Homeowners renovate to update, add value or prepare their homes for sale. But no one wants to invest in a renovation only to see it cost more money later in revisions or repairs.  A CIBC poll done in 2016 suggested that 37% of Canadian homeowners planned to renovate or improve their home.  If you are considering a renovation to your house, a home inspection can help you prioritize your requirements and actually save you money in the long run. DO YOUR RESEARCH A home renovation can be fun and exciting, but it’s also a time when clear planning and forward thinking are most important. Going over budget, unforeseen mishaps or delays, disputes with builders and contractors – these aren’t what you envisioned as part of your dream renovation process. Careful research, investigation and planning are required in the decision making process. The Canadian Homebuilders Association (CHBA) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) are excellent resources. According t...

Water damage is one of the most common and costly repairs for homeowners to deal with, leading to increased maintenance costs, decreased property value, and a decline in indoor air quality. It can strike indoors as well as outdoors, and the longer you leave it the more expensive it will be to fix. Water damage needs to be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid the occurrence of mildew or mold, which are not only unsightly but have been known to cause considerable health hazards. This article provides information on identifying and eliminating excess moisture that could potentially lead to water damage in the home. THE BATHROOM The first place to inspect is the bathroom. Bathrooms have a number of areas where water commonly causes problems, but you have to look carefully. The most common areas are tiled shower stalls and tub enclosures. Moisture behind tiles, unless severe, is not usually visible. Ceramic tiles are quite waterproof, so the problem area is the grout betwee...