Home buying 101: this extensive resource is put together from CHMC to help you understand all the consideration of purchasing a new home.
Building Basics
ARTICLES
These are a selection of articles to help you better understand the materials and conditions which may exist in your home.
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This is a extensive guide from CMHC on the steps to purchasing a condo.
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Aluminum wiring was used in homes from the mid 60’s to late 70’s as an inexpensive copper replacement. Some of its properties make it more prone to being a fire hazard.
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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with great properties for building materials. It has one unfortunate property that makes its loose fibers very dangerous to our health.
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When is the last time you or someone you know was in their attics? Water entry and condensation are two very good reasons to check it occasionally. Pests are also a good reason but not the topic of this piece.
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Nobody likes a smelly damp basement. Learn more about how the problems are generated and how to combat them.
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Carbon monoxide is also called the silent killer. It is important to understand where this poisonous gas comes from and how to keep it out of your home.
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We hear about duct cleaning all the time but is it really necessary? You may be surprised by the answer that the CHMC has come up with.
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Do you know what to do in the event of a large scale emergency? Are you prepared to fend for your family and yourself in the case that help cannot arrive for three days?
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Warm feet in the wintertime; does this sound to good to be true? In floor heating has been around a long time but it is becoming popular again and for good reason.
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Attached garages carry with them a number of issues you should be concerned about.
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Is the house you are thinking of buying a former grow-op? Read what the Canadian Real Estate Association wants their agents to know.
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Do you know what you should be doing when to keep your home in good repair and the maintenance man at bay? A few easy steps can help protect your home investment.
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An HRV is becoming part of healthy living in homes. How do you keep the thing that brings fresh air into your home while keeping heat from escaping in good working order?
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Would you like to get top dollar for your home? This is all about how to show your home well.
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Did you know exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom remove more than just the smoke from a dinner gone wrong or odours from the bathroom? They remove moisture from cooking and cleaning that could promote mold and structure damaging rot. They improve the air you breathe and protect your home.
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Knob and tube wiring comes in older homes and was used until the 1950’s. Did you realize homes with this wiring might be harder to find an insurer for and you may have to pay a premium because of the concerns of fire hazards?
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Is your home built prior to 1960? Who is at risk of lead poisoning and where does it come from?
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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning in your home helps keep you comfortable and in good health. A basic understanding of these systems is vital to your health and safety.
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Mold can damage your health and home. Understanding what mold is and how it grows are the first steps to getting rid of it.
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Oil tanks can be an environmental hazard and a huge headache not to mention very costly. What you need to know to try and protect yourself.
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We all like to make our homes beautiful but what if you are throwing good money after bad? This CMHC piece looks at how spend your renovation budget wisely.
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Everyday stairs can be dangerous; a fall can be especially bad for the elderly or children. Ever wonder why there are some stairs you seem to stubble on?
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As part of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (BC) we are obligated to perform your home inspection to these standards and conduct ourselves in accordance with our code of ethics.
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A house breathes just like you and me. Lingering odours or high humidity in the fall and winter are signs your house is not breathing, as it should. If your house doesn’t breathe you don’t breathe good quality air.
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Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral and is not necessarily dangerous. It just happens that large percentage of this type of insulation also has naturally occurring asbestos in it. As most of us know asbestos can be harmful to our health if its fibers are inhaled.
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LINKS
These are popular links to other sites related to real estate and home inspection.
The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.
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The City of Vancouver Archives is an excellent place to research you older home or building. Their holdings can help establish when it was built, its occupants, there maybe some historic photos or even plans for buildings of historic significance.
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This site has valuable consumer info about buying and selling properties as well as market trends. The association represents more than 10 000 members in the lower mainland.
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CAHPI (BC) is the association our inspectors belong to as well as being licensed by Consumer Protection BC.
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The CMHC is an invaluable resource for information. They have an extensive library of articles to help you with many issues for your home.
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