Tag Archives: Realtor Steve

Wintertime Home Advice – Part Two (Also Printed in February Snap South Simcoe)

Every winter people look for ways to improve their home efficiency to reduce heating costs… …This month I will quickly touch on weather proofing and occupant lifestyles.
Weather Proofing Advice: Gaps in the building envelope allow warm air out and cold air in. On a cold day try…
…Lifestyle Advice: Changing the way you live can reduce your heating needs. Let in the southern light, since direct… Continue reading

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No HST on Resale Homes

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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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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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 Quite some time ago the City of Toronto kept records of all termite activity and treatments BUT THAT MAP IS OUT OF DATE.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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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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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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