THE BEST HOME INSPECTION IN OTTAWA & GATINEAU
This is a vent from a kitchen on a roof inspection. As can be seen, there is so much oil and grease on the screen, that the vent itself cannot be seen nor can air flow completely exit. This vent along with the roof needed to be considered in the negotiations of the purchase.
It is recommended that using steel roofing when shingles have met their life expectancy, is better for the environment since steel has a longer life span than shingles. Yes, steel roofing is more expensive, but you won’t have to replace it again in your lifetime.
Soffits, facias, and roof vents should be monitored for damages by animals. Here is an example of squirrels in the attic that have damaged the insulation, Vapour barrier, and the excrement is visible in all areas. It is recommended to remove all material in this attic, clean the excrement of animals and apply new blown in insulation.
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 :
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.
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.
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.
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.