concerns to watch for around your skylights are: leaks, flashing failures, condensation and cracked panes. Moisture entering your roof space will cause damage to your home. Inspect your skylights each year and address any concerns before damage happens.

11/06/2021

FLAT ROOFS: Two common things to watch for on your flat roof are ponding and blisters.

09/09/2021

HOME INSPECTION NIGHTMARES
https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/g2409/23-home-inspection-nightmares-that-really-happened/?fbclid=IwAR0Oc0Cw5eeOg1lN9ILnw19i2KIU3uATSRzt599ZnVsf2rQFyI1eDLU4I6o

Devious contractors and ill-informed homeowners have been known to take shortcuts, but these faux pas are downright dangerous.

08/31/2021

ASBESTOS - Asbestos was commonly in many building materials up to the 90's.

If asbestos is so dangerous, why was it used in so many building products? Why did the construction industry make such a fatal mistake? There are several properties that make asbestos brilliant for building materials, it's strong, cheap, insulating and widely available.

WorkSafeBC has important information about asbestos for homeowners here:

Found in more than 3,000 pre-1990s building materials, asbestos can be hiding in plain sight. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, lung diseases and cancer.

07/28/2021

There may be many reasons you are interested in the home you are buying.
And that’s one of the many reasons we do not pass or fail a home.

Eg: the home you are buying will eventually (within a few years) be bulldozed and a new home will take its place. Whether the roof has another 10 years of good use may or may not be of interest to you. Or, you are planning on living in the home for the long term, and are interested in the components all being in near-new or good quality.

It’s not our call. An accredited home inspector will definitely report on the conditions of the many components of the home that will need attention, or are in great shape. They will probably even suggest a priority, or further investigation by another trained professional.

In the end, the findings of the report are in your hands, as well as the decision to buy, or walk away.

Find your home inspector at hiabc.ca or ask first “Do you belong to HIABC?” Home Inspectors Association of BC

07/19/2021

CHIMNEY vs. ROOF - anything that projects through your roof creates a vulnerable spot. Chimneys are common leak points into your home. Inspect your roof every year, look for missing shingles, missing ridge caps, damaged flashings and etc. If you find damage, or want a second opinion, contact a reputable roofer to come check your roof. The flashings on your chimney should be like in the diagram.

07/18/2021

You won the bidding war, and you’ve moved in. Your bid won without any subjects, including waiving a home inspection.

However, there are a few things to consider.
• Have you read your Property Disclosure? If the property was used for rental or had a foreign buyer? Patent defects (visible to the human eye) are not required to be disclosed in the property disclosure statement as you buy what you see.

A home inspection will provide peace of mind and a clear course of action with what may need to be done in the future.

Find your accredited home inspector from HIABC, or ask first “Do you belong to HIABC?”

06/18/2021

TOP 10 MOST COMMON Home Inspection Findings:

1) Improper Electrical Installation - crossed wires and over loaded circuits are commonly found

2) Plumbing Issues - improper installation, loose toilets, water leaks, reversed faucets

3) Heating Systems that haven't been serviced annually

4) Exterior Maintence - rot, missing soffits, damaged gutters

5) Poor Fan Ventilation - kitchen and bathroom fans are either missing or not working

6) Electric Cable Entrance - frayed cables or wrong sized service wires

7) Inoperable Windows

8) Fireplace and Chimney Issues

9) Water Heaters - past their lifespan or poor installation

10) Lot Grading - lots that slope towards the home instead of away

05/03/2021

EXHAUST TOO CLOSE TO A/C - Hot air from water tanks and dryers that discharges too close to your air conditioner can affect its operation. Dryer lint collecting on the unit is not recommended.