The article below is one of a number by prolific real estate writer and lawyer, Bob Aaron. As a Realtor, I personally have mixed feelings about the form in question. When I am representing a Seller, I do not want them to fill out the form; when I am representing a Buyer, I always ask for the form. One of the caveats of the form is the response option ‘Unknown’; whenever I formerly counselled a Seller about completing this form, I made it very clear to them that unless they were 100% sure of something, then the only logical space for them to initial was the ‘Unknown’ column. This, effectively, rendered the form useless.

One of the most controversial issues facing the real estate community is the use of the Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS), which is often provided by sellers to buyers to disclose various issues about a house being offered for sale.

In numerous columns, I have been critical of the form because it is complex, ambiguous, misleading and technical. I have written about some of the many court cases that have resulted from the use and mis

use of the document.

Real estate agents tend to be sharply divided on the SPIS. Many have written and spoken to me to support my position, and others have strongly disagreed with my “crusade.”

Recently I contacted Bob McLean, communications director at the Ontario Real Estate Association, which publishes the SPIS form. I asked him to arrange an interview for me with the association’s president or legal counsel.

I was told that the association’s point person was its president Pauline Aunger, and that she would provide me with a written statement on the subject. Aunger was very busy “chairing meetings,” and was only willing to enter into an email dialogue. I declined the offer.

OREA’s carefully crafted response states, “We take great pride in this form because it has demonstrated its ability to inform buyers and protect sellers over its many years of use in Ontario. The SPIS form protects sellers from a claim by the buyer that the seller did not reveal the condition of their home. Numerous court cases have cited the SPIS as evidence that a seller did, indeed, disclose a condition such as a wet basement so they were found not to be responsible for a claim by a purchaser.

“We also know anecdotally,” the letter continued, “that many potential claims by purchasers against sellers never even make it to court because those purchasers are reminded of the SPIS as evidence that they had, indeed, been informed of the condition of the house they bought.

“The Seller Property Information Statement also has proven to be an excellent tool to inform buyers of the condition of a property they are considering. Through the use of a SPIS, a buyer has pertinent information about a property that will assist them (sic) in their decision making process.

“The key to the successful use of the SPIS is the key to any successful transaction: honesty. If a seller knowingly hides pertinent information about their property, that is simply dishonest.”

Ross Konyer, an agent with Coldwell Banker in Lindsay, expressed the opposing view to me in an email.

Konyer points the finger of blame at OREA and at the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), the industry regulator, for promoting the SPIS form.

“RECO’s mandate is to protect the public’s interests in the trading of real estate in Ontario,” he wrote.

“How can a document such as the SPIS serve in the public’s best interest? Sellers are being asked questions that are beyond the scope of their expertise and knowledge. Innocent mistakes can be construed as misrepresentation and are an invitation to litigation.

“As a realtor, my ethical and legal duties are to protect my seller’s best interests. How could I possibly recommend that my client should enter this minefield by completing an SPIS?”

SPIS forms, Konyer wrote, are usually completed by homeowners who are “totally unqualified to give opinions on the state of electrical, plumbing, structural integrity, drainage, environmental etc.”

Buyers, Konyer added, should have qualified professionals conduct their inspections.

He also noted, “The more (court) cases that pile up, clearly showing how risky filling one out is, the more RECO insists it is a great tool for realtors and sellers alike.”

“Unfortunately, many realtors are still casually laying it on the table and handing the sellers a pen to fill out an SPIS without any discussion about the implications. Remember that realtors all have errors and omissions insurance for lawsuits, the average homeowner does not!”

I agree with Konyers. Sellers who sign SPIS forms and agents who encourage them to do so are asking for trouble.

Bob Aaron is a Toronto real estate lawyer and board member of the Tarion Warranty Corp. Email:bob@aaron.ca.

Something I’ve been hearing a lot the last 10 days, on an almost-daily basis, in fact. The gist of the message is when you feel really strong resistance, it is usually because you are so close to reaching your destination.

It’s funny how the right message will appear when you are ready to hear it, isn’t it? I’ve heard the saying ‘When the student is ready, the teacher will appear‘, yet I’ve disagreed with it. I’ve always tended to think that the teacher is always there, and it takes the student being ready to receive the lesson for the teacher to be apparent.

I think that we tend to think that the teacher isn’t there because to admit that we weren’t ready would seem to be admitting some kind of weakness or failure. It’s not true, of course, but I think it’s how our brains tend to work.

So, let’s look at this thing of ‘The closer you get, the Stronger the push-back’. Lately, I’ve read it as ‘The closer you are to victory, the stronger the enemy will appear’. This is kind of interesting, because it brings out the thought of perception vs. reality. Let me use an analogy from my days of running hundred-mile races, and 150 miles a week.

I entered my first ultramarathon as a mistake. I was running for Toronto Olympic Club at the time, and our coach was to have entered me into a 10 mile race in Toronto’s Sunnybrook Park. As fate would have it, I wasn’t entered, and the race was full, BUT, there was a 100km race happening at the same time, and I was free to enter that. So, perhaps having more bravado than brains, I did. I was able to finish the race, in dead last place, but, I finished.

That experience introduced me in great depth to the idea of ‘mind over matter’. You see, in running, the grand-daddy of events is, by most, considered to the the marathon. 26.2 miles is a formidable distance to run indeed, and I salute everyone who completes the distance. However, I have a problem with the way people are trained for the event.

99.99% of people are trained to expect that somewhere around the 23 mile mark, they will “Hit the Wall”, and they’ll have to dig really deep for those last 3 miles. Physiologically, that is true, but it’s only true because that is what people have been trained for psychologically. What if, instead of 22 or 23 miles being the longest training run people do for a marathon, they ran 28 or 30 miles for their long runs?

Sure, most people couldn’t do a lot of runs at that distance, and the overall training time for a marathon would be longer, but wouldn’t it be easier? What if you were able to run at max output for longer, knowing that the finish line would appear just before the dreaded wall appeared? My theory is that the maximum push-back wouldn’t happen until a distance further than the race, so you wouldn’t actually experience it. A few of us put this to the test, logging big mileage every week, with the long run being around 35 miles, plus we’d do a couple of days during the week where we’d run 6 or 8 miles in the morning and 20 – 22 miles in the evening. Certainly not a training routine for everyone, but for us, it worked.

I remember well, the feeling approaching the finish line of many marathons, and feeling a real surge because I knew that I was well within my comfort zone. However, to get to that point, I had to face my ‘enemy’, and overcome the push-back in order to keep running beyond the magic number. And the times the push-back was the strongest were the times I was upping the distance of my long run by a couple of miles. Boy, did that ‘enemy’ push back!

I notice the same things in my life now, whenever I want to overcome a limitation that I am facing. I had to, at one point, overcome the fear of picking up that 500-lb telephone handset that was in front of me. It didn’t start out weighing that much, of course, but it sure got a whole lot heavier in a hurry. And then, once I’d picked it up and dialed that first number, it started becoming harder and harder to dial the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

It was like I knew that I’d have to make 150 dials before I could get a listing, and so the first 25 dials were hard, and then dials 130 to 149 would be really hard, each one harder than the one before it. And then, suddenly, I made dial #150, I got an appointment, and I got the listing. And it was EASY. Gosh, I’d berate myself, how could I be so stupid?

Now I know, I wasn’t stupid, I was battling my own storys that I was telling myself, but I sure wish someone had told me that my proximity to my destination could be measured by how much I was pushing back at myself.

Imagine a life where you welcome the push-back, and you actually look for the resistance to get stronger. Because you know that the closer you get, the stronger the push-back will be.

Then, suddenly, you’re free. Because the push-back becomes your ally, and is no longer your ‘enemy’; you embrace it.

I am also led to think of a firecracker that burns and burns, and then just before it goes out, it has one final flare-up of brightness, and then pfffffft!, it’s out.

Tell me a story about a time when you have embraced the push-back.

Whilst working out on the eliptical machine this morning, flicking channels, I happened upon Joel Osteen‘s service from Lakewood, the church with the biggest congregation in the USA. I don’t consider myself a ‘religious’ person, however, I find that there

are often some really powerful messages to be gleaned from opening my mind and letting the information in. Funny how that works, eh?

There were a couple of different themes to this service today, one of which was that you have a choice to be a thermometer or a thermostat. A thermometer just measures the temperature in the environment, whereas a thermostat sets the temperature. Well, that got my mind workin’, for sure.

You see, I was always a thermometer, listening to the bellyaching around me, joining in on everyone’s pity-parties, and being a negative-nelly. It can sometimes be lonely if you choose not to be like everyone else.

As different forces have influenced my life over the years, I have come to see that the life of a thermometer is not something I want to live. There were some defining moments, probably starting with my wife and I attending T. Harv Eker’s Millionaire Mind weekend event the first time (we’ve been to 8 of them now). Another defining moment would have to have been when I read Marci Shimoff‘s book ‘Happy For No Reason‘ – a really powerful work that is described perfectly by the title.

Further influences would be having studied and led a group on the book ‘A Complaint-Free World‘, reading the book ‘The Dream Manager‘ many times, and really getting into Dr. Wayne Dyer’s writings. There have been many other influences over the last few years, especially my involvement with leadership at Keller Williams Real Estate.

Joel Osteen made some comments about how you can walk into a room sometimes and feel the toxicity in the air from all the negative people in there. He said that, at that moment, you have a choice; you can join in or you can choose to not let them get to you because you live from a different spirit. This was something I heard from T. Harv Eker some years ago, and I had translated it into my saying to people ‘Thank you for showing me how I do not want to be’. In February 2009, thanks to the excellent man Clint Swindall, I became aware of the ‘Tell Me Something GOOD!’ movement, and adopted that as my response for when people choose to dump their misery at my doorstep.

It’s amazing how, when you say “Tell me something good” to people, the vast majority cannot think of anything to say without a struggle, and then they’ll come up with stuff like ‘I woke up today’, or ‘I have a roof over my head’. Now, don’t get me wrong, those are good things indeed, but what about the really great things that happen in your life every day that you don’t even notice?

Clint also talked about celebrating the small things in life; I’d heard that before, and have been keeping a daily Successes journal, where I write down many of my successes from the day before. It doesn’t matter how trivial they may seem; they are a success, so I acknowledge them. And, over time, the things I get to celebrate as successes become different; they become more powerful, more meaningful. It is so cool!

My journey from thermometer to thermostat is moving along just fine. I know, and accept, the influence I have on others via my teaching, my mentoring and coaching. I know that when I walk into a room, I have a direct impact on the atmosphere of the room. Everyone does; as a person of influence, it is ever-more important that I not waste the gift I have been given.

As I have grown in myself, a big change that has happened is that I now look forward to people asking me ‘How are you?’. I used to hate the question, because it is rarely something asked out of genuine care or concern, but more of a societal norm, something people are trained to do. And so, if someone asked, they would get the answer they never expected to hear. If I felt lousy, I’d tell them, in great detail I’d tell them.

Now, I have a different answer, and it changes the atmosphere in any room I walk into. I put a smile on the faces of everyone in the room, every time, without fail. My answer now is either “AMAZING!” or “THE GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!!!” or a variation of those. I say it fairly loudly, making sure that others around me can hear (which doesn’t actually matter, because if I say it quietly, people’s radar picks it up anyway). And I ALWAYS follow it up with “TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!”

That is fun! I often have to explain to younger people what I mean by ‘Tell me something good’, but I’m getting ‘em trained and they remember me. I walked into a store yesterday, to be greeted by “Hey Chris, Tell me something good!” I remembered the young girl working there, because she was noticably polite and happy last time I visited the store a month ago. We had a chat yesterday, and she said that she remembered me because last time I was there it was her first day and lots of people were grouchy because she was slow. Now, this is a bulk food store where things don’t have labels and staff have to learn to recognize what people have in the containers – how could you be upset at someone just starting out there? Anyway, I told her that I was glad that I had caused her to remember me, and hoped that she would pass it along to other customers. Boy, I sure was a thermostat for that young girl’s life!

So tell me, are you a thermometer or a THERMOSTAT!?

I like to start my days listening to one of the tracks from this incredible web site – Chanda Mama is my favourite. Please take a look, become a member, and feel the love.

The Inspiration

Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world.

The Production

We built a mobile recording studio, equipped with all the same equipment used in the best studios, and traveled to wherever the music took us. As technology changed, our power demands were downsized from golf cart batteries to car batteries, and finally to laptops.

Similarly, the quality with which we were able to film and document the project was gradually upgraded from a variety of formats– each the best we could attain at the time—finally to full HD.

One thing that never changed throughout the process was our commitment to create an environment for the musicians in which they could create freely and that placed no barriers between them and those who would eventually experience their music. By leading with that energy and intent everywhere we traveled, we were freely given access to musicians and locations that are usually inaccessible. In this respect, the inspiration that originally set us on this path became a co-creator of the project along with us!

The Effect

Over the course of this project, we decided it was not enough for our crew just to record and share this music with the world; we wanted to create a way to give back to the musicians and their communities that had shared so much with us. And so in 2007 we created the Playing for Change Foundation, a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation whose mission is to do just that. In early 2008, we established Timeless Media, a for-profit entity that funds and extends the work of Playing for Change. Later that year, Timeless Media entered into a joint venture with the Concord Music Group through the support of label co-owner and entertainment legend Norman Lear and Concord Music Group executive vice president of A&R John Burk. Our goal is to bring PFC’s music, videos and message to the widest possible audience.

Now, musicians from all over the world are brought together to perform benefit concerts that build music and art schools in communities that are in need of inspiration and hope. In addition to benefit concerts, the Playing for Change band also performs shows around the world. When audiences see and hear musicians who have traveled thousands of miles from their homes, united in purpose and chorus on one stage, everyone is touched by music’s unifying power.

And now, everyone can participate in this transformative experience by joining the Playing for Change Movement. People are hosting screenings, musicians are holding benefit concerts of every size, fans are spreading the message of Playing for Change through our media, and this is only the beginning. Together, we will connect the world through music!

I recently found a very informative article on home inspections, and thought I would pass it on to you. I will intersperse my comments, in italics, and link to the original site of the story at the bottom

A home inspection can do more than just satisfy curiosity – it’s an opportunity to learn as much as possible about your prospective purchase and its hidden potential… or pitfalls

Would you buy a used car privately off someone without having a qualified and objective mechanic give it a thorough once-over? Of course not. So when it comes to one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make in your life, a proper home inspection is not only necessary – it’s essential.

Homes inspectors check all of the major systems in a home, such as the plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning. They’ll also do a visual inspection of the foundation, doors, ceilings, roof, walls, windows, plumbing, ventilation, insulation, sewage system, lot and garage – at the very least. Their services are required to protect your investment and insure there are no structural issues or flaws in the house that you may not be aware of.

[Note that inspectors, typically, only check what the naked eye can see, although the inspector we recommend does use an infa-red camera to 'see' inside the walls]

“We’re an unbiased eye there to protect them and their investment,” says Jennifer Lucas, of AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service in Edmonton.

Unlike homebuyers themselves, whose observations are partial, a home inspector performs his role with an unbiased attitude and with the best interests of the customer in mind. By identifying existing or potential areas of concern, the inspection report will help secure your investment, avoid post-closing surprises and provide you with peace of mind. An insightful report is fundamental to ensuring you make the right buying decision.

[Be careful when hiring a home inspector. On a regular basis, I am approached by people calling themselves a home inspector, and then proceeding to tell me that they will not only guarantee that the home passes the inspection, but they will also give me $100 of their fee!]

The process usually takes about three hours, during which time the house is examined from the ground up. The inspection includes observation and, when appropriate, operation of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and appliance systems, as well as structural components such as the roof, attic, foundation, basement, exterior and interior walls, chimney and doors.

For condominiums, the magnifying glass is usually focused on elements such as the type of structure and its rain-sealing system; condition of the grounds, walkways, driveways and parking garage; condition of the roof; type and condition of the balconies; type and condition of windows and doors; and the level of finish, workmanship and care.

[Most inspection companies charge a lower fee for a condominium inspection, because they take less time and less items are covered.]

According to George Pappas, president of Pappas Home Inspections Inc., Toronto, inspections usually take about three hours for a two-storey detached house, two to three hours for bungalow and one or two hours for a two-bedroom high-rise condo. Costs range similarly, from about $365 for a condo to $425 for a bungalow or detached house (plus GST).

[In the Milton area, a condo inspection is typically $275 to $300, and a detached house up to 2300 SqFt is $350 - $375]

Home inspections cover about 1,000 check-points in approximately 400 items around the home.

Findings are usually provided in the form of a comprehensive report, together with a recommended action, AmeriSpec says. It is important that such a report include an objective evaluation of the condition of the home, clearly relating existing defects and indicating potential problems.

Peace of mind
“The clients know what the problems of the home are, how much money they require to fix and how much money they will need to invest in their home within the first five years or so,” says Pappas. “The clients learn which areas of the home are upgrades or are of superior quality and construction.”

Armed with this information, the home purchasers can then make a wise and safe investment in their home with confidence, he says.

“Peace of mind,” stresses Pappas. “That’s the ultimate benefit of an inspection – gaining confidence and peace of mind.”

The time to arrange a home inspection is during your ‘conditional period,’ – a length of time, usually about 10 days, that you can negotiate in your offer to purchase. This protective clause affords you the right to contract a complete general home inspection.

[In the Milton area, a time-frame of 3 to 5 days is the norm for any condition period, save that of the sale of the Buyer's house]

There is no formal licensing of home inspectors, but reputable companies adhere to the rigid standards of practice established by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors. Many other associations impose certain standards as well.

Qualified inspection companies will provide a sample report to substantiate that they abide by industry standards. One of the key guidelines is that ethical inspectors neither perform the repairs nor do they refer clients to repair companies. To do so would be considered a conflict of interest.

Once you have arranged for a home inspection, plan to accompany the inspector for the entire procedure, Lucas says. You have the right to be there. Good home inspectors will encourage this, since the buyer will probably need to learn the locations of major valves and shut-offs in their new house. Accompanying the inspector will also help you better understand the findings in the report.

Accompany the inspector
“We strongly encourage our clients to attend our home inspections,” adds Pappas. “When the client attends the home inspection, our inspector will physically show the client both the areas of concern and the benefits of the home construction. The client has a much better understanding of the quality of the home and a far greater and deeper understanding of what they’re about to get into.”

By accompanying the inspector, AmeriSpec says, the valuable insights gained will help you:

 See first-hand the condition of each key component throughout the house and property so you will have a better understanding of your house and of the inspection report.

 Allay concerns about findings which, on paper, may seem distressing but in fact may be superficial. For example, the inspector might explain that an alarming noise coming from an appliance can be quieted by some lubricant, or that an unsightly column needs only a coat of paint, or that the problem that caused a water spot has already been corrected.

 Learn about the operation of your new home such as how the heating system works, how to control pilot lights, how to turn on various appliances and components, and where shutoffs. This will all save time and avoid frustration in the future. The inspector can point out maintenance needs and procedures and explain how and when to check items needing periodic monitoring.

 Have all of your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise. Before the inspection, prepare a list of questions or concerns about the property. Relate these to the inspection company in advance to ensure that such matters will be properly addressed and that any special arrangements can be made if necessary. Bring your list to the inspection to make sure.

Sourcing
It’s important to find a qualified, experienced home inspector because at present, there are no standards for this occupation. “That’s scary,” Lucas says, “because anyone can call themselves a home inspector.”

First-time homebuyers should go to any chapter of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors when looking for a reputable inspector. They can be assured that these inspectors have some form of training or are en route to the training that each province has designated as required for membership. She cautions that anyone calling themselves a ‘certified’ home inspector may have only taken an online exam or two-week home study course and may offer bargain prices.

“Sometimes first-time buyers put all of their money into their down payment and are picking an inspector based on price,” says Lucas. “That’s not the right way to go in this case.”

It’s a good idea to interview home inspectors before booking an appointment. Have them explain what they’re going to do and ask them about the length of time the inspection should take. “If anyone is saying they can do it in an hour they’re not spending the time they should,” she says.

Lucas suggests asking the potential home inspector if they have errors and omissions insurance. It’s used to protect both the home inspector and the buyer should anything be missed. “That insurance isn’t very cheap and insurance companies don’t just issue those policies to anybody, so you can bet the insurance companies will make sure those inspectors are trained to a certain level.”

[Any good home inspector will also carry liability insurance, so that they are covered for any damage they cause to the property during the inspection. I have personally seen an inspector break a thermostat, break a window, damage a furnace, etc.

My recommendation is that a Buyer should trust their agent's recommendation of an inspector, because the agent will know which inspectors to trust. If you trust your agent, trust the professionals they recommend.]

When Siobhain McCawley-Game, 32 and her husband, Steve Game, 34, bought their first home in Ottawa in August 2008, their realtor, Jennifer Kelly of Sutton Group Premier Realty, recommended their home inspector.

What impressed the couple most about the inspector was the fact that he spent four full hours on the job. In addition, he encouraged the couple to accompany him on the inspection, so they could benefit by seeing everything he saw, or rather, everything he was looking for. Kelly and even a friend of the couple who had home-buying experience were also allowed to attend the inspection.

Future steps: repairs and renovation
While not intended for this purpose, the inspection – and you tagging along – might also give you some insight into potential opportunities for repairs and renovations that not only make your home more pleasant to live in, but may also increase its value. And with the federal government’s new Home Renovation Tax Credit, you may have financial incentive to undertake some of these projects once you become a homeowner.

Unveiled Jan. 27, 2009 in the federal budget, the HRTC will provide Canadians up to $1,350 in savings for money spent on home renovations through a temporary 15% income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed or goods acquired up to Feb. 1, 2010. The credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 but no more than $10,000.

Renovation costs for projects such as finishing a basement or remodeling a kitchen will be eligible for the credit, along with associated expenses such as building permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses. Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.

Eligible expenditures include renovating a kitchen, bathroom or basement; new carpet or hardwood floors; building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall; a new furnace or water heater; painting the interior or exterior of a house; resurfacing a driveway; and laying new sod.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a change or renovation:

 Think about how changes might appeal to someone buying your home in the future. You can make very personalized changes with paint because it is inexpensive and can easily be changed. However, items like flooring, cabinets and countertops have a longer life – make choices that will also be appealing to others.

 Think about getting your home energy-rated. This will tell you how energy efficient your home is and what improvements are possible. Visit the Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency atwww.oee.nrcan. gc.ca/residential to learn more about the ecoENERGY Retrofit program.

 Updating the bathrooms and kitchens in an older home can increase its resale value.

 Don’t underestimate the importance of landscaping. The right planting can improve the appearance and value of your home.

 Updating your exterior paint, installing new roofing, resurfacing your walkways and driveway, adding attractive mailboxes and front-yard planting can also increase value. Over time, renovations can practically pay for themselves, especially if they result in savings on utility bills, a higher selling price or years of greater comfort and enjoyment in your home.

Home inspection 101
A home inspection is a visual examination of a house and property, including:

 a thorough visual inspection of the structure (inside and out, from foundation to roof)
 an examination of all major systems
 an objective evaluation of the condition of more than 400 items
 a printed report covering all findings and identifying potential concerns
Source: AmeriSpec

Most appealing upgrades
 kitchen cabinet upgrade
 hardwood floor upgrade
 new windows
 removing walls to open up space
 finishing the basement
 kitchen appliance upgrade
 new shingles
 new bathroom taps and plumbing
 new bathroom tiles
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service

Hidden danger signs
Some items to be cautious about if they come up on your home inspection report:

Poor surface drainage: Water can have a devastating effect on a structure, either directly through moisture damage or consequentially through soil related settlement. Many homes with persistent water intrusion problems will show no physical evidence, due to cleanup efforts of the owners.

Foundation cracking: In most cases, foundation failure is a result of poor surface drainage. Look for a vertical crack eight inches in from the corners. Where there is one, there is a companion probably below grade.

Radon gas exposure: Radon is a tasteless, odourless and colourless radionuclear gas formed in rock and soil due to the natural breakdown or radioactive decay of, a natural element, uranium-238. This element makes up about three parts per million of the earth’s crust.

Ice damming: Ice dams are responsible for clogged and damaged eavestroughs, wet insulation in the roof and walls. Wet wood, paint failure and decay will result if the problem persists.

Galvanized plumbing: Galvanized pipes are usually found in homes over 50 years in age. Commonly, these pipes will rust from the inside out, often restricting waterflow.
Eventually the pipe becomes blocked or bursts. Importantly, some insurance companies are now refusing to provide homeowner’s insurance on houses with this type of plumbing.

Failures of polybutylene: Polybutylene (Poly-B) piping has resulted in leaking pipes, possibly causing water damage. Homeowners can determine whether their homes have Poly-B by looking for grey-coloured flexible plastic pipe or tubing. The plastic insert fittings can leak with either aluminum or copper bands related to improper installation procedures rather than the materials.

Electrical problems: Almost every home has an electrical problem, some a missing ground or reverse polarity to under sized breakers and panels. Homes built before 1955 may have 60 amp services, and may not be insured by some companies until they’re upgraded. This type of outlet will have only two prongs.

Structural problems: Some larger than average homes have rafters that over-span. The roof sags and over time it may fail. Also watch for over-spanned beams or poorly reinforced beams especially when a post is moved for basement renovations. A pool table in the basement is a concern for the inspector to investigate further.

Poor air barrier and insulation: Just about every home inspected requires additional caulking and insulation. The investment in caulking is returned in just a few months and additional insulation in key areas can have a ROI in less than three years.

Improper venting: A major issue is bathroom vents that are not vented directly outdoors. This is exacerbated when it is coupled to a plastic ‘slinky’ hose and the hose traps the condensation and leaks.
Source: Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors

Top 3 defects

Problems revealed by home inspections vary depending on the construction type, area of the city and age of the home. Still, there are three common problems which all carry significant cost. The life-cycle of these items is approximately 20 years, at which time these systems often need to be replaced.

1. Shingles or flat roof: For energy efficiency, structural damage and, for a flat roof, snow accumulation can lead to serious damage, leakage or collapse.

2. Furnace: For safety, energy efficiency and operating costs.

3. Central air conditioning: For energy efficiency and operating costs.
Source: Pappas Home Inspections Inc.

Case study: Home inspection gone wrong
When Stacey and Chris Solilo decided to invest in a home inspection, they thought it was part of the home buying process that would save them money in the long run. However, by not choosing a qualified inspector, they walked into a deal that they sorely regret.

“After we purchased the house, we had a contractor come out to look at the work that needed to be done, and they found some very major flaws,” says Stacey. “If you were trained to notice them, you would have.”

The couple purchased a 1.5-storey home for $74,900 in Regina. They thought they were getting a bargain when the initial home inspection resulted in an estimated cost of $7,000 for repairs.

After the renovation contractor noticed a few deficiencies, they hired specialized inspectors to perform more thorough checks, such as a foundation and mold inspectors. In reality, there was more than $16,000 in repairs needed. The original home inspector missed many items, including the fact that the windows and venting pipes needed to be replaced, the slab foundation was cracking and the chimney was separating from the basic structure.

The pair learned the hard way how important it is to do a bit of homework and ask a lot of questions when hiring a home inspector.

Questions to ask prospective inspectors
 Do you follow industry standards?
 Can you supply me with a sample report?
 Are you a full time home inspection company?
 What other home services do you offer?
 Can I attend the inspection?
 How much time will it take?
 When will the report be ready?
 Do you perform repairs on items you inspect?
 What will I receive with the inspection report?
 What will be inspected?
 How much will the service cost?
 Do you carry errors and omissions and general liability insurance?
 Do you provide an inspection agreement which defines the scope of the inspection?
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service

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