Category Archives: Blog

Set Fines Given out By the Ministry Of Labour

On Ontario Construction Sites many fines are preset at the back of the Green Book (Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulations).  For example:  A person walking onto a construction site without a Hard Hat and Safety Boots would … Continue reading

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Competition Bureau misguided about MLS (April 30, 2010)

I found this excellent article by Mark Weisleder at yourhome.ca  here.  The article has been reproduced here for you to read. “SPECIAL TO THE STAR Buying a home is a lot different than buying an airline ticket. Yet if you … Continue reading

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History of 32 Gothic

Gothic Heritage Estates – 32 Gothic Avenue In 1889, the second Mayor of the Town of West Toronto (George Johnston St. Leger) built his home at 32 Gothic Ave.  This originally two-storey mansion on a hilltop overlooked the Grenadier Pond ravine (this … Continue reading

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Toronto Termite Infestation Map

There is such a thing as a Termite Map. Quite some time ago the City of Toronto kept records of all termite activity and treatments BUT THAT MAP IS OUT OF DATE. You can no longer rely on that map as Termites have spread and continue to do so. The Privacy Act and Company Privacy Policy prevent any updating. Continue reading

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What Construction Company Owners Should Ensure Their Foremen Have

Every Foreman or Supervisor should have a binder with information that relates to their company.  I have provided a list of items that should be included in the binder.  I will be adding links where you will find additional information … Continue reading

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Tarion Protection Is Worthless Without Knowing How To Use It

While it is true that Tarion (the Ontario New Home Warranty Program) is there to protect the Homeowners.  Keep in mind that it is also there to protect the Builders.  Tarion  sets performance guidelines and time-lines that both the Builder … Continue reading

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Termites Terrorize Toronto

Hidden inside wood boats, Termites came across the water landing in Toronto, Ontario just prior to the 1940s in the area today known as “the beaches” They have spread mostly North and West but can be found in Scarborough, York, North York, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Thornhill, Markham, Newmarket, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa… Continue reading

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Tarion Construction Performance Guidelines

In Ontario, New Homes built for Sale must follow the Tarion Construction Performance guidelines as seen here:

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Predicting Canadian Mortgage Rates

How are Canadian Mortgage Rates Set?… Variable mortgage rates and lines of credit move with the prime lending rate…. Fixed-Rate Mortgages move with the bond market…. Continue reading

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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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