Update on LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program as of April 1st

As many of you are aware, the LiveSmart BC Effeciency Incentive Program expired on March 31, 2013. There is now a new LiveSmart BC Effeciency Incentive Program in effect, as of April, 1, 2013.

This program is in effect for NEW PARTICIPANTS from April 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 - homeowners must have their 1st audit preformed before December 1st to be eligible for the grants 

You must have all the upgrades and pre-retrofit a...

Home purchase takes patience

Recently I was able to attend the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association First Time Home Buyers Seminar in Surrey, British Columbia. I had the opportunity to speak with many first time home buyers regarding the purchase of their first home. I’d like to address a few items that may help the first time home buying process be easier.

There are many factors you need to address when choosing when, where and what to buy for your firs...

Don't quick-fix windows - The Province, April 7th, 2013

I’ve received many inquiries to my office from homeowners who are concerned with foggy windows. What they are noticing is their windows are foggy because the sealed glass unit (dual pane glass) has been compromised, which has allowed water vapour to get inside of the window pane, showing up as moisture or condensation on the inside of the sealed glass unit.

During my 50+ years in the home improvement industry, I’ve seen my fair share of products come on the market tha...

After four years is BC home inspection licensing a failure? by Craig Hostland, President CAHPI (BC)

The end of January marked the four-year anniversary of the province’s announcement of a licensing program for B.C. home inspectors. On January 30, 2009 a news release issued by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, John van Dongen, announced the regulation of the home inspection under Consumer Protection BC, declaring, “… consumers need to have confidence that the person who is doing the inspection has the qualifications to make a professional assessment”.

Selecting & Buying Paint or Stain

The Government of Canada introduced regulations aimed at protecting the environment and the health of Canadians from the effects of air pollution. These regulations reduced the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that were allowable in alkyd paints, varnishes and wood stains. As of September 2012, paint retailers are no longer able to sell items that do not comply with the new regulations. Most manufactures have been able to create water based products of a similar or better quality to replace ...

Gutters & Eavestroughs made just that easy!

When you are considering the various gutter (for those of the in the East they are referred to as eavestroughs) options, you also should consider how you are going to control the leaves and debris entering your gutter or downspout system.

Gutters and downspouts perform a function of funneling water down and away from your foundation or basement walls. This system is a main line of defense in protecting a house from the harsh elements of rain, snow and ice. They sho...

Gutters / Eavestroughs made just that easy!

When you are considering the various gutter (for those of the in the East they are referred to as eavestroughs) options, you also should consider how you are going to control the leaves and debris entering your gutter or downspout system.

Gutters and downspouts perform a function of funneling water down and away from your foundation or basement walls. This system is a main line of defense in protecting a house from the harsh elements of rain, snow and ice. They sho...

Concerned with mould in your attic?

You’re trying to sell your house and just discovered that there’s mould in your attic. Maybe it was the prospective buyer’s inspector that made the discovery. Now your deal is on the line and you’re in a panic.

Why does mould grow in the attic?

Mould doesn't grow withot moisture, There could be several causes of moisture in an attic. Bathroom or kitchen hood vents could be disconnected for some reason. Or worse, neve...

Getting to the guts of rain gutters - The Province, March 17th, 2013

With all the rain we’ve experienced during the past week in the Lower Mainland and throughout much of BC, gutters have become a hot topic around my office. When you are considering the various gutter options, you also should consider how you are going to control the leaves and debris entering your gutter or downspout system.

Gutters and downspouts perform a function of funneling water down and away from your foundation or basement walls. A gutter system is a main line of de...

Restored cabinets enhance homes - The Province, March 10th, 2013

Kitchen cabinets are a focal point of a kitchen that will age a home if worn or dated so rejuvenating wood cabinets will make a big impact with little cost. To refresh older oak cabinets, one product that I often recommend is BriWax. 

Note: Briwax is usually available through many, IRLY, Windsor Plywood, Home Hardware stores and Rona stores. BriWax is available in colours to match most wood cabinets. Make sure to follow the instruc...