Tag Archives: “Ask Steve”

No HST on Resale Homes

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Steven

Question: Is there HST when Buying a home? Answer: When you buy a Resale Home there is no HST.  When you buy a Newly Built Home there is HST. I still get this question from time to time even though … Continue reading →

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What do you need to know about Oil Tanks When Buying a Home

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Steven

There is nothing wrong with heating a home with oil.  However, Insurance companies have policies which may affect your home purchase.  Many forget that Mortgage Companies require purchasers to get house insurance.  So, purchasers trying to buy a home that has insurance … Continue reading →

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Bradford West Gwillimbury 2010 Final Tax Rates

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Steven

When buying a property, one of the items I always review (and buyers should always ask about) is Land Taxes.  When listing a home most realtors get a copy of the previous years land taxes then post it on the … Continue reading →

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Quick Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool During The Summer Heat

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Steven

I write this during a heat wave here in Southern Ontario.  Here are three quick tips to help feel cooler you more comfortable during this heat during the night. Close Your Bedroom Doors: Hot air rises and the cool air … Continue reading →

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What Construction Company Owners Should Ensure Their Foremen Have

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Steven

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

Posted on April 7, 2010 by Steven

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

Posted on April 4, 2010 by Steven

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

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Steven

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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Roll Roofing is a Low Quality Product

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Steven

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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Required Construction Documents Part 2: WSIB Clearance Certificate by Steven Silva

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Steven

Steven Silva’s Required Construction Documents Part 2: WSIB Clearance Certificate: Before I allow any construction contractor to work for me here in Ontario I would ask for a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) clearance certificate in order to protect myself from potentially being sued. In cases where a contractor does not have WSIB coverage (and I require the services), I could contact WSIB and then holdback the amount required by WSIB from the contract and submit it to WSIB. Continue reading →

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