A home inspector dishes on the most common problem houses have- and how you can prevent them from happening to you!

It was recently asked of me, as a home inspector, what issue or problem is most commonly found when inspecting a home. The first thing that came to mind is dirty and or clogged gutters. What causes it? Keep reading to find out.

The falling leaves, brush from tall trees, birds, and even the shingles on your roof, all contribute to filling your gutters quickly. Clogged gutters can be serious problem to your house. The biggest reason for clogged gutters is lack of maintenance to rain gutter systems. Proper maintenance to your gutter systems can prevent major problems for your home due to the accumulated debris. Leaking and/or clogged gutters may cause mold inside the house, cracked foundation, and can rot wood, as I will explain below.

Clogged rain gutters can cause rainwater to remain on the roof for a long time. This pooling water can rot the wood supporting the roof and the walls. The rotting wood will cause water to leak into the house, causing further damage and possible loss of property.  Cold freezing weather can make it even worse. Think about it, your gutters are already full of water; this is very heavy, now it freezes and then it snows. Yes, it stops leaking when it freezes, but once it starts to thaw, you will have even more damage. Repairs to the roof and walls is expensive, no matter how you look at it.

In addition to rotting wood and walls, leaking rainwater due to unmaintained gutter system can cause mold to form inside and outside of the house. Mold can quickly spread and large portions of the house interior may need to be repaired. Mold is a health hazard and can require specialty environmental cleanup services for removal to ensure the health of the residents. On the outside of the house, the leaking rainwater can cause the siding to bow and become moldy. This may require the replacement of a large portion of siding. Siding can be difficult to match and costly to replace.

The gutters are designed to move water away from your house foundation. When rain water from the roof cannot drain properly from your gutters, it falls off the roof and pools around the foundation of the house. This pooling water begins to degrade your foundation materials which can lead to cracks in your foundation. The cracks can then result in water leaking into your home. Repairing damage to your foundation can be very costly. I might add that clogged gutters and down spouts can and will most likely lead to clogged drain tile. A clogged drain tile can lead to a very wet basement or crawl space. Believe me, I’ve seen it.

All of these problems with your home can be avoided with proper maintenance to your gutter systems. Cracked foundation, a mold colony or a leaky roof can cause serious problems to your house and be very expensive & time consuming to fix.

A qualified home inspector from A Buyer’s Choice can consult with you on any gutter issues you may have and make recommendations for improvement or ongoing maintenance.

Sylvain “Slinky” Girard

Owner/Inspector- A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections

License 55977 West Vancouver-Sea to Sky-Sunshine Coast

604-938-2115

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The Year of the Dragon expected to Fire Up the Real Estate Market

In the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon is considered to be a very auspicious year. The dragon is a symbol of luck and represents success and happiness for those who engage in honest and positive behaviour. It is believed to be a good year to make big changes in one’s life- having children, switching jobs, starting businesses and…wait for it…buying real estate!

It’s true that the Lower Mainland tends to be a major focus for the asian investors, and the Sea to Sky Corridor can often be overlooked by this emerging market. But perhaps that may change- after all, the year of the Dragon is about zigging, rather than zagging.

But another reality is that the Sea to Sky Corridor tends to attract Lower Mainlanders who are being priced out of the markets there. A busy real estate market in Vancouver tends to result in higher prices and lower inventory, making Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton way more attractive for those who want to make a lifestyle change themselves. (Another bonus feature of the Year of the Dragon.) Because, honestly, there is no better place than the Sea to Sky to set down some roots, and spread your wings.

The proximity to the city is frequently underestimated. The improved highway has reduced commuting times significantly, and the views while driving are truly inspiring. Much better than staring at the bumper of the car in front of you as you slowly inch down the city roads.

But it’s the proximity to recreational features that really make the area a paradise. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, paddling, skiing, windsurfing, SCUBA diving, snowmobiling, ATVing, climbing…the list goes on and on. Simply stepping out your front door you’re greeted with fresh mountain air, tinged with notes of sea spray….glorious! Oh, and is that an eagle circling overhead, playing in the thermal updraft….Yeah…there’s no place like home!

The community is really starting to create something special here. Artists and craftspeople abound, bringing with them unique festivals and markets and programs. The growing number of young families has resulted in an amazing amount of family-oriented programs locally. And what a place to grow a new business! Endless opportunities exist.

So, if you’re sitting on the fence about making a major change in your life, consider the Year of the Dragon as an incentive to do so- the good luck in the universe is working in  your favour this year.  After all, the next year of the Dragon will be in 2024. Like the Karen Lamb quote going around Pinterest right now, “A year from now, you’ll wish you had started today”….

 

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Whistler Pride Guide

Has it really been 20 years? The advertisers of the upcoming WinterPRIDE 2012 claim that it’s been two decades since the inception of the notorious and highly acclaimed gay ski week started in Whistler. My, how time flies.

And, as can be expected, big things are planned to mark the 20th anniversary- which is expected to draw over 2500 attendees for the 8-day celebration, running February 5- 12th.

Whistler is known as a world-class destination for play- be it outdoors, or indoors. And WinterPRIDE takes complete advantage of the resort’s offerings.

Of course the restaurants, bars and club scene will be prominently featured with some spectacular parties and events.  Comedy night is always a big hit. There are pool parties, cowboy/cowgirl parties, a drag ball and the SnowBall on Saturday Feb 11th marks the finale of the festival.

Snowguides are available each day to assist skiers and snowboarders with getting their bearings on the hill. Riders of similar ability are matched up to tour the hill together, so if your friends are a bit too tired to check out the hill, fret not- you will easily meet up with others of your skill level to get in some runs and have a great time.  Once you get your snowlegs, be sure to participate in the charity race.

According to the website, Homorazzi, which claims to have actually been concieved in Whistler, there are some surefire tips to make the most of your WinterPRIDE experience:

  • Get your tickets early. In fact, splurge on the multi-day, all-events pass if you can. You never know where the day will take you. It is also recommended to arrive at events early, and purchase ample drink tickets at the start of the event, so you don’t spend most of your time in the ticket-buying line.
  • Go for as long as you can. This way you can experience all the great events, and enjoy the amazing atmosphere without burnout or regrets. This also gives you many opportunities to try something new- like the Gay Skeleton Experience day (no, not the actual human skeleton, but the actual SPORT, which is like going down a toboggan run, head-first). Check out the snowmobiling, tubing,  ice skating, bungee jumping, and – of course- don’t forget to actual go skiing or snowboarding while you’re there.
  • Hit the apres events. They’re the most fun of all, and a great way to meet people.
  • Take LOTS of photos. Whistler is a beautiful location, and tends to attract a lot of beautiful people. And sometimes it’s nice just to have a documented record of what you’ve done and seen. Just in case your memory gets a tad fuzzy…

Anyway, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. For more information, please check out the WinterPRIDE site at: http://gaywhistler.com/

 

 

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19th Annual Telus Winter Classic Rocks Whistler

All the good things in life come together for a great cause January 27th and 28th, as the Telus Winter Classic returns for it’s 19th year to raise money for the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation.

On the mountain, you can enjoy fun events such as “Ski with a Pro” day, technology trials and LIFT LINE PRIORITY!

 Gather your friends together to form teams for the “Guess your Time” race.

The Whistler Winetastic on Friday January 27th at the Westin Resort and Spa gives you an opportunity to taste your way through an amazing array of wines, beer, cheese and appetizers for only $65.

The following night, you can head up Whistler Mountain for the Cisco Winter Whiteout Mountain Top Gala, held at the Roundhouse Lodge, to enjoy live entertainment, silent auctions and awesome edibles at various buffet stations, for $150.

So many ways to help out the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, which in turn helps out so many deserving non-profit organizations throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor. Which, really, helps us all. Can’t help but like that!

For more information, please go to http://www.whistlerblackcombfoundation.com/?page_id=19

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Get your Adrenaline Flowing!

Two years ago on a sunny Christmas Day morning,  a friend with a snowmobile shuttled a group of us up Brohm Ridge. It was truly one of the most memorable Christmasses ever.

The sun was sparkling off of fresh fluffy snow, and the views of Howe Sound and the surrounding peaks were breathtaking. At one point, he returned to collect someone else and I realized that I was there alone in the silent alpine, miles and miles from anyone else. Exhilerating. And slightly scary. I loved every second of it.

Owning a snowmobile can be expensive and labour-intensive. But there’s a good reason why so many residents of Sea to Sky do it. For the rest of us, we wait until we get invited to go.

The recent snowfall that’s had the audacity to even briefly dust the fair streets of Vancouver (imagine!) has also finally covered the mountains above and around Squamish with a beautiful icing of snow, sweet snow. Anyone with eyes can’t help but gaze up at those luscious snow-covered hills and thought…”if only I could get up there…”

And someone has heard your prayers. Adrenaline Recreation Rentals in Squamish now rents out snowmobiles and ATVs, so anyone can access the beautiful backcountry trails without having to shell out the insane dollars to purchase (and maintain) a snowmoblile of their own.

How genius is that?!

You can rent out daily, or long-term, and there’s even an Adrenaline Club, which offers multi-day passes and priority reservations.

Did I mention that it was GENIUS?!

Anyway, if you’re interested in checking them out, please go to their website at: www.adrenalinerentals.com. And don’t forget to give us a call if you need anyone to come along with you!

 

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The Flip Side about switching to a lower mortgage rate

There has been quite a lot of buzz about the recent article posted on CBC news about the post on the current low mortgage rates, and it suggests that now may be a great time to break your current mortgage to lock in at a lower rate.
However, our in-house mortgage expert Annie de la Chevrotiere reveals some fresh insights regarding potential pitfalls to changing your mortgage. Here’s what she has to say:

“This article has both valid and invalid information. The upper portion explaining the upward & downward pressure on rates is pretty accurate. The second portion of the article however, is not. They suggest that if you pay a penalty to break your mortgage & make up the penalty difference over the next 5 years, that it is an easy decision to make. It is not that simple.

 

In short, when you sign an interest rate contract, you are agreeing to pay the bank their interest either over the term of the mortgage or up front in an “Interest Rate Differential” penalty. The banks are pretty much covered to recover their interest no matter what.

You really need to look at the interest cost differences between your current rate and the new rate for the time left in the term, not a new 5 year window. Also, there is a key part of information that is needed to make the right choice…but absolutely no one has the information today…and that is what interest rates will be in the future. If rates are the same or lower at the time of your original maturity date, then you may have been better off to wait it out. If interest rates are higher than at your original mortgage maturity date, then you may be very happy that you did an early renewal.

 

Other factors that play a role in the decision, but are harder to put a monetary value on, are the effects on your monthly cash flow. Even though you may not be saving anything over the course of the remaining term, you may benefit from a refinance or debt restructure at a lower rate that could make your life easier & more manageable. Life changes are often an influencing part, as in growing family, renovation, or kids going off for post secondary education. All of these are important events that you can not put a monetary value on, and may be worth the costs to change.

 

 One more note regarding the posted article below…a note of caution on the potential “incentives” to help you cover the cost of the penalty…these are usually in the form of “cash back” deals…you end up not receiving the “best” rate in order to have “cash back” from the transaction. These “cash backs” though often have a “claw back” clause where the “cash back” has to be repaid if you pay off your mortgage before the maturity date.”

For more information, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Annie at:

ANNIE DE LA CHEVROTIERE

Owner / Mortgage Broker
Garibaldi Mortgage

Office Direct : 604 898 5600 Ext 1

Fax : 604 898 5661
Cell : 604 815 9843
Toll Free: 1-877-932-2688 Ext 10

Email: annie@mygmi.com
Skype: annie.de.la.chevrotiere

 

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Put the Peddle to the Metal in the Middle of the Winter

I’m sure that there is more than one cycling enthusiast who’s dreaming of warmer, brighter, drier days- counting down until the weather improves enough for some outdoor riding.

But there’s no need to worry about getting out of shape during the off-season, if you’re not an avid snowsports fan. Tag Cycling has just opened up an indoor cycling facility in Function Junction and they’re offering coaching, training plans, strength training and race programs to keep riders (and non-riders, too) inspired and in shape all season long.

Featuring some crazy high-tech bikes called CycleOps 300 which actually claim to help improve your pedalling by ”measuring your technique”…it’s kind of tempting to go try it out just to see.

A totally novel idea for the next boring rainy day, or for those experiencing a lull in motivation at the gym. You can even RESERVE a bike in advance!

Go check them out at #2 – 1050 Millar Creek Road, or visit their site at www.tagcycling.com.

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FREE Renovation Seminar Wednesday night!

If you’re thinking about renovating your home, then circle Wednesday January 18th on your calendar. The folks at RCB Fine Homes and Coast Mountain Custom Homes are hosting a free seminar on how to successfully renovate your home with as little stress as possible.

  • Confused on how to hire a contractor?
  • Baffled by licensing and permits?
  • Overwhelmed by understanding government incentives?
  • Wishing you had a renovation checklist?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then you better get yourself to the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company on Cleveland in Squamish on Wednesday January 18th. The seminar runs from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Registration is required. Email: info@rdcfinehomes.com to register or for more information.

Happy Hammering!!!

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Stay Warm and Dry at the Winter Farmer’s Market

If you’re hitting a creative impass coming up with things to do on these cool, wet, grey winter Sundays, don’t forget about the Winter Farmer’s Market, running alternating Sundays at the Roundhouse at the West Coast Railyway Heritage Park in Squamish.

From 10 am to 3 pm, there are vendors, food and live music – all nestled in the ultra-cool, yet warm and dry Roundhouse.

Baked goods, preserves, art, crafts, warm wooly wear, handcrafted goods, soaps, oils, aromatherapy, jewellery, snacks, dog treats- you name it. It’s there. A great place for the family to spend time together and try out new local treats.

The Farmer’s Market is run on the following dates:

Sunday January 15

Sunday January 26

Sunday February 12

Sunday February 26

Sunday March 11

Sunday March 25

Sunday April 8

For more information, go to http://squamishfarmersmarket.com

 

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Breaking the Mould….

There have been 270 species of mould identified in Canada.  Health Canada recommends that all mould, regardless of species be cleaned and that the underlying problems which enabled the growth of the mould should be dealt with immediately, to prevent potential health issues.

Mould needs moisture and organic material to start and thrive.  Leaky pipes, roofs, or windows can provide the moisture it takes to start a colony. Improper ventilation in attics, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms may also contribute to mould growth.

You can clean the mould yourself if the contaminated surface is small.  Water and dish soap or hydrogen peroxide and water can be used to treat small areas.  Hydrogen peroxide is far more effective in killing mould spores than bleach.  It also does not have the potential of releasing harmful gases that bleach may have. Bleach is not recommended as a mould eradication agent.

If you suspect a mould problem that you cannot solve on your own you should contact a trained Indoor Air Quality Investigator for advice on building related aspects of air quality.  These investigators can do a visual inspection to identify areas of concern and make recommendations for improving the situation.

All home owners need to fix the underlying cause of the mould whether due to water damage or excessive humidity.

There are several things you can do to help prevent mould growth in your home:

  1. Repair basement, roof and pipe leaks as soon as you notice them.

  2. Always use the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to help keep your house dry.

  3. The clothes dryer hoses need to be properly connected and vented to the outside.

  4. Properly seal tubs, tub surrounds and sinks to prevent water from getting into the walls.

  5. If you have a flood or any type of water damage, be sure the flooded area is completely dry within 48 hours.

  6. The humidity in your home should be around 50% in summer and 30% in winter.  A dehumidifier can help reduce the relative humidity is necessary.

  7. Discard clutter and excess stored material and make sure you have enough clearance from walls to allow for proper air circulation.

  8. Keep your house clean by vacuuming regularly.

  9. Mould can grow on anything that collects dust and can hold moisture.

 Most home inspectors at A Buyer’s Choice are trained to identify where mould could become a problem and advise you accordingly.

Sylvain “Slinky” Girard

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections – Sea to Sky

604.938.2115

http://seatosky.abuyerschoice.com/

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