ASK THE INSPECTOR: Concrete won't fix flooded cabin

QUESTION: I wonder if you could supply me with a quick answer to a footing question. We bought a cabin 10 years ago. The cabin was originally built on posts and pads. In order to prevent pest intrusion, they constructed an . . .

Posted: 2011-12-24

Damp spot in garage persists after eaves replaced

Determining whether moisture is coming from inside or outside is first step in solving problem

Question: I am a single woman with a detached 22-by-24-foot garage, standard package and construction. It is not insulated, has stucco on the exterior and is wired. It was built in 2002 and almost every year I see a wet . . .

Posted: 2018-01-13

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Does that telepost need to be attached?

QUESTION: I have read a couple of your articles about telepost adjustment, and you seem very knowledgeable on the subject, so I was hoping you could answer a question for me. I have recently had a custom house built by a . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

How much fresh air does your home need?

Question: My concern is with the fresh air intake for my furnace. I was told that I needed a 12-centimetre duct, which they ran through the foundation at the front of the house. This is in addition to the 10-cm . . .

Posted: 2017-04-29

Old chimney space can be used for fresh-air intake

Question: We have a new Carriere high efficiency furnace, which is one year old. We love it except for the interior humidity in winter. We never had a fresh air vent before because the old system using the chimney drew out . . .

Posted: 2019-05-18

Old chimney vent pipe is likely asbestos-free

Question: A while ago, I removed the top section of my B-vent chimney that goes through the roof. I then insulated and capped the remaining B-vent in the attic below the roof line, patched up the roof and shingles.Does the . . .

Posted: 2022-07-16

Address any potential radon problem right away

Worry more about the levels of the gas in your home, not any distribution of it to other rooms

Question: My unfinished basement previously had four heat supply vents and no air returns. I then finished my basement and added two air returns, one in the basement bedroom and one in the main room, as per building code. Does adding . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

CONNIE OLIVER: Some handy dos and don'ts with feature walls

A few weeks back, I mentioned there was one more update needed in my kitchen. The brick wall on the wall opposite the cabinets has been a thorn in my side since we purchased our home years ago. The brick 'feature' . . .

Posted: 2013-06-01

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Cap that sump pit to combat humidity, radon

QUESTION: I have an interesting question for you about our house, which is in the country and about eight years old. Should a sump pit in a basement, next to a forced-air electric furnace, be capped to vent outside? I . . .

Posted: 2014-02-08

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Fix minor defects, save complaints for big stuff

QUESTION: I am in the process of purchasing a new home and have a question regarding an outside faucet being located directly above the air conditioning unit. It is very awkward to attach the hose and we find that we . . .

Posted: 2010-11-27