THE BEST HOME INSPECTION IN OTTAWA & GATINEAU
This is a 1950 cottage constructed by logs.
This is a 1950 cottage constructed by logs. As can be seen the damage to the logs here is very evident when not maintained by staining / painting, poor grade at the base (ground).
The logs are cracked, rotted, and there is water within the wood. Instead of being circular, there are logs that have compressed which is effecting the structural integrity of the building.
The recommendation to the client was to tear down and rebuild. It would be futile to repair the situation.
There are other samples of log construction on my web site, and clearly one can see the difference.
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- Cell:Â 613-762-9739
- Phone:Â 819-684-0229
- Email:Â info@focushomeinspections.com
New, slab on grade home construction
This is a new house that is being constructed with slab on grade (no basement).
The plumbing has been installed under the cement to be poured. Also under the slab, it will be a central source of heat with a pump to push the heated liquid throughout the structure. The floor will be warm, note also the styrofoam insulation complete with wire mesh which gives strength to the slab from cracking.
Water into the wall cavity
As can be seen here, a deck and framed wall are adjacent to each other, where water can enter into the wall cavity. Water from above roof had been splashing onto deck for many years and rotted the header, subfloor, and framing studs. I always recommend to clients when building a deck leave an air space between house and deck so that water can freely flow and not seep into framed structure.
Sloping floors and crooked doors
This cottage home inspection showed signs in the interior of sloping floors and crooked doors. When the crawlspace area was inspected, all substructure support needed to be repaired. As can be seen, this triple built-up beam has rotted, the support column is leaning, and has no footing to stabilize the column. This situation needs to be addressed immediately as the cottage was heading toward the lake.
Poor workmanship
Poor workmanship is most evident here.
Problems are:
- Hose bib should be facing downwards and further away from piping.
- Cultured stone is poorly applied and loose.
- No sealing for any of the protrusions through the wall surface.
Electrical panel with fibre glass stuffed into the panel
Electrical panels are a place where cold air will infiltrate into the home . However, this was not expected . First the danger of applying the insulation into the panel , and second , moisture or dampness building up within the insulation creating potential fire . The insulation should be removed immediately.
A Power of Sale
Some houses just beg for an inspection, like this one outside of Spencerville. After a decade or so of neglect, the prior owner lost this 130-year old farm house to the bank. A young couple decided to take a chance on it, but wisely put in their offer conditions for not just one inspection, but four.