Earlier this month we discussed the advantages of fire resistant roofing materials in our area. But each roof type has advantages and disadvantages too. When making a decision regarding roofing, it is always wise to learn of the local risk of natural disasters - such...

​We all know the importance of fire resistant materials here - in a very serious way. But have you ever thought about fire resistant materials on your roof?When it comes to materials you might want to replace, wood shakes and asphalt shingles fall into this category...

Use Natural Lighting - Unfortunately, the majority of the population these days tend to rely on artificial lighting but you could save money by using natural light or ‘daylighting’. Firstly, this can be done by installing skylights above. Of course, glass will have to...

Insulate Windows and Doors - Earlier, we discussed big insulation projects in the attic but you can also insulate the windows and doors within your home to reduce the leakage of heat. As a cheap solution, windows can be sealed with rope caulk or weatherstripping. As...

Chimney inspections are very important here in Fort McMurray. We have cold winters, and we need to make sure that if we have a chimney that it will be both safe and functional. So what type of chimney inspection should you get?There are a few  different types of...

Need a DIY Project for the weekend?

Often on a home inspection I look into the sink and see a big crack (or even several cracks). But what does this mean? Is it serious?In short: no, not really. Most of the time it is an old sink and the cracks are usually superficial in the porcelain. So what can be...

That's a good question to ask - especially to your home inspector! The insulation levels in your attic have a direct bearing on your energy usage, and ultimately your bills. Depending on the age of your home, you could have anywhere from R-10 to R-45 and up. There are...