What is Polybutylene (PolyB)? A form of plastic resin pipe that was manufactured and used between 1975 and 1998, but most prevalent between the late 80s and 90s. It was favoured to be used due to its cheap cost and installation compared to copper piping. It ceased being used after 1998. Due to broken pipes, …
Decks are wonderful features that everyone enjoys. People like to use it for parties, BBQs, etc. However these features are constantly exposed to the elements and do take a lot of abuse from rain, wind, snow, etc. Structure Generally, all wood decks are supported by posts and joists. These joints may or may not also …
Water is a powerful thing, and because the very nature of its state means it can work its way into anything eventually. Hence why we focus so much on how a house is able to endure the elements. When I speak of drainage, I mean the ability for a house to drain away water that …
When I speak of cladding or siding, I speak on the material that is used on the exterior of the house to shield the interior from weather. Obviously a very important feature of a property. There are many different kinds of cladding that can be used, that all vary in price, and advantages. Let us …
Electrical systems gives us the ability to do many of the things we consider ‘modern’. From cooking, to running out computer. Overall electrical is a pretty straight forward idea. Electricity is provided by the municipality in the form of tapping into the grand electrical grid, and taking some of that power to run household items. …
Everyone gets nervous about water lines. When they break, they have the potential to cause a whole lot of damage. As a matter of fact, I learned that one of the largest areas of claims by insurance is water damage coming from broken water lines. So it is always best to treat it with respect. …
Water damage is something people always have a concern about. Wood Rot When people think of water damage, they think of the obvious, wood rot. Indeed that is the main common form it takes on. Wood does not rot the instant it comes in contact with water. If wood is allowed air, and proper time …
When people think of structure problems, they typically think of falling buildings. With active settlement it is very difficult to detect. Even the best experts cannot stare at a building and declare it is currently settling. The only way to detect something like that is to make a mark, and then track it. And with …
The Roof Whenever I ask someone what is an important part to make sure its functioning without a problem, clients always say the roof. And with good reason, mean it keeps the outside elements from ending up inside the house. In particular, the rain. A typical, standard roof to replace completely can cost anywhere from …
Its almost impossible to dictate every single thing that can possible go awry with a house, but perhaps I can break it down a bit. First and foremost, the largest different in owning a detached property compared to a strata property, is for a detached property you are responsible for nearly everything. This means, if …