Author Archives: Steven

Landlords Rejoice! NY Times claims it is better to Rent than Buy

Rent or Buy? Every Tenant should be asking themselves this question. Actually a better question would be: At what point should a Renter stop saving and renting and buy property, if at all? Most Realtors, I suspect, will say as soon as you can afford to do so… Had I taken the article at face value when it was posted in 2008, I would have lost $100,000 in a three year period. Continue reading

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How to Give a Safety Talk (Introduction and Example)

…Supervisors or Safety Representative should be doing a weekly safety talk. Below is an example of a safety talk guide I created for people that worked under me…
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires workers to be trained in health and safety on the job site. One of the methods used in training are the weekly Safety Talks (also known as Tool Box Talks). Construction Site Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all workers on-site have the appropriate safety training. Once a week, The supervisor must ensure that a safety talk is given and recorded. The supervisor can do the safety talk or delegate it to the Health and Safety Representative. For those new to the talk, follow the Ten Point Guide Below. Please note that this is only a guide! Supervisors or Health and Safety Representatives may, in addition to weekly safety talks, discuss other items. If this in done, it should be noted on the Safety Talk Sheet. They must discuss the weekly item at a minimum. It is up to the Supervisor to set up the time during the week but it must be done during the week provided. Remember, in general, the purpose of a Safety Talk is to help workers RECOGNIZE and CONTROL hazards on the job site. Continue reading

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Roll Roofing is a Low Quality Product

Amazingly enough I could not find any signs of leakage (though without a doubt it had to be letting water pass) This is roll roofing after about 15 years. Imagine taking asphalt shingles and making a big roll out of it. It is the one of the least expensive way to cover a flat roof and the lowest quality. I automatically assume that any Flat Roof covered by Roll Roffing may need to be replaced within about 5 years. Continue reading

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Looking for an Open House in Toronto this Weekend?

Looking For an Open House in Toronto?  Check out Realtor.ca (the public version of MLS) and do a search of open houses there. If you are looking for a home in a particular area, send an email to AskStevenSilva@gmail.com .  … Continue reading

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Can I hire a Contractor Without WSIB?

Can I hire a Contractor Without WSIB?  The short answer is yes. But Why would you want to?  This is the least I think you should know before you do.

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Tarion Part 1: Introduction to the Ontario New Home Warranty Program

New Homes in Ontario basically fall under two categories. Homes built for personal use and Homes built for sale to customers. Both must meet Ontario Building Code but only New Homes built for customers fall under the New Home Warranty Program. In 1976 a Private Corporation was established to protect the rights of new home builders and new home buyers. This Corporation is known today as Tarion… Continue reading

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Required Construction Documents:Don’t Forget to Ask for Proof of Insurance

I was driving along today and came across this surprising scene. It made me think back to my previous discussions of required construction documents. Also, find out if the contractor has liability insurance.

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Inside an Old Electric Furnace

Ever wonder about an electric Furnace? I found one in a basement during one of my home inspections. The green big thing at the bottom of the picture on the left is the blower. It sucks the air in and pushes up through the electric coils visible on the right. Electricity runs through the coils heating them up. As the air passes it picks up the heat and warms up. Continue reading

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Required Construction Documents Part 3: Health and Safety Policy by Steven Silva

The Health and Safety Policy Statement is all that is required. It is a one page document (usually part of their whole Health and Safety Program which is many pages long). Take a look at my Health and Safety Policy Statement. This is my current policy for my Construction/Consulting company. There are four things that I look for (as does the Ministry Of Labour) in order to make it valid. Continue reading

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Realtor Steve on a Zoom-Boom

Sunday I took a Zoom-Boom for a drive, moving it from one job site to another one job site close by. I could operate that forklift all day. I love those machines

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