Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Focus Home

The best home inspection in Ottawa & Gatineau

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Crawlspace Moisture and Ventilation Issues](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2026/01/crawlspace-moisture-and-ventilation-issues/) - These photos show the condition of a crawlspace under a bungalow with poor ventilation. Standing water on the ground and high humidity levels have led to rotting logs and floor joists. Excess moisture in crawlspaces can cause structural deterioration and long-term damage if not corrected. Recommended improvements include removing all debris, installing a ground vapor
- [Chimney Water Damage: A Common Issue Found During Home Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2026/01/chimney-water-damage-a-common-issue-found-during-home-inspections/) - One common issue we see during home inspections is chimneys with missing or incomplete caps. Without proper protection, water can penetrate the brick, become absorbed, and freeze during colder temperatures. This freeze-thaw cycle causes the brick to crack and deteriorate over time, a condition known as spalling. A properly installed chimney cap and metal flashing
- [Ottawa home inspection that shows an addition to the existing](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2023/07/ottawa-home-inspection-that-shows-an-addition-to-the-existing/) - This was an Ottawa home inspection that shows an addition to the existing 1965 house. As can be seen where the flat roof converges with the sloping roof, this area of surface is vulnerable to leakage. The snow and ice accumulate right at the corner where the gray membrane meets the black shingle, and infiltration
- [Recent Slab Work and Inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2023/02/recent-slab-work-and-inspection/) - 1. Styrofoam insulation has been applied around the perimeter to minimize thermal bridging with Styrofoam underneath the slab and 4 feet out from the perimeter 2. As can be seen at the edge of the slab the concrete was well poured, and smooth with the helicopter. 3. Slab is being smoothed by a helicopter, for
- [Concrete foundation inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2021/11/concrete-foundation-inspection/) - This is a concrete foundation inspection of a new home build. As can be seen here, the foundation wall is not sitting perfectly centered to the footing. It was advised to apply more cement to give the foundation wall better support. Foundation walls were also checked for anchor bolts at the right locations, squareness of
- [200 amp Service electrical panel with the wiring visible](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2021/07/200-amp-service-electrical-panel-with-the-wiring-visible/) - This is a 200 amp Service electrical panel with the wiring visible, and as can be seen a very unprofessional wiring job. Lots of loose wiring evident in the interior and wires around the panel not secure or stapled. Wires entering into panel are not secure with plastic sleeves, also allowing mice to get in
- [This is a 1950 cottage constructed by logs.](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2021/04/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
- [Cats urinated on the wood floors for such a long time](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2021/02/cats-urinated-on-the-wood-floors-for-such-a-long-time/) - Cats urinated on the wood floors for such a long time, and into the air ducts that it flowed into the main air duct above the furnace and into the heat exchanger. The wooden floors were warped, the ducts smelled of ammonia from the cats and there was actually corrosion of the metal as seen
- [Steel framed house](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2020/06/steel-framed-house/) - This is a rare steel-framed house structure. All studs, beams, posts, and ceiling joists are prefabricated and brought to the site. All material is assembled on-site giving this particular house a very strong and energy-efficient nature. Bottom line, a very well built house but a higher cost to build.
- [Cottage home Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2020/02/cottage-home-inspections/) - In cottage home Inspections, sometimes you will see some very interesting designs or methods of construction. In this case, instead of cutting the trees down to build a deck above, the owner has built the deck around these birch trees. Owners should be aware that the trees are constantly growing in height and diameter, therefore
- [New, slab on grade home construction](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2019/09/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
- [Water into the wall cavity](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2019/06/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
- [Inspection on a bungalow that was struck by a tornado.](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2018/10/inspection-on-a-bungalow-that-was-struck-by-a-tornado/) - This was a request for an inspection on a bungalow that was struck by a tornado in the Ottawa / Gatineau area in September 2018. The brick and foundation walls were inspected to determine if the brick could be saved and whether the block foundation could be rebuilt upon. As can be seen the roof
- [Poor workmanship](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2018/05/poor-workmanship-2/) - Poor workmanship on ceramic cutting and debris within the air ducts. Again it is advisable to go through with the home inspector and make a meticulous list. Also, even though the builders do their part to clean air ducts, it is best to get a professional air duct cleaning company.
- [New home pre-delivery inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2018/05/new-home-pre-delivery-inspection/) - This is a new home pre-delivery inspection. The house was supposed to be ready for the inspection, but the home had many deficiencies. It is most advisable, to have a thorough inspection done on all homes, but particularly before taking the keys to a new house, so that the deficiency list can be given to
- [Sloping floors and crooked doors](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2018/01/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
- [Window ice build up](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2018/01/window-ice-build-up/) - December 2017 and January 2018 are starting the winter with extreme cold temperatures. These windows have condensated water and ice which will eventually drip onto windowsills, wall surfaces, and onto floors. This will create mould and therefore should be dried as quickly as possible. Homeowners should monitor the situation closely in extreme cold weather.
- [Efflorescence on the surface of the concrete](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/10/efflorescence-on-the-surface-of-the-concrete/) - As a Gatineau home inspector, you will come across some very interesting and rare things. This white substance is efflorescence on the surface of the concrete block wall in a basement area. The reason why this is interesting is that it was 2 inches thick. Indicative of high degree of moisture in that area.
- [Old Findlay](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/10/old-findlay/) - This old Findlay manufactured in Carleton Place Ontario wood stove, is still being used in a solar powered house that was recently inspected. As a Gatineau home inspector, I have the privilege of seeing beautiful architectural components in some of my home inspections.
- [Mouse in electrical panel](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/08/mouse-in-electrical-panel/) - The holes that electrical panels have to pass wires through must all be either used by the wires or the punch outs should be capped or covered. This mouse got into this panel very recently when the inspection was done. As can be seen, mouse is dead and it was recommended to remove.
- [Corroded iron steps](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/08/corroded-iron-steps/) - As can be seen here, salt being placed on these iron steps over the course of time in this Ottawa home inspection has corroded right through. These steps are dangerous to the tenants and should be replaced immediately as they are about to break.
- [Footings and foundation](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/05/footings-and-foundation/) - Like all structures, the footings and foundation are critical for masonry support. This concrete block foundation has a downspout pouring water directly to the block and has been pushing it apart due to frost heave. Poor grading has been damaging this foundation for 27 years. The result is the above masonry brick pushing upwards and away.
- [1866 stone building masonry inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/1866-stone-building-masonry-inspection/) - 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.
- [Squirrels birds and raccoons time](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/05/squirrels-birds-and-raccoons-time/) - This is the time of the year when squirrels birds and raccoons are having their offspring. Always keep an eye on soffits of rooves, underneath decks, and garages for damaged areas for animals to get in.
- [Railing to be installed](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/05/railing-to-be-installed/) - This is a pre-delivery inspection on a condo and as can be seen on the balcony, does not have the railing installed yet. However, the temporary barrier that has been applied, is well done until the new permanent railing is installed on all the condo units.
- [Roof Inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/05/roof-inspection/) - 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.
- [Chimney situations 3](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/04/chimney-situations-3/) - Chimney upshot picture at damper. Water has / is continuing to leak into flue , and as recommended , chimney and fireplace shall need replacement.
- [Chimney situations 2](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/04/chimney-situations-2/) - Fireplace damper corroding profusely , this will not pass a W.E.T.T. inspection. Fireplace and chimney shall require replacement.
- [Chimney situations 1](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2017/04/chimney-situations-1/) - Chimney flue to hot water tank not fastened securely. Recommended client to have seller repair immediately.
- [Interior camera shot of a heat exchanger from a furnace](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/11/interior-camera-shot-of-a-heat-exchanger-from-a-furnace/) - This is an interior camera shot of a heat exchanger from a furnace. The issue here is the corrosion and perforation evident in the metal, therefore carbon monoxide is being released into the air ducts. This furnace would be condemned immediately by the gas company and a new furnace would need to be installed. It
- [Maintenance of furnaces](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/maintenance-of-furnaces/) - Annual maintenance of furnaces is critical to running the heating system at optimum performance. Here, only two of the three burners are functioning causing uneven heat from first to second floor of the building. Recommendation was to have heat exchanger checked and/or budget on replacing furnace as the life expectancy was reached.
- [Maintenance on furnaces](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/maintenance-on-furnaces/) - 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.
- [Insulation disturbed and ripped apart vapour barrier by squirrels](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/10/insulation-disturbed-and-ripped-apart-vapour-barrier-by-squirrels/) - 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
- [Original steel roofing on a house which is over a century still in use](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/10/original-steel-roofing-on-a-house-which-is-over-a-century-still-in-use/) - 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.
- [A Dead Mouse in a Breaker Panel](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/a-dead-mouse-in-a-breaker-panel/) - Every now and then in this line of business you come across something really special. The picture above is graphic. At one home inspection I came across a dead mouse in the breaker panel. Who knows how long the carcass had been there. The panel had holes for which wires are introduced into the panel
- [Log homes](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/07/log-homes/) - Log homes are beautiful to live in but require maintenance like all buildings. Below are examples of problems that can arise over time as the logs crack open and moisture gets in. In the first picture, at the end of the log, you can see the crack where wood-eating insects can enter and cause internal
- [Cast iron sewer inspection by camera](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/07/cast-iron-sewer-inspection-by-camera/) - A bit difficult to see but, this is a camera inside a sewer pipe heading out from the clean out pipe to the street. There were large trees in the same area as the sewer pipe making this 60 year old cast iron pipe vulnerable to root entry and back up of sewage to the
- [Air ducts can be a health issue](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/air-ducts-can-be-a-health-issue/) - 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
- [The advantages of pre-fabricated construction](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/the-advantages-of-pre-fabricated-construction/) - 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 : Quick construction time on site. Sections of the home are built in an enclosed environment , so there
- [Live melted wire](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/live-melted-wire/) - 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
- [Loose exhaust pipe](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/loose-exhaust-pipe/) - 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.
- [Corroded flue releasing carbon monoxide](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/corroded-flue-releasing-carbon-monoxide/) - 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.
- [Exterior wall mould inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/exterior-wall-mould-inspection/) - 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.
- [Toilet sitting directly on top of sump pump pit](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/toilet-sitting-directly-on-top-of-sump-pump-pit/) - 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
- [Hard, corrosive water damage](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/hard-corrosive-water-damage/) - Hard water, minerals and salt have corroded this tap so much that it is almost unrecognizable. Copper pipes through out the house were also vulnerable to leakage at the soldered joints.
- [Mushroom Wonderland!](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/mushroom-wonderland/) - Here is another wonder you don't see every day! The humidity was so high in one house we inspected, that mushrooms had begun to spring up on the carpet.
- [Electrical panel with fibre glass stuffed into the panel](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/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.
- [Water in the basement](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/water-in-the-basement/) - 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
- [A Power of Sale](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/07/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
- [Poor workmanship](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/2016/08/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.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/)
- [About](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/about/)
- [Request Inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/request-inspection/)
- [Contact](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/contact/)
- [Testimonials](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/testimonials/)
- [Thank You for Reaching Out!](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/thank-you-for-reaching-out/) - Thank you for reaching out! A member of our team will contact you shortly.
- [Thank You for Your Request!](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/thank-you-for-your-request/) - Thank you for reaching out! A member of our team will contact you shortly.
- [Partial Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/partial-inspections/)
- [Interior details](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/interior-details/)
- [Insulation details](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/insulation-details/)
- [Plumbing details](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/plumbing-details/)
- [Heating & cooling details](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/heating-cooling-details/)
- [Electrical](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/electrical/)
- [Structural details](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/structural-details/)
- [Roofing](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/roofing/)
- [Exterior details](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/detailed-reports/)
- [New Home Construction Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/new-home-construction-inspections/)
- [New Home Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/new-home-inspections/)
- [Homeowner's Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/homeowners-inspections/)
- [Pre-purchase inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/inspection-types/)
- [Pre-Sale Inspections](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/pre-sale-inspections/)
- [contact form](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/contact-form/)
- [Blog](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/blog/)
- [Hello](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/hello/)

## Portfolio

- [Multiple Bottles](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/multiple-bottles/)
- [Light Travel Kit](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/light-travel-kit/)
- [Signature Hat](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/signature-hat/)
- [Travel Headphones](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/travel-headphones/)
- [Leather Boots](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/leather-boots/)
- [Citrus Notebook](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/citrus-notebook/)
- [Green Notebook](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/green-notebook/)
- [Luxury Items](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/luxury-items/)
- [Overnight Kit](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/overnight-kit/)
- [Faded Wood](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/faded-wood/)
- [Leather & Camera](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/leather-camera/)
- [Wanderlust Bag](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/wanderlust-bag/)
- [Classic Glass bottles](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/classic-glass-bottles/)
- [Beautiful Flag Design](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/beautiful-flag-design/)
- [Retro Camera Design](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/retro-camera-design/)
- [Momentum Headphones](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/portfolio_item/momentum-headphones/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorised](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [General](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/general/)
- [Exterior](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/exterior/)
- [All](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/all/)
- [Electrical](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/electrical/)
- [Foundation](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/foundation/)
- [Home inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/home-inspection/)
- [Humidity](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/humidity/)
- [Interior](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/interior/)
- [Power of sale](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/power-of-sale/)
- [Water](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/water/)
- [home](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/home/)
- [Furnace](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/category/furnace/)

## Tags

- [chimney](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/chimney/)
- [masonry](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/masonry/)
- [water damage](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/water-damage/)
- [home inspection](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/home-inspection/)
- [crawlspace](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/crawlspace/)
- [crawlspace moisture](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/crawlspace-moisture/)
- [crawlspace ventilation](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/crawlspace-ventilation/)
- [high humidity](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/high-humidity/)
- [water intrusion](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/tag/water-intrusion/)

## Portfolio Category

- [Architecture](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/type/architecture/)
- [Branding](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/type/branding/)
- [Graphic Design](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/type/graphic-design/)
- [Identity Design](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/type/identity-design/)
- [Web Design](https://www.focushomeinspections.com/type/web-design/)