Tag Archives: Toronto

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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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 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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