Electrospec Home Inspection Services: Trenton Belleville Ontario Home InspectorsAll Around The House
Your online source for home inspection info.

Intro:  Home Inspections
Investment or Expenditure?
Who are we?  Where are we?
Our Services and Fees
2010 Repair Costs
Points for Purchasers
Seller's Checklist
22 Questions To Ask

Home Up Site Map Site Search Contact Us

ELECTROSPEC® Home Inspection Services
Professional Home and Property Inspectors, serving the Quinte Region of east-central Ontario, including Port Hope, Cobourg, Colborne, Brighton, Hastings, Campbellford, Stirling, Marmora, Madoc, Tweed, Trenton, Belleville, Picton, Napanee.
Call now!  1-888-394-6954

You're about to buy a home that represents good value.  Choose a home inspection company the same way.


ABC
DEF
GHI
JKL
MNO
PQR
STU
VW
XYZ

Homes
 Home Reference Articles

Services
Testimonials
Privacy Policy
Our Inspectors
View Contract
Your Report
Career Info
REALTORS

Library
FAQ's

Links

Click here to verify ASHI membership.

Click to verify National Certificate Holder
National
Certificate Holder

Click to Verify



 


Homes A-Z:  Directory

Buying & Selling

Heating

Roofing/Flashings/Chimneys

Cooling / Heat Pumps

Home & Garden

Safety & Security

Energy Conservation

Insulation & Ventilation

Septics / Private Sewage

Electrical

Interior

Structure

Environmental Concerns

Plumbing

Wells & Ground Water

Exterior

Repairs & Renovations

Back to Main Library

Look up home reference articles, topic of interest related to buying and selling houses.Topics are arranged categorically by component parts of the house, and alphabetically by subject.  For example, if you want information about wood stoves, look under 'Interior' and then 'Wood Stoves & Fireplaces'.  Or check the alpha-listings under 'F' and 'W'.   If you want information about chimneys, you might find it under 'Roof/Chimneys' or  'Structure/Chimneys' or cross-referred under 'Interior/Wood Stoves & Fireplaces' - if an particular article about chimneys is specific to wood burning appliances.

NOTE:  Articles about repairs or renovations, which are specific to certain areas or systems of the home, are listed under each area of concern.  For example, "wiring repairs" are under Electrical, and "painting aluminum" siding is under Exterior.  Articles about renovations, which apply to more than one area of concern or to the home in general, are listed under Repairs & Renovations.

Please excuse the mess... we're still
More to come!

 

Roofing / Flashings / Chimneys

Introduction / Basics: Roofing, Flashings, Chimneys

Newsletter:  Ice Dams:  What to do?
News Article:  Ice Damming
News Article:  Will Your Roof Leak?
News Article: 
"Flue" Season is Here!  

Roof Vents, Attic Ventilation:  See Insulation & Ventilation

Chimneys:  See also Heating

Back to top of directory

 

Exterior

Introduction / Basics

Exterior Inspection

Gutters and Downspouts

Lot Grading

Doors, Windows and Trim

Wall Surfaces

Porches, Decks, Balconies, Entrances and Carports

Walks, Driveways and Landscaping

Basement Walk-out

Garages

Retaining Walls

Maintenance

Article:  Aluminum Siding Makes Popping Noises
Articles:  Caulking, and caulking problems
Article:  Painting Aluminum & Vinyl Sidings
Article:  Homeowner's Autumn Checklist
Article:  Top 10 reasons to replace your garage door system
Article:  The benefits of autumn pool and hot tub installation
Article:  Choose the right contractor to build your pool or hot tub
Article:  How to protect your deck against old man winter

Feature: 
Let's Paint!  A Guide to Successful Painting

Back to top of directory

 

Structure


Introduction / Basics

Structural Inspection

Footings

Foundations

Configuration

Floors

Walls

Roofs

Masonry Chimneys

Termites

Other Wood Boring Insects

Rot

Mechanical Damage and Fire Damage

Maintenance

News Article:  Unwelcome Guests - Part One - Wood-boring Insects and Fungi
News Article:  Roof Trusses & Partition Separation

Article: 
Truss Uplift - Cracked tape joints
Article:  Termites

Back to top of directory

 

Electrical


See also:  Energy Conservation

Introduction / Basics

Electrical Inspection

Service Entrance

Service Panel

Branch Circuit Wiring

Lights, Outlets, Switches and Junction Boxes

Maintenance

News Article:  Electrical Services:   Insurance & Electrical  (60 amps, knob & tube wiring)

Newsletter:  Insurance Bureau of Canada Bulletin:   60-amps, knob & tube wiring
Newsletter:  60 Amps and Insurance:   "Catch-22" can make insurance difficult to obtain
Newsletter: 
Insurance Blues:  Good news about aluminium wiring

Back to top of directory

 

Heating

See also:  Energy Conservation

Introduction / Basics
Heating Inspection
Independent/space heating
Furnaces - Forced Air Systems
Boilers - Hot Water Systems
Steam Boilers
Wood Furnaces
Wood Stoves & Fireplaces:  See "Interior"
Combination Heating Systems
Conversions
Chimney Liners
Efficiencies, Capacities, Failure Probability, Heat Loss Calculations
Gas Piping
Warm Air Heating Systems
Hot Water Heating Systems
General Information About Heating Systems
Heat Distribution
Maintenance

News Article:  Hot Water Heating Systems
News Article:  Furnace Venting Systems Posing Problems
News Article:  Faulty Furnace Exhaust Vents
News Article:  Warranty Replacement of HTPV systems
News Article:  Hot Water Electric Heating...  What next?
News Article:  Heating Basement Rec Rooms
News Article:  Basement Floor Heating:   Q&A
News Article:  TLC For Your Furnace's Heat Exchanger
News Article:  Flue Season is Here!   (chimney flues)

Article:  What to expect from a furnace inspection

Article:  Home comfort is redefined with radiant in-floor heating
Article:  Modern oil heat makes a convincing case

Newsletter:  Leaking Fuel Oil Tanks:  Avoiding costly spills and leakage
Newsletter: 
Home Heating Oil Tanks:  Fact vs. Fiction
Newsletter:  Home Heating Options: 2007


Back to top of directory

 

Cooling / Heat Pumps

See also:  Energy Conservation

Introduction / Basics - Air Conditioning - Heat Pumps

Cooling Systems Inspection

Efficiencies, Capacities, Failure Probability, Heat Gain Calculations

Systems / Components

Maintenance

News Article:  "I've been thinking about buying a heat pump to replace my aging..."
News Article: 
Turn Down The Heat!  (Benefits of Attic Ventilation)
News Article:  Ductless split-system air conditioners for homes without air ducts

Article:  Home heating, with the help of Mother Nature
Article:  Is your central air conditioning system ready to handle the summer heat?


Back to top of directory

 

Insulation and Ventilation

See also:  Energy Conservation

See also: Environmental Concerns

Introduction / Basics

Inspection

Attics, Cathedral Roofs, Knee Walls

Walls

Basements

Vapour Barriers

R Values

Installation / choices

Problems / concerns

UFFI

News Article:  Ice Damming
News Article: Moisture Problems:  Humidity vs. Ventilation
News Article:  Turn Down The Heat!  (Benefits of Attic Ventilation)
News Article: Mildew (mould) Problems:   Q&A
News Article:  UFFI:  Question & Answer

Newsletter:  UFFI:  Much Ado About Nothing?
Newsletter:  Ice Dams:  What to do?
Newsletter:  Why does condensation occur on interior surfaces?

Article: 
Caulking, and caulking problems
Article: 
Growing health risks fuel rise in fresh air systems

Back to top of directory

 

Plumbing

Introduction / Basics

Supply

Waste

Fixtures

Maintenance

Problems with galvanized, plastic supply piping

Lead plumbing

News Article:  Whirlpool Baths:   The ugly side
News Article:  Plumbing Noises:  Noisy water pipes

Newsletter: 
Plastic Plumbing:  Tempest in a Teapot?


Back to top of directory

 

Energy Conservation

See also:  | Heating | Cooling | Insulation | Electrical | Renovations

News Article:  Shopping For An Energy Efficient Resale Home

Newsletter:  Home Heating Options: 2007

Article:  Energy Efficient Lighting
Article:  Tips for Using Less Energy in Your Home
Article:  Energy Efficiency: Bright ideas in new home design
Article:  Lighting the way to cost-effective renovations
Article:  Lighting the way to efficient kitchens and bathrooms
Article: 
Reduce energy use and save money: Use energy-efficient glass skylights

Article:  The winterizing checklist - how to prepare your home for winter
Article:  Fall Checklist: A pre-winter tune-up on your home can save you money

Back to top of directory

 

Interior

Introduction / Basics
Floor Finishes
Wall Finishes
Ceiling Finishes
Trim
Windows
Doors
Wood Stoves & Fireplaces
Party Walls
Basement Dampness/Leakage
Mould, mildew:  See also Environmental Concerns and/or Insulation & Ventilation
Maintenance

Article:  What about the wood stove?
Article:  About Wood Heat
Article:  Revisiting the Firewood Question
Article:  Truss Uplift - Cracked tape joints
Article:  Hardwood flooring - A healthy choice if you have dust allergies
Article:  Fireplace facelift: Convert your wood-burning fireplace to natural gas

Feature:  Let's Paint!  A Guide to Successful Painting

News Article:  Flue Season is Here!  (chimney flues)
News Article:  Wood - the original heating fuel
News Article:  Wet Basements
News Article:  Upgrading Counter Tops
News Article:  "Hanging" Drywall
News Article:  About Wood Floors
News Article: 
How to Repair Burn Marks on Roll Flooring

Newsletter:  Wood Heating (WETT) Inspections  2005 Update
Newsletter:  How do I get my woodstove WETT certified?

 

Back to top of directory

 

Wells and Ground Water Supplies

Introduction

Flow / Recovery Rates

Well Equipment

Maintenance

Newsletter:  Ontario's New Water Well Regulations (Aug/06)

Brochure:  Four Common Myths About Drinking Water (2007)

Article:  Right at Home: Water softener solutions
Article:  Hydro-fracturing of dry or poorly-producing water wells

Back to top of directory

 

Septic Systems - Private Sewage Disposal

Introduction

Precautions

Maintenance

News Article:  Septic Systems:  A Short Story
News Article:  Septic Systems:  The Inside Story

Newsletter:  Septic Systems:  The Inside Story

Article:  Septic Systems:  Do you know...?

Manual: 
Care and Feeding of Your Septic System

Back to top of directory

 

Safety and Security

Smoke Detectors

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Fire Extinguishers

Stairs, Railings, Exits

Wells, Septics

Building materials:  combustibles, flammables, others

Basement Apartments, Duplexes

News Article:  Smoke Detectors Now Required By Law (Autumn 1998)
News Article:  Fire Code Changes - Apartments in private homes
News Article:  Buying a home with a basement apartment?
News Article:  Thinking about building a basement apartment?
News Article:  Furnace Venting Systems Posing Problems
News Article:  Faulty Furnace Exhaust Vents
News Article:  Flue Season is Here!   (chimney flues)
News Article:  Mobile Homes:  wind forces, tie-downs
News Article:  Make the right call when Carbon Monoxide is detected

Newsletter:  Leaking Fuel Oil Tanks:  Avoiding costly spills and leakage
Newsletter:  Nannies, Grannies and the Ontario Fire Code
Newsletter:  Home Heating Oil Tanks:  Fact vs. Fiction
Newsletter:  Methamphetamine:  The dangers of meth labs, recognizing a lab

Article:  Working Safely With Concrete

Article:  Keep carbon monoxide out of your home
Article:  Ten tips to carbon monoxide safety:  Be in the know about CO
Article:  Frightening Fire Facts:  Common fire hazards still present in Canadian homes
Article:  Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers - every home should have them
Article:  Canada's fire chiefs alarmed by home fire safety practices (2005)
Article:  Plan an escape route in case of a house fire
 

Back to top of directory

 

Environmental Concerns

See also:  Insulation and Ventilation

Air, water, other
Asbestos
Lead
UFFI
Mould, fungus
Radon
Pests

News Article:  Houses That Make People Sick
News Article:  Unwelcome Guests - Part One - Wood-boring Insects and Fungi
News Article:  Unwelcome Guests - Part Two - Insects & Insecticides
News Article:  Unwelcome Guests - Part Three - Furry Visitors
News Article:  Moisture Problems:  Humidity vs. Ventilation
News Article:  Mildew (mold) Problems:   Q&A
News Article:  Bad News Critters:  Animals In Crawlspaces
News Article:  Did You Know?  The ugly side of whirlpool baths
News Article:  Furnace Venting Systems Posing Problems
News Article:  Faulty Furnace Exhaust Vents
News Article:  UFFI:  Question & Answer

N
ewsletter:  UFFI:  Much Ado About Nothing?
Newsletter:  Radon "gas"...  A false alarm?
Newsletter:  Leaking Oil Tanks:  Avoiding costly spills and leakage
Newsletter:  Home Heating Oil Tanks:  Fact vs. Fiction
Newsletter: 
Toxic Black Mold... or mold that is black?
Newsletter:  Mould Update:  Household chemicals, not mould, linked to asthma rise
Newsletter:  Methamphetamine:  The dangers of meth labs, recognizing a lab
Newsletter:  Radon "gas"...  No straight answers
Newsletter:  Environmental Site Assessments: Applying due diligence

Article:  Termites
Article:  Beware The Whirlpool:  Risks of bacterial infection
Article:  Health experts sound alarm on radon

Back to top of directory

 

The 3 'R's:   Repairs, Renovations and Retrofits (upgrades)

See also:  Renovations | Energy Conservation

Repairs

Renovation

News Article:  Estimating Home Improvements
News Article:  Renovations:  What do you really want to do?
News Article:  Successful Renovation
News Article:  Bad News Critters:  Animals In Crawlspaces
News Article:  Thinking about building a basement apartment?

Newsletter:  Repair Costs For 1999-2000
Newsletter:  How do I get my woodstove WETT certified?
Newsletter:  Repair Costs for 2006

Humour:  Downstairs With Farmer Tom
Humour:  Building The "Smallest Room"
Humour: 
Home Improvement - Ten Pretty Good Rules

Article:  Canadians use their home equity to feather their nests

Article:  Holmes on Homes:  Taking control of your next renovation.
Article:  Sneak Peek at Kitchen Trends: What Canadians Want (2006)

Article:  Easier and cost-effective solution to creating a spare bathroom
Article:  Kitchen updates are worth every penny

Retrofits and upgrades

DIY vs. Contractor

NOTE:  Articles about repairs or renovations, which are specific to certain areas or systems of the home, are listed under each area of concern;  for example, wiring upgrades are under "electrical", and painting aluminium siding is under "exterior".

Back to top of directory

 

Buying & Selling:  Assorted Topics

Check List:  Walk-Through Inspection:    For agents and purchasers
Check List:  22 Questions To Ask Any Home Inspection Company

Buying A Home:  Points For Purchasers

Selling A Home:  Seller's Checklist
Selling A Home:  Pre-inspected Listings
Selling A Home:  Confirming access required for inspection

News Article:  Home Inspections - Invesment or Expenditure?
News Article:  Buying A Home:  How does a home inspection work?
News Article:  Home Inspections:   Who Needs Them?
News Article:  Buying a Home:   Buying New
News Article:  Did You Know?   (About the Ontario New Home Warranty Program)
News Article:  Buying a home with a basement apartment?
News Article:  Mobile Homes:  What to look for

Article:  Decade in review - 1995-2005
Article:  There is no place like home
Article:  Maximize the resale value of your property
Article:  TARION on call to protect new home buyers
Article:  Pre-delivery inspection important part of new home ownership
Article:  Eight tips for Ontario new home buyers
Article:  Introduction to Ontario New Home Warranty Protection
Article:  Getting the most from your homebuying team
Article:  Females driving housing demand (2007)

Newsletter:  Inspecting Home Inspectors:   Examining quality and consistency
Newsletter:  Nannies, Grannies and the Ontario Fire Code
Newsletter: 
Older Houses Harder to Insure
Newsletter:  Inspecting Home Inspectors:  2005 Update

Back to top of directory

 

Home & Garden:  Assorted Topics

User Manual:  Composting - an easy, natural way to reduce waste
Recycling:
Gardening:
Livestock & Pets:

Back to top of directory

 

For More Information Contact:

Electrospec Home Inspection Services
16852 Telephone Road, Trenton, Ontario   

K8V 5P4    CANADA
Tel: (613/888) 394-6954    
FAX: (613) 394-6811  
Send email

 

 

Call now to schedule your home inspection: 1-888-394-6954


Use your credit or debit card for secure and convenient payment of your home inspection, or let us invoice your relocation service directly.   We gladly accept personal cheques, cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards.   Make convenient and secure payment for your home inspection with Visa, MasterCard, Amex or Debit Card.   Banking or debit cards are the ultimate in convenience!

Home ] Up ] ABC ] DEF ] GHI ] JKL ] MNO ] PQR ] STU ] VW ] XYZ ]