This building was inspected for the shell only as no other components within the building remained. All mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and insulation were removed. The exterior shell was inspected for cracks, settlement and erosion to mortar joints. Over the course 150 years, the adjacent building had taken it's tole upon the three storey building. The roof of adjacent building drained into the mortar of the north and west sides. Over the course of time, the masonry had been loosened because of mortar deterioration.
Buildings should not have been this close to each other as drainage damaged the wall. Alternatively, the roof should have been redesigned to deflect water to the north and south sides complete with metal flashings on the grey building west wall.
Here are some samples of damages done by water and ice.
Picture # 1: A temporary steel beam and column reinforcement has been installed to prevent collapse of the building, but at the time of inspection, there was actually mortar and stone falling off the building.
Picture # 2: A drainage system was setup on adjacent building's roof to deflect water to the north side onto a steel decking system but water was being pushed up to the stone wall. The stone has a bulge and crack and is ready to collapse momentarily.
Picture # 3: Chimney mortar and stone completely deteriorated. Advised client to either cap off chimney or rebuild.
Picture # 4: Parapet on top of roof shows deterioration and metal flashing completely corroded. Recommended to repair masonry of parapet complete with new flashing cap on parapet perimeter of building.
It was imperative that the toilet was not discharging sewage into the sump pump pit. Therefore the pump was operated individually when flushing the toilet. It was confirmed that no sewage was being discharged into pit and that both toilet and pit were operating individually. Client was told to relocate toilet which meant breaking up concrete slab and applying new plumbing.
Mould inspection was performed on the exterior wall. Insulation and poly vapour barrier were removed and upon inspection, no mould had occurred within the cavity. The repairs that are required are obviously to reinsulate, apply vapour barrier, and apply the sheet of drywall, tape and putty.
Humidity was released into the attic and frost occurred on the sub-sheething of the roof. Poor ventilation created ice and frost at the soffit and ice can be seen coming through the aluminum at the soffit facia connection.
This house was used as a grow operation and due to high humidity levels and poor ventilation, damages were done to walls and attic.
Furnace is twenty years old and client was told to budget on a new furnace complete with exhaust pipe. As can be seen in this picture, the flue is corroded right through the metal. Vendor should replace this immediately.
Here is a hot water tank exhaust pipe which is loose and exhausting into the home . This pipe was never glued and has been exhausting into the home for a very long time. The home owner was advised to repair this asap .
It is another example of why a newly built home, should be inspected before taking delivery .
In this case there is a live wire with the shielding melted ( in red with copper wire exposed ) .
The furnace panel was completely removed with dangerous electrical components accessible to anyone.
It was recommended to the client the furnace would
need extensive repairs , possibly budgeting on the
complete replacement of the electrical furnace .
This was not expected by the first time buyer and they
realized that they may need to readjust their finances , especially on a foreclosed property owned by the bank.
It is important that furnaces be maintained by furnace technicians for optimum functionality . In this case a new and a spare fan belt should be on hand so that you won't be left in the cold. Being proactive and maintaining on a yearly basis are good steps to the longevity of all furnaces .
Every house that has a forced air heating system should have ducts cleaned . Ducts should be cleaned
particularly after renovations , or after a owner has taken possession of new residence . Here is an example
of house that has not had a cleaning , perhaps ever . There was also evidence of mouse droppings and other
material within air ducts .
This is an example of a pre-fabricated home , transported by truck to the site in two sections. The sections are applied onto the foundation and fastened together . The advantages of such a system are the following :
1. Quick construction time on site ; 2. Sections of the home are built in an enclosed environment , so there is minimal to no impact from weather conditions ( wind , water , vandalism ) ; 3. Accurate workmanship at the factory;
4. Interior can be finished off and the owner can take possession in less time than a house being constructed in a conventional manner .
This is a video clip from one house that was inspected. It was raining heavily that day and the water table was very high. The pressure of the water was actually flowing in through the point of least resistance, which in this case was the slab floor, into the basement through the old condensate drain next to the furnace.
Clearly the weeping tile around the house was in poor condition. The house needed a sump pump and pit to eject the water out from the house. Over time, such water intrusion can have a considerable impact on the foundation of a house and all the materials within the basement that would promote mould growth .
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