Chronicles from our experts
Our blog articles allow you to learn more about construction and renovation. How to prevent problems with your building and how to fix them? Where to invest money and properly maintain your house or building? What are the myths and urban legends on housing that you may have heard ? Our inspectors and experts share their knowledge to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
3 questions before buying a fixer upper home
It may seem interesting when choosing your next home to consider a "fixer upper" home to save a little money. This is even more true when the inventory of properties for sale is more limited, smaller. But not all fiser upper homes are created equal... Keep reading or watch our video as we take a look at three important questions to ask yourself to find…
3 reasons for buying a Novoclimat house
Buying a home is a pivotal moment in the life of any home or condo owner. And when it comes time to buy a new home, any conscientious buyer will want to take every step to get the most out of their real estate investment. A great way to do this is to opt for a Novoclimat home. Read our article as we present 3…
Failed renovations: a real case that had the effect of a cold shower
Imagine the following situation: You just had major renovations completed on your house, including the roof, when suddenly problems begin. Repetitive water infiltration forces you to spend thousands of dollars and contractors take turns without solving the problem definitively. Every expected rain raises your anxiety level as you fear further damage. You do not know what to do or who to trust anymore. Read our article to know everything about the misfortune that one of our clients…
5 things to consider when buying a second home
According to a 2021 report on recreational properties, one in four Canadians would consider buying a second home or cottage. This is due in part to the popularity of working remotely as well as the more affordable recreational property market compared to urban markets. Read our article as our home inspectors reveal 5 important things to consider when buying a second home.
5 Tips to keep your basement from looking like a horror movie…
If you ask homeowners what the wettest place in their house is, chances are most of them will answer without hesitation: the basement. If you're one of them, you may be wondering if there's anything you can do about it. Read our article as our building experts present you with 5 tips to keep your basement from looking like a horror movie…
3 questions before buying a fixer upper home
It may seem interesting when choosing your next home to consider a "fixer upper" home to save a little money. This is even more true when the inventory of properties for sale is more limited, smaller. But not all fiser upper homes are created equal... Keep reading or watch our video as we take a look at three important questions to ask yourself to find…
Contingency fund study: how to choose a trustworthy company?
You are an active member of your condominium corporation and you were mandated to learn about Bill 16 and contingency fund studies at your last meeting. You search the internet for a reliable company to conduct your study and, after visiting a few sites, you are more confused than before. Read our article and see 3 criteria to consider in order to make a wise…
3 reasons to take advantage of the exclusive My First Home program
Whether you choose a condo or a house, taking the plunge and buying your first home is never an easy decision. Neighbourhood, inspection, mortgages, insurance: there are many things to consider and weigh. Read our article as we share with you 3 reasons why it's worth taking advantage of our exclusive My First Home program for your first home purchase!
Attic ventilation : Your attic needs fresh air
With the presence of stains and mold spots on the wood and rust on the nails, our inspectors come to suspect the presence of high condensation in the attics of the houses they visit. This condensation can be caused by several elements including an exfiltration of hot and humid air from inside the building or poor ventilation of the attic.
Real estate investor: see how a good inspector can be a valued ally!
You are a real estate investor and you have a beautiful building in your sights. You evaluate the potential and decide to make an offer to purchase. Since time is of the essence, you decide not to call on the services of a professional inspector and opt instead to take a look at it yourself. After all, you know your way around buildings. Read our…
Thermography: 5 myths explained by our experts
Each winter, while a Siberian wind is whistling outside, we are presented with the traditional news report on thermal imaging surveys. According the pseudo-experts who show us these funny red and blue images, there is almost nothing they cannot see with their camera. Yet, unless asking Superman for a favor, no thermal camera can see through walls. Read our article and see 5 thermography-related myths explained by…
In-house survey: home inspection and building as seen by… you!
60: That's the number of home surveys that you - the faithful readers of our home capsule - have answered since the very first issue of our newsletter in April 2014. We asked you about a wide range of topics that are related to our field of interest, namely building. Stay tuned as we take a look at what has come out of your responses…
Energy efficiency | See the energy efficiency of our homes in a few figures
Did you know that according to Hydro-Quebec, heating and air conditioning alone are responsible for 54% of a home's energy costs? This is the main reason why energy efficiency is at the center of so many conversations, subsidy programs and the focus of our building contractors. Read our article as we take a look at 3 important elements when it comes to energy efficiency in…
Is your house too big for you?
A friend of yours is getting ready to move from the house she's lived in for 35 years to a condo. After all, her children have long since left the nest, her neighbourhood has changed and her long-time acquaintances have moved away. What about you, have you ever considered that maybe your home was no longer suitable for your needs? Read our article as we…
A blower door test, but what is it?
Did you know that there is such an effective tool that Transition énergétique Québec - the government corporation set up to administer several energy efficiency programs - has made it its main tool, among others, for the Rénoclimat and Novoclimat programs? And what if we told you that our experts even use it to diagnose water infiltration problems. Stay tuned as we take a look…
5 common problems encountered when buying an old house
Older homes tend to offer residents a sturdier construction and aesthetically pleasing facades that you would be hard pressed to find in today's construction. But behind its exterior charm, an old house can hide a range of problems that can make many people regret their purchase. Stay with us as we look at 5 problems that come up when buying an old house.
5 interesting facts about… mold!
During your spring cleaning, you discover mold on your window frames. You clean up the mold, install your screens and forget about it. At least until fall when you remove your screens for the cold season. What do you find on your window frames? You guessed it: mold. Clean up the mold and then listen to our short clip as we present 5 interesting facts…
How well do you know your house? Play the game!
Did you know that since the beginning of the pandemic, the average value of our homes in Quebec has increased by more than 30%! In such a context, it is easy to understand why more and more homeowners want to better plan the work and invest in the right places. But to do this, it is essential to know your home well. Watch our video…
Is radon gas coming to your home?
Radon is an odorless gas found in the ground that comes from the natural decay of uranium. When this gas is released into the atmosphere and mixes with fresh air, its concentration is too low to be of concern. However, when radon infiltrates a home through cracks in foundation walls, sumps pit or any other openings in the foundation, then, its concentration can become harmful.
Could a carbon monoxide detector save your life ?
Despite the awareness campaigns of recent years, it still happens too frequently that our inspectors discover, during their pre-purchase home inspection or other inspections, houses without a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Although not all homes require the presence of such a detection system, it is essential for everyone to know the conditions that call for a CO detector. And you, would you know if your…
What is the difference between an asset management plan and a contingency fund?
Maintenance schedule, asset management plan, contingency fund, maintenance booklet: it is certainly difficult to find one's way through the terminology surrounding the world of condominiums. We know from experience that many people rightly confuse the asset management plan with the contingency fund. Stay tuned as we sort out these concepts and separate the asset management plan from the contingency fund.
Beware of trees too close to your house
Presence of mature, deciduous trees near a building can cause various problems, depending on the tree type and soil.
5 situations where an building expert can help you… without visiting you!
Are you planning major work on your home, but have some technical questions? You are confronted with water infiltration and would like to discuss it with a professional? There are several situations where it can be useful to discuss with a building expert without the need to travel. Read our article as our experts present 5 situations where they can assist you... without having to…
Growing old in your own home. Is it possible?
"Aging at home" is the name given to the phenomenon describing the ability of older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Of course, people who age at home do not require the necessary support services such as those offered in specialized centers. That said, stay tuned as we look at how a home can be adapted to the…
Post purchase inspection: when is it too late to get an inspection?
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average price of houses in the country has increased by 18% between 2020 and 2021. As we all know, the real estate market has been in turmoil lately and we have received hundreds of calls from clients who wanted a building inspection. Unfortunately for them, this request came after they had moved into their new home. Stay…
3 common problems encountered when buying a cottage
Due to the size of the territory we cover, it often happens that our inspectors are called upon to inspect second homes for our clients. Unfortunately, many people still buy cottages without first having them inspected and some see their peaceful haven turn into a real nightmare... Whether you're at the cottage or at home, take a moment to watch our vignette as our inspectors…
5 tips to avoid being overwhelmed by your home inspection report
We know that it can be intimidating to read any large technical document and a home inspection report is no exception. The home inspection report is the only tangible item that will remain when the inspection is complete and it is what you will base your decision on whether or not to go ahead with the purchase of your future home. Watch our column as…
This summer, do your home maintenance inspection in 7 days!
A home is a significant financial investment, and for anyone who wants to ensure that this investment retains or increases in value over time, we sometimes need to take a moment to maintain our buildings. But no one wants to spend their vacation working on their home. That's why our home inspectors offer to do your home maintenance inspection in 7 days, one task at…
Not too near the ground, please!
When the threshold of a window is at or below ground level, the proximity of it may bring together the components of the window with soil moisture, thus promoting water infiltration and insects.
My pre inspected home Program: an idea that benefits everyone!
There's no denying that over the past few years the real estate market has surprised us with a whole range of unpredictable twists and turns. But did you know that there is a simple and accessible way to ensure that everyone gets the most out of a real estate transaction? If you're considering selling your home, read our article and see how our exclusive My…
Contingency fund study: do you know where the numbers come from?
You are a new condo owner and you decide to get involved in the management of your condo. You take a look at all the documents that you are given, including the contingency fund study, and your head quickly turns. You wonder how to find your way through all these figures? More importantly, where do they come from? Watch our short video (french only) as…
Home inspector or building expert: who does what?
When it comes to having a home inspection before you buy a new house, most people know that the professional you need is a home inspector. But when you are faced with a water infiltration problem in your house or condo, who should you refer to? Another inspector or an expert? Stay with us as our inspectors - and experts - explain the major differences…
Co-ownership documents and purchase of a condo: 3 options for you
The purchase of a condo is for many an interesting option when it comes to making a first real estate purchase. According to Statistics Canada, 1 out of 5 condo owners is under the age of 35. Many people wonder what the differences are between buying a condo and a house? Should you have a condo inspected? Stay with us as we explore 3 options…
Cave or house: air quality problems are as old as the hills!
Darkness, crawling critters, humidity... the living conditions in the caves that were the homes of the first Homo sapiens were certainly not rosy. Any spelunker will tell you! And although it is undeniable that living conditions have greatly evolved since the days of the cavemen thanks to the high quality of our modern buildings, we have to admit that the introduction of new products into…
5 common sources of water infiltration in a basement or crawl space
Did you know that according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, approximately 40% of all claims are related to water damage? In Quebec alone, this represents more than 600 million dollars in damages! A simple way to minimize damage from water infiltration is to be constantly vigilant. Stay tuned as we present 5 common sources for water infiltration in your basement or crawl space.
Buying a home without a legal warranty: are you up for such an adventure?
You're in the market for a new home, but the current real estate market is certainly not easy for buyers. Finally, you find the house of your dreams, but there's a little catch: the seller insists on selling without a legal warranty, at your own risk... Stay tuned as we take a look at what the legal warranty consists of and what the consequences of…
Attic: do not let this mysterious space make you sick
A study by Chalmers University found that 72% of homes with cold attics have excessive humidity and a strong presence of mold. In other words, only 1 in 4 houses does not have attic related problem. What about you, do you know if your attic is in good shape? Fortunately, there is a simple and effective method to identify attic problems. Read our article to…
What is the reason behind Bill 16?
If you own a condo, you know that you will soon have to comply with the requirements of Bill 16. But your building is brand new and you may think this law does not concern you. After all, why should you set aside money now if the building doesn't need repair? Stay tuned as we take a closer look at the motivation behind Bill 16.
Buying a house without an inspection is buying with your eyes closed…
You're ready to buy your first home or you need a larger space to accommodate your growing family. After several weeks of intense searching, you finally find the perfect home. But, you come down from your cloud soon enough...reality hits, the market is fierce and several offers have been made. You don't want to lose this house and you think about giving up the home…
Is your house suffocating? Find out why?
In our everyday conversations, too often, and wrongly, we attribute poor indoor air quality to a house that it is too "insulated". This terminology is wrong. A house can never be too insulated, but the quality of its indoor air can still be affected by another factor: the airtightness of the house. Take advantage of our explanations to finally understand how your home breathes.
Frozen door lock : find out what is hidden behind that commun problem
It’s winter. The wind is whistling around you and the cold is cutting into your bones. You've barely made it from your car to the front door when your fingers are already frozen. You still risk taking out your keys, entering it in the lock of your main door, but unfortunately, it refuses to turn. Why does your lock refuse to cooperate when winter is…
Pests: Make sure your attic remains uninhabited
Despite their sometimes repulsive aspect, wasps, bats, ants or even spiders all have an important role to play in nature. As long as mice remain in fields and birds in the trees, everything is for the best in the best of worlds. It is when these creatures sneak behind the siding, in walls or attics of our homes that real trouble begins. Read our review…
Ice dam : see what is hiding behind the icicles
It's winter and you just got back from shopping. Your gaze is attracted to your roof, where the brilliant sun makes the icicles dangling from your gutter glitter with a thousand lights. Suddenly, the enchantment gives way to doubts: is the weight of all this ice likely to tear the gutter? You take a look to the left and right, but none of your neighbors…
Avoid condensation in windows
During winter, there are certain problems that are obvious to our inspectors even before they enter the house. One of these problems is excessive condensation in the windows. The indoor ambient temperature, the humidity level in the air, the surface temperature of the window, the outside temperature and the habits of the occupants are all factors that can influence this phenomenon. But before proposing possible…
Avoid unnecessary damage to your outdoor faucets
Even though most of our modern homes are equipped with outdoor faucets that are frost-free, there are still some small precautions to take as the cold season approaches or even during the winter. Stay with us and watch our video to learn more about how to care for your outdoor faucet as winter near.
For an efficient and odor-free floor drain
When a plumbing fixture (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, etc.) is seldom use or not use, there is a great risk that the water in its p-trap will evaporate or empty, allowing the sewer odors to escape. Simply pouring a sufficient amount of water into the drain will fill the p-trap and prevent unpleasant odors from circulating. It is recommended to run water periodically into the drains of…
New or old house? Air quality issues do not make the difference
How can you understand your indoor air quality situation, whether your home is new or not? In this capsule we will help you review your concerns about the health of your loved ones and the different contaminants that can be found inside your home. You won't need any specialized tools. Your senses and especially your sense of smell will suffer greatly to answer our few…
So that your gutters keep running smoothly…
It is not uncommon for the buyer of a new house to be given a house without gutters and downspouts because, contrary to what many of us may believe, their installation is not part of the requirements of the Construction code. However, an adequate system of rain gutters and downspouts is an excellent way of directing rainwater or snowmelt away from the building and at…
Avoid problems related to an inadequate ground slope
Did you know that the slope of the land around the building has an important function of drainage of runoff water? Therefore, a poor drainage of a sloped lot due to a bad slope directing water towards the foundation can promote excess humidity in the basement or even cause water infiltration. To avoid this situation, the entire lot should have a slope of at least…
Efflorescence: that white powder that hides so much
Efflorescence presents itself in the form of a powdery, whitish substance that appears on the surface of brick, masonry and concrete. This phenomenon occurs when the mineral salts contained in these elements are dissolved by the water they contain. During its evaporation, the water transports these salts to the surface where they turn into those white deposits.
Do not fill the weep holes!
If you live in a home with masonry exterior cladding, such as brick, you may have noticed these small openings at the bottom of the wall. You might think the mason decided to save some money on the mortar. The reality is however quite different… Watch our video and see the real function of these small cavities called weep holes.
Heat pump: how much power do you really need?
The warm season is finally at our doorstep and the memory of past heat waves makes you seriously consider having a heat pump installed. You do some research on the internet to find that there are quite more things to consider than you first thought. And it would seem that financial assistance would be available for the installation of an ENERGY STAR device? See our…
Change or repair your windows? See more clearly and make the right choice
If you live in a house where air drafts are part of it, you might think you’re literally throwing your money away. So you consider replacing your windows, but are they actually responsible for your discomfort and your high heating bills? If saving money is your main goal, there may be other more effective and less costly methods to achieve it. Read our article to…
Buying a condo: 5 important points to consider to avoid nightmares!
The acquisition of a condo has several aspects that must not be overlooked if one wants to avoid unpleasant surprises. When buying a condo, it is important to keep in mind that you are also getting the management of the entire building. In other words, you must ensure that the management of the building, carried out by the syndicate of co-owners, is well administered and…
Home air quality test: do you really need it?
Frequent colds, bronchitis, skin irritation, itchy eyes, nosebleeds, etc. All symptoms that you or your family may be experiencing. Worried, you look for information and come to doubt the indoor air quality of your home and the potential presence of mold. You could then be tempted to ask for an air quality test to confirm the presence of mold and provide solutions. Wait! Read our…
Buying a first home? 3 new tips to follow so you won’t miss anything!
So it's official, you’ve decided to buy your first house. Beware! It is easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of the moment, but much more difficult to stop and rationally assess the situation. And that's when bad decisions and problems occur. Read our article to discover 3 tips that will help you make the right choice and act as an experienced buyer…
Your house is airtight? Choose the best adapted ventilation
Winter is definitely here and the frequent presence of frost at the bottom of your windows suggests that you are experiencing a moisture problem in your home. You look on the web to find possible solutions, but this only brings you more questions... Incorrectly connected dryer, inadequate exhaust fan, poor air circulation, lack of air change: how can one make sense of all of this?…
In a real estate transaction? 3 tips to avoid common mistakes
In our previous column, we warned young shoppers about pitfalls they might encounter when buying their first home. This week, we are going for 3 additional tips, but that are this time for all property buyers. Based on our experience acquired through thousands of inspections and legal expertises, we present these tips to help you avoid common errors that may appear after the transaction. Read…
Mold… everybody’s talking about it
As we mentioned in a past column, summer is the most suitable season for mold formation in our homes, mainly in our basements. But what exactly is mold?
Buying a flipped house: are there skeletons in the closets?
Imagine: you buy a beautiful house, "completely renovated", as the announcement said, so your family and you move in. Everything is going for the best when, suddenly one morning, a stain on the ceiling of the basement catches your attention. You look and search for the cause without success so you decide to call a building expert. What his investigation will reveal is not reassuring.…
House flipping: pay close attention to hidden defects
You’ve been searching for the house of your dreams for weeks when you finally find the rare gem: the kitchen has just been renovated to today’s taste, the paint is trendy and the bathroom modern. The mandatory Declarations by the seller form mentioned major renovations were done, but you were far from expecting such a result. But as the old saying goes, if it's too…
True or false: 5 myths explained to maximize the life of your roof
Regardless of their composition, our blankets serve many functions; they protect us from the cold and snow while keeping us dry. It is therefore normal that we want to take good care of them. The experts at Legault-Dubois demystify 5 urban legends about roofs so that you can better direct your interventions and save money in the long term.
Vermiculite insulation : Does your vermiculite insulation contain asbestos?
If your home was built or renovated before the 1990s, it is difficult to guess the method of insulation chosen as there were numerous options: fiberglass batt insulation, blown in cellulose, sprayed polyurethane foam or even vermiculite. This latter choice, popular between the 1940s and 1980s, may prove problematic depending on its origin, as it may contain amphibolic asbestos fibers. And you, do you know…
What if your balcony isn’t safe?
The design of a balcony, patio or raised deck has strict rules to ensure the safety of all the users. Also, did you know that there is a difference between a handrail and a guardrail? Listen to our video to see how each one is used and to help you have a safe time in the backyard.
3 solutions to solve your indoor air quality problem
The presence of contaminants and the general poor quality of the air you breathe can have a negative impact on the health of your loved ones and yourself. These effects can be felt in the short, medium or long term, depending on each person. Therefore, it is important to take action as soon as you begin to have doubts about the quality of the air…
Do you have any doubts about the quality of the air you breathe?
In a report published in 2016, the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec told us that Canadian citizens spent an average of 90 percent of their time indoors, mainly in residential buildings. Listen to our clip to find out how an indoor air quality assessment can dispel your doubts about the presence of contaminants in the air you and your loved ones breathe.
Moisture problem in the basement: 3 easy to identify symptoms
The Insurance Bureau of Canada revealed that more than $630 million is paid out annually to respond to water damage claims in Quebec alone. Today, we are focusing on problematic situations in basements related to the presence of water and excessive humidity.
Enjoy your pool… in complete safety!
Although the numbers are steadily declining, there is still an average of 73 people each year who dies of drowning in Quebec. Listen to our five tips (in french with english subtitles) to increase safety around your pool and, together, lets bring down this sad statistic.
How well do you know your house? 3 situations to watch to avoid problems
To protect your house and avoid problems, you must first know what is going on. Knowing your house will allow you to better plan the renovation and maintenance work that will be needed in the long term. This will also help protect your interests and allow you to make the most of your investment when selling your property. So, the better you know your house,…
5 points to optimize your spring cleaning task list
Springtime is here and the moment has also come for small seasonal work to be done around the house. Listen to our video while we present five things to check in order to better understand your building and plan your interventions according to its needs.
Do you have the skills to do your own renovations?
According to a survey of Canadian homeowners conducted in 2019, 64% of respondents were planning to renovate in the coming year. Stay with us as we take a look at the world of renovations and ask if you currently have the skills to undertake such work yourself.
3 building problems that can be diagnosed remotely
Which problems can our building experts diagnose remotely on the phone or via teleconference? Read our article or watch our video (with english subtitles) and see the most common building problems that our experts and inspectors can help you with without having to go to your home.
Something wrong? Should you call a renovation contractor or a building expert?
When to call in a building expert and when to call in a contractor when you notice a problematic situation with your building? Read our article or watch or video (with english subtitles) to find the answer to this question and better understand the difference between these two distinct roles.
Because you cannot pick your home inspection randomly
An web search yields 116,000 results for the term home inspector. Keep reading or watch our video (with english subtitles) as we look closely together at how to choose the best home inspector.
3 signs of problems in your attic visible from outside
There are three signs visible from the exterior of the building that allow us to suspect if there are problems inside the roof or the attic. Read our experts' article or view our French (available with English subtitles) home improvement blog to learn how to recognize them.
Attic problem: Symptoms associated with too much humidity
According to a study by the University of Chalmers, 72 per cent of our attics and roofs have moisture-related problems. Read this article or view our french home improvement capsule from our building experts to learn more about the types of symptoms that can be found inside the attic that can affect the health of occupants.
Condo and fire prevention: when a fire is anything but magical
What a joy to be with your family around a good fire after a cold March day of playing in the freshly fallen snow. On the other hand, in the case of a condominium building, this small moment of family relaxation can quickly turn into a serious problem for all of the co-owners. During our many expertise cases, we noted that several condominium buildings with…
Does the area where your home is located has an impact on your health ?
In our second article on indoor air quality, we invited you to do a little introspection and briefly analyze your habits, your decisions and all the elements that could influence your indoor air quality: recent work, new furniture, exterminator services, etc. But since no house is completely cut off from the outside world, the impact of the neighborhood in which the house is located should…
Cannabis and condo: a foul odor of problems on the horizon
With the legalization of cannabis, condominium associations are faced with an important choice: how to regulate the use of this substance without inconveniencing condominium owners. It is normal that health risks and the fear of the diffusion of odors between units should be at the heart of the debates. Yet, did you know that if the fire separations between units had been well designed during the…
Frozen pipes: avoid unpleasant surprises when you return from vacation
Winter is upon us! This means that many of us will soon take refuge further south. But during our cold season vacations, what happens to our water heater and all the piping? To avoid unpleasant surprises upon your return, some preventive interventions on your plumbing network and your water heater are required. Annie Beaudoin, representative of major accounts at Hydro-Solution, talks with Joel Legault, president…
Offer subsidies as a gift!
Your electricity bills are high and your spouse plans to review the insulation of the house? Your daughter has just acquired her first home and plans to do some work? Your mother feels cold drafts while sitting in the living room? This year for Christmas, put aside unnecessary gifts and think outside the box: give your loved ones a present that will allow them to…
Mold in the attic: 3 signs visible from the outside!
An article in the online magazine Realty Times mentions a drop between 17 and 23% of the market value of homes when they contain mold. Your attic can quickly become a breeding ground for mold growth if its humidity level becomes too high or if water infiltration occurs. It is therefore important to monitor problematic clues and act quickly if necessary. Read our article and…
Water Heater: Avoid complications with a top-quality installation
Nowadays, no one marvels at seeing hot water flowing from the tap with a simple flick of the wrist. But even though this small miracle is now taken for granted, did you know that nearly 50 plumbing and electrical technical points from the building code apply when installing a water heater? And all that is just to ensure the durability of the tank itself and…
Selling your home? Have it inspected before and avoid future problems
You've been thinking about it for a while now and it's finally time to take action: you’re putting your house up for sale. You clean it through and through, paint the living room and have an asking price in mind. But suddenly a doubt arises: do you know your house as well as you think you do? What if the buyer's inspector discovered defects that…
Marijuana grow-op: when cannabis isn’t that relaxing anymore…
With the many stories on the subject shown on TV or heard on the radio, we are savvier than ever when it comes time to acquire a home or a condo. The seller's declaration, the pyrite test result and the pre-purchase inspection: we take all the means at our disposal to make a prudent and diligent purchase. What if you nevertheless fall on a house…
The average home in Quebec 5 revealing figures
Year after year, evaluators, inspectors, technicians and other Legault-Dubois building specialists assess numerous cases. We’ve had the opportunity to visit commercial buildings, construction sites at various stages of completion, apartment buildings and condominiums of two, three and even 300 units. But for this article, we had to make some hard choices. So we chose 20,000 single family home files to give you a good idea of…
Savings of 20 % in energy costs thanks to dual energy heating systems?
Dual energy heating systems are still little known in Quebec. Some of you may be using it, but for others the term is not even familiar. Yet all homeowners would benefit from knowing more about these systems because they could benefit from DT pricing, a more economical rate. Effective use of a dual energy heating system can mean significant savings on energy costs. Read our…
3 ways to minimize damage related to your water heater
Every morning you jump in the shower. Without thinking, you call upon an essential element of our modern comfort: the water heater. Often neglected by homeowners, the water heater is responsible for most water-related damages in our basements. And you, can you tell the age of yours? Do you know its condition? Do you know when it needs to be replaced? Read this article from…
Home renovation: avoid ending up all upside down
"My brother will help me with these renovations. He knows what he’s doing; after all, he built his house himself!" Far from us the idea to contradict you or to question your brother’s skills, but too often in our profession do we see building problems arising directly from renovations made by relatives of the owners. Why? Simply because the people involved do not grasp the…
Bad smell in your condo unit : the solution might not be where you think
Cooking odors, cigarette smoke or even vehicle exhaust: anyone who has ever lived in a condo or apartment knows full well the inconvenience that may cause odor diffusion problem. Often, after a short investigation, you realize that these odors come from a neighboring dwelling or underground garage. Read this review to understand the route taken by the odors inside a building. First, for an odor…
Fire barrier: why do fires spread so easily in buildings?
In March, a fire broke out in a building in Pierrefonds, causing damage estimated at more than $100,000. In May, another fire forced the evacuation of 68 families while yet another in Sainte-Adèle threw forty residents on the street. More recently in Laval, twenty people were left homeless after a fire burned their apartment complex down and caused a power outage for about 4,500 homes.…
Sidewalks and stairs: eliminate the risk of dangerous falls!
The BBQ season is fast approaching and many of us are planning to review the layout of our backyards. The Quebec Construction Code gives us rules to follow to ensure the safety of all, but have you ever consulted it? If so, were you able to understand it all? What is a handrail, a guardrail? Our experts look in these things and dissect the Code’s requirements…
Pre purchase home inspection: 3 common mistakes to avoid for a successful real estate transaction
The Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards (QFREB) reveals that about thousands of units (house, condo, duplex, etc.) change hands in the three months before July 1 in the metropolitan area alone. Of all these buyers, too few realize what a pre-purchase inspection actually is and understand its value and utility. Yet it is the most important step for anyone who wants to acquire a…
Dry rot: can you protect yourself from this building cancer?
The sun rises on your home, its rays warming you through the window. You admire the squirrels as they rummage through your garden while thinking back with obvious pleasure to the day you purchased your home. Little do you know that, as you’re taking a sip from your cup of coffee, the infamous dry rot is wreaking havoc underneath your feet. Read our article and…
Sell your house fast and easily: 3 tips to reduce your stress
Your family’s growing or your eldest son’s leaving the nest, and you’ve decided to move. So you put your current home for sell and quickly receive an enticing offer. That’s when the potential buyer mandates a pre-purchase inspector to check your house. This inspection reveals a major water leakage problem in the attic. With a reasonable doubt now implanted in his mind, the buyer hesitates…
DIYers: do not solve a problem by creating one worst
When she contacted us for a water infiltration problem, our client expected the problem to be solved in a jiffy. Unfortunately, water infiltration are often the result of another, deeper problem and this was exactly the case for our client. But the quick response of our client allowed her to intervene before the sky fell on her head. Read our articleand see how signs of water infiltration revealed a major problem with…
Water damage in a house: discover the consequences of sloppy work
Mandated for a problem of unpleasant odor in a kitchen, our expert was far from expecting this situation, so simple in appearance, to become one of our most complex of the season. And the customer even less. But if there is one thing that is confirmed with each case, it is that there are always surprises hidden behind the walls. Read our column and see…
Buy a heat pump or an air conditioner? Stay cool and make the right choice
It's 1:25 am and you are having trouble falling asleep. If only you had a heat pump to cool you off, you might fall asleep. Or an air conditioner, which can just as well cope with this task at a lower cost. But the latter cannot be used as a heating system in winter. It's 1:28 am and you are wondering which device to invest…
Home inspection: Don’t get caught by surprise
Your nephew has just received his driver's license. Confident, he asks you to lend him your new $ 50 000 sports car for the weekend. Of course, you hesitate to give him the keys to your shiny new toy. Why? Simply because your nephew lacks the skills of a more experienced driver. So why are so many people so quick to trust anybody to perform…
Water damage: Avoid costly water damage and harmfull for your health
Every year in Quebec, in spring, thousands of basements are flooded. The main cause: improper design and malfunction of the sump and its pump. Learn how to avoid cleaning costs and mold damage with simple tips and easy prevention methods explained by our experts. No house in Quebec can boast of being sheltered from rain and water-related damage. This is why, during construction, contractors put…
Maintain the integrity of your concrete balconies
As all of us can see by surveying the countless streets that crisscross the province, concrete balconies are present in Quebec because they offer a sustainable surface. However, some products such as de-icing salts and tools such as metal shovels can contribute to their deterioration. It is not uncommon during our inspections to find rusty and friable reinforcements or pieces of concretes detached from the…
Struggling with electrical problems?
It is surprising how often our inspectors, during their pre-purchase inspections in particular, notice inadequate outlets in bathrooms and kitchens. Why inadequate? Well, given the presence of water in these two rooms, the electrical outlets must be of a specific type in order to ensure the safety of the occupants.
Is your water heater agonizing?
Generally speaking, the service life of a domestic water heater varies between 10 and 15 years. Several factors can influence this lifespan including the quality of its fabrication, the particularities of the water circulating within (iron, limestone, pH ...), the environment in which it is installed (temperature, humidity, frequent passages, etc.), the ground on which it stands (concrete, earth, insulation ...), and more.