No season puts more wear and tear on a home than winter. Freezing temperatures, snow and ice take their toll on your home. Many problems can be avoided with this simple checklist provided by Allan White of Inspecto-Pro, Home Inspections.

Some easy things to look for:

1. Keep basement windows clear of ice and snow obstructions. If the worst happens, these windows may be your only escape route to the outdoors.
2. Make sure that runoff from melting ice and snow has somewhere to go once the thaw period arrives; ideally a catch basin or storm drain
3.  The pattern of melting snow and ice on the roof surface can be a good indicator of areas of heat loss. No expensive infrared camera needed!
4.  Verify against the formation of ice dams and icicles. Although they may look pretty, they are indicators of attic ventilation problems and heat loss problems. Needless to say, a falling icicle, if large enough, can cause a lot of damage to property or people below.
5. Check the eavestroughs (“gutters”) for physical damage which might have been caused by winter ice dam and icicle formation.
6. Check for cold air draughts around the home, and mark them so that you can take appropriate measures to correct the problems. Unfortunately, some repairs (such as caulking) can only be applied in warmer weather, and without marking the draughty spots you may not remember where they were when attempting repairs several months later.
7.  If you have thermopane-glazed windows and see condensation or frost between the inner and outer panes (not always obvious in the summer months), the glass is due for replacement.
8.  If you can wipe condensation off the indoor side of the windows, you are over-humidifying the home
9.  Batteries for smoke detectors and fire detectors should be replaced annually (i.e. Jan 1st or July 1st). Operation of these devices should be tested monthly.
10.  Be sure that your home’s drainage system is functioning. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is capable of functioning in advance of the thaw period
11.  If you have a combustion furnace (i.e. oil or gas) or a combustion hot water tank you should have a functioning CO detector in the home.
12.  If you have an air exchanger, it should be in use (i.e. winter mode). The same for the central humidifier, if you have one.
13.  Be sure that potable water piping is not at risk of freezing and bursting
14. Garden hose faucets, if not of the self-draining type, should be fully opened outdoors, with the indoor shutoff valve being turned fully off, if not already accomplished.

With an Engineering degree, this 25-year certified building inspector (independent of real estate agents) can inspect your property before a purchase or sale of a house or when you need an inspection for a problem.

Home buyers should choose a home inspector with as much care as they choose a doctor, particularly since there is no regulation, either federal or provincial, which governs the industry. Contrary to popular belief, home inspectors are not members of a professional order, and anyone (even you!) can call themselves a building inspector.

Your house is the biggest investment you will ever make so you want to get a most qualified person. With Inspecto-Pro’s years of expertise, White can find what less experienced inspectors would not identify; He has experience in looking for small clues which might lead to big problems. Inspecto-Pro conducts home inspections in the Greater Montreal area and in cottage country too.

Phone: 514-696-6685
inspectopro.com

Montreal’s real estate mark is hot right now. If you are planning to buy a property, don’t forget to hire a proper building inspector. You want one who is well trained and a well known expert in the field. After all, this is one of the most expensive things you will ever buy.

Morris Charney is good at finding defects. He does all kinds of buildings from single-family homes or or condos as well as commercial and industrial buildings. Charney’s building inspections are so thorough, that he sometimes scares real estate brokers.

Consumers don’t realize that the “new” Civil Code of Québec [1994] deregulated building inspections so that anyone has a right to do them – even the purchasers themselves. The only stipulations are that it be done in a “prudent and diligent” manner, “without the need of expert assistance”. Those are very loose terms for something so important.

Most inspectors when they find a defect will refer the matter to an expert. Mr. Charney is an expert, a member of two Québec Orders – ­ professional (practicing) architect and city planner.  He is a member of IHINA (Independent Home Inspectors of North America) based in Boston ­ and he happens to be a Harvard graduate.

Typical pre-purchase inspections run about $1500 + tax for a verbal report or you can buy a written one. Reference is made to current and past building codes. All reports are customized narratives, not computer-generated checklists -­ just the defects, clearly explained. The information provided in both the verbal and written reports are the same.

His practice has included renovating many homes, offices and stores so he has a good idea of what things cost. You can check out his LinkedIn site which contains numerous up to date posts regarding typical defects that have been discovered.

Charney believes that a purchaser has the right to be properly informed of what it is they are buying.

Tel: 514-937-5100
Hours: by appointment
www.morrischarneyinspections.com, www.morrischarneyinspectionsfr.com
mcharney@videotron.ca

Around this time of year, Allan White of Inspectopro, says there are a few things you should be looking at in your house to avoid problems in the future:

1. Keep basement windows clear of ice and snow obstructions. If the worst happens, these windows may be your only escape route to the outdoors.
2. Make sure that runoff from melting ice and snow has somewhere to go once the thaw period arrives; ideally a catch basin or storm drain
3. The pattern of melting snow and ice on the roof surface can be a good indicator of areas of heat loss. No expensive infrared camera needed!
4. Verify against the formation of ice dams and icicles. Although they may look pretty, they are indicators of attic ventilation problems and heat loss problems. Needless to say, a falling icicle, if large enough, can cause a lot of damage to property or people below.
5. Check the eavestroughs (“gutters”) for physical damage which might have been caused by winter ice dam and icicle formation
6. Check for cold air draughts around the home, and mark them so that you can take appropriate measures to correct the problems. Unfortunately, some repairs (such as caulking) can only be applied in warmer weather, and without marking the draughty spots you may not remember where they were when attempting repairs several months later.
7. If you have thermopane-glazed windows and see condensation or frost between the inner and outer panes (not always obvious in the summer months), the glass is due for replacement.
8. If you can wipe condensation off the indoor side of the windows, you are over-humidifying the home
9. Batteries for smoke detectors and fire detectors should be replaced annually (i.e. Jan 1^st or July 1^st). Operation of these devices should be tested monthly.
10. Be sure that your home’s drainage system is functioning. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is capable of functioning in advance of the thaw period
11. If you have a combustion furnace (i.e. oil or gas) or a combustion hot water tank you should have a functioning CO detector in the home.
12. If you have an air exchanger, it should be in use (i.e. winter mode). The same for the central humidifier, if you have one.
13. Be sure that potable water piping is not at risk of freezing and bursting
14. Garden hose faucets, if not of the self-draining type, should be fully opened outdoors, with the indoor shutoff valve being turned fully off, if not already accomplished.

With an Engineering degree, this 25-year certified building inspector (independent of real estate agents) can inspect your property before a purchase or sale of a house or when you need an inspection for a problem.

Home buyers should choose a home inspector with as much care as they choose a doctor, particularly since there is no regulation, either federal or provincial, which governs the industry. Contrary to popular belief, home inspectors are not members of a professional order, and anyone (even you!) can call themselves a building inspector.”

Your house is the biggest investment you will ever make so you want to get a most qualified person. With Inspectopro’s years of expertise, White can find what less experienced inspectors would not recognize; He has experience in looking for small clues which might lead to big problems. Houses can be checked out in the Greater Montreal area and in cottage country too.

Phone: 514-696-6685
www.inspectopro.com

Morris Charney building inspections are so thorough, that he scares real estate brokers. Charney is good at finding defects. He does all kinds of buildings from single-family homesor or condos as well as commercial and industrial buildings.

Most inspectors when they find a defect will refer the matter to an expert. Mr. Charney is an expert, a member of two Québec Orders – ­ professional (practicing) architect and city planner.  He is a member of IHINA (Independent Home Inspectors of North America) based in Boston ­ and he happens to be a Harvard graduate.

Typical pre-purchase inspections run about $1500 + tax for a verbal report or you can buy a written one. Reference is made to current and past building codes. All reports are customized narratives, not computer-generated checklists -­ just the defects, clearly explained. The information provided in both the verbal and written reports are the same. His practice has included renovating many homes, offices and stores so he has a good idea of what things cost. You can check out his LinkedIn site which contains numerous up to date posts regarding typical defects that have been discovered.

Most consumers don’t realize that the “new” Civil Code of Québec [1994] deregulated building inspections so that anyone has a right to do them – even the purchasers themselves. The only stipulations are that it be done in a “prudent and diligent” manner, “without the need of expert assistance”.

Charney believes that a purchaser has the right to be properly informed of what it is they are buying.

Tel: 514-937-5100
Hours: by appointment
www.morrischarneyinspections.com, www.morrischarneyinspectionsfr.com
mcharney@videotron.ca

It’s hard to find clothes for the big guy in Montreal and even harder to find sales for them so it’s great when M.H. Grover & Fils runs one. This family-run business’s 92 year commitment to ending the struggle of dressing the hard-t0-fit man makes it the destination to shop the latest in men’s big & tall fashion.

From underwear to outerwear, they make it easy for you with their vast assortment of name brands. Fashions to fit any occasion, from sport to business you can find everything, including suits (to 70). They carry big –size merchandise from big-name brands, including  Tommy Bahama, Nautica, Columbia, Cutter & Buck and many more.

Now’s the time to hurry in to M.H. Grover and take advantage of 50 – 75% off all winter merchandise. Regardless of height, shape or particular clothing requirements, M.H. Grover will have you looking great in comfortable and stylish clothing with the best prices around.

Location: 4741 Wellington St., Verdun QC H4G 1X2
corner: 3rd Ave
Tel: 514-769-3771
Sale dates: Feb 13 – 25, 2018
Metro Stop Station Verdun / Station de l’Eglise
www.groversbigandtall.com

It’s hard to find clothes for the big guy in Montreal; This family-run business’s 92 year commitment to ending the struggle of dressing the hard-t0-fit man makes it the destination to shop the latest in men’s big & tall fashion.

From underwear to outerwear, they make it easy for you with their vast assortment of name brands. Fashions to fit any occasion you can find everything, including suits (to 70), in famous brand names like Chaps, Nautica, Report, Arrow, Pelle Pelle, Tommy Hilfiger, Hathaway, Axis and Columbia. They sell running suits, jeans (to size 78), dress and sports shirts (to size 8XL), dress pants (to size 80), corduroys (to size 66), belts (80), swimsuits and winter coats (to size 8XL)..

Now’s the time to hurry in to M.H. Grover because regardless of height, shape or particular clothing requirements, M.H. Grover will have you looking great in comfortable and stylish clothing with the best prices around.

Location: 4741 Wellington St., Verdun QC H4G 1X2
corner: 3rd Ave
Tel: 514-769-3771
Sale dates: until Jan 28, 2018
Metro Stop Station Verdun / Station de l’Eglise
www.groversbigandtall.com

It’s hard to find clothes for the big guy in Montreal and even harder to find sales for them so it’s great when M.H. Grover & Fils runs one on everything in the store. This family-run business’s 92 year commitment to ending the struggle of dressing the hard-t0-fit man makes it the destination to shop the latest in men’s big & tall fashion

From underwear to outerwear, they make it easy for you with their vast assortment of name brands. Fashions to fit any occasion you can find everything, including suits (to 70), in famous brand names like Chaps, Nautica, Report, Arrow, Pelle Pelle, Tommy Hilfiger, Hathaway, Axis and Columbia.

Now’s the time to hurry in to M.H. Grover and take advantage of their fabulous 92nd Anniversary Sale with discounts from 15% – 50% off everything in-store. Regardless of height, shape or particular clothing requirements, M.H. Grover will have you looking great in comfortable and stylish clothing with the best prices around.

Location: 4741 Wellington St., Verdun QC H4G 1X2
corner: 3rd Ave
Tel: 514-769-3771
Sale dates: until Sun Nov 19th2017
Metro Stop Station Verdun / Station de l’Eglise
www.groversbigandtall.com

It’s hard to find clothes for the big guy in Montreal and even harder to find sales for them so it’s great when THE big and tall shop, M.H. Grover & Fils, runs a sale. Since 1925, this family-run business has been dressing the hard-to-fit man.

From underwear to outerwear, you can find everything, including suits (to 70), in famous brand names like  Nautica, Report, Point Zero, Cutter & Bock,  Tommy Bahama, BRAX, m.e.n.s., Callaway and Columbia.

Now’s the time to hurry in to M.H. Grover and take advantage of their fabulous summer sale prices with discounts from 25% – 50% on all summer merchandise. Regardless of height, shape or particular clothing requirements,  M.H. Grover will have you looking great, making sure your clothing fits better with the best prices around.

Location: 4741 Wellington St., Verdun QC H4G 1X2
corner: 3rd Ave
Tel: 514-769-3771
Sale dates: until July 23rd, 2017
Metro Stop Station Verdun / Station de l’Eglise
www.groversbigandtall.com

Real estate agents fret when they hear that Morris Charney is doing the building inspection because they’re afraid that he is too thorough, too qualified. Charney is good at finding defects. He does all kinds of buildings from single-family homesor or condos as well as commercial and industrial buildings.

Most inspectors when they find a defect will refer the matter to an expert. Mr. Charney is an expert, a member of two Québec Orders – ­ professional (practicing) architect and city planner.  He is a member of IHINA (Independent Home Inspectors of North America) based in Boston ­ and he happens to be a Harvard graduate.

Typical pre-purchase inspections run about $1500 + tax for a verbal report or you can buy a written one. Reference is made to current and past building codes. All reports are customized narratives, not computer-generated checklists -­ just the defects, clearly explained. The information provided in both the verbal and written reports are the same. His practice has included renovating many homes, offices and stores so he has a good idea of what things cost. You can check out his LinkedIn site which contains numerous up to date posts regarding typical defects that have been discovered.

Most consumers don’t realize that the “new” Civil Code of Québec [1994] deregulated building inspections so that anyone has a right to do them even the purchasers themselves. The only stipulations are that it be done in a “prudent and diligent” manner, “without the need of expert assistance”.

Charney believes that a purchaser has the right to be properly informed of what it is they are buying.

Tel: 514-937-5100
Hours: by appointment
www.morrischarneyinspections.com, www.morrischarneyinspectionsfr.com
mcharney@videotron.ca

Around this time of year, Allan White of Inspectopro, says there are a few things you should be looking at in your house to avoid problems in the future:

1- Drainage: As you can’t do much until the ground thaws in the Spring, you better make sure there is no water building up anywhere
2 – Unwanted visitors: Is there anyone living in your attic or walls? Creatures too, like to come in from the cold.
3 – How is you attic ventilation? Will snow cause condensation? A roof can’t be properly fixed in winter temperatures so you should take a look now.

With an Engineering degree, this 25-year certified building inspector (independent of real estate agents) can inspect your property before a purchase or sale of a house.

Someone with his longstanding qualifications and schooling is what you need for legal expertise when there’s a problem with defects, be they apparent or latent. You want an expert with years of engineering and construction experience who can troubles for structural and architectural damages to the entire building envelope including things like foundation problems or water infiltration leading to mould and condensation

Inspectopro’s reports are detailed and narrative, about 80-100 pages long. Allan reports objectively and fairly, with understandable explanation of the problems and a realistic time frame including estimation of repair costs.

Having a home inspected is a pivotal step in the purchase process, yet many buyers don’t give it the merit it deserves. Home buyers should choose a home inspector with as much care as they choose a doctor, particularly since there is no regulation, either federal or provincial, which governs the industry. Contrary to popular belief, home inspectors are not members of a professional order, and anyone (even you!) can call themselves a building inspector.”

Your house is the biggest investment you will ever make. You want to get a most qualified person to make sure you are spending wisely. With Inspectopro’s years of expertise, White can find what less experienced inspectors would not recognize; He has experience in looking for small clues which might lead to big problems. Houses can be checked out in the Greater Montreal area and in cottage country too.

Phone: 514-696-6685
www.inspectopro.com