Digging The Trench

The days of simply walking into a new model home and buying a “problem free” product may be numbered. While you may be thinking newer is a “safer” bet with respect to quality and finish in a home, this is not always the case. Many buyers sometimes end up very surprised to find that what they thought they bought, was not what they actually received. Furthermore, they discover that trying to rectify the matter is often times an uphill battle. Consider yourself forewarned!

The time and effort it takes to finally arrive in your new home can be stressful enough without the added anxiety of dealing with unexpected problems after you move in. Failing to take the time to assess the physical condition of a new home is a recipe for disaster. Unexpected repair costs can be crippling if you are on a tight budget.

Engaging an experienced Halifax home inspector to conduct a pre-delivery Halifax home inspection will ensure that the specifications, material grade and quality, and construction methods agreed to are, in fact, being adhered to.

The following outlines a list of interior and exterior elements a qualified Halifax home inspector will thoroughly examine prior to you taking delivery of your new home:

INSPECTING THE INTERIOR

Plumbing fixtures

* there are no chips in bathtubs, toilets, and sinks

* faucets function as they should

* cabinets are securely attached to the wall

* caulking around tub and shower enclosures and counter top back splashes is sealed

Doors

* doors are well-fitted and operational

* locks are properly installed and do not rattle

Kitchen

* there are no scratches or marks on counter tops, cupboard doors, sinks, and appliances

* cabinet doors align correctly

* spaces for appliances have been measured

* range hood fan and light have been tested

* electrical outlets above the counter are operational

Interior finishes

* wall finishes show no uneven paint coverage or shadowing

* handrails are securely fastened and smooth to the touch

Closets

* doors are secure and open and close without a problem

Floors

* there are very few squeaks when walking on the floor

* floor covering surfaces are relatively flat

* seams in carpets and vinyl sheets are tight

* ceramic tiles have no surface cracks

* joints between ceramic tiles are properly filled with grout

* flooring shows no damage, stains, or shade differences

INSPECTING THE SYSTEMS AND EXTERIOR

Heating

* there is no damage to furnace and hot water heater

* check the capacity, shut-off mechanisms, and type of filtering

* verify the location and number of cold air returns

* verify the location of fuel lines and shut-off devices

Electrical System

* locate the electrical panel and explain the functions of each breaker/fuse

* inspect the ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI/AFCI)

Basement

* walls are safe from water penetration

* the floor slopes towards a drain

* joists should span no more than 2.1 meters (without bridging/strapping/engineered flooring)

* basement is properly insulated

Brickwork

* mortar joints are filled to capacity

* there are weep holes above windows and doors and at the bottom of the brick

Shingles

* extend over the roof edge at least 12 millimeters

* corners are not lifting

* is properly gas-proofed

* joints are sealed

Other Considerations

* find the switches for mechanical ventilation and circulation fans

* locate the plumbing system shut-off valves

* ensure that grading slopes gently away from the house

* where the frame meets the wall of the house, ensure caulking is complete around windows and doors

* roof vents are as close as possible to ridge of roof

In summary, a pre-delivery Halifax home inspection by a qualified Halifax home inspector may not uncover anything major, but will give you peace of mind…peace of mind that is well worth the price!

The kitchen is, by far, the most important room in the house. You will find that not only will you spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and cleaning, but you will also spend quality time with your family and friends. You will also want to consider ways that you can use the kitchen and try to incorporate the kitchen into something a little bit more functional. For those who have a smaller kitchen you have to understand that the size will hold back the value of your home. If possible, you should always be looking for new ways to make the kitchen look better.

For those who have a smaller kitchen you have to understand that the size will hold back the value of your home. If possible, you should always be looking for new ways to make the kitchen look better. You will also find that not only will you benefit from a home with a lovely kitchen, but you friends can come and adore.

Keep in mind that the kitchen is one of the most expensive rooms to remodel. You will need to keep in mind that the kitchen is going to take some time in remodeling and a lot of money. If you are truly interested in building a great kitchen on a lower budget, you may want to consider about what is important to you. You will want to make sure that not only do you consider cutting some corners on the budget (like using the current cabinets), but you also look at the materials that you are using.

You will find that kitchen islands will increase the value of your home, plus it will also provide you more workspace and storage. You will also find that your kitchen will look fabulous when you start thinking about the finishes and the theme of the room.

You will find that kitchen islands will increase the value of your home, plus it will also provide you more workspace and storage. You will also find that your kitchen will look fabulous when you start thinking about the finishes and the theme of the room. When you go with a theme you tend to look at the ways that you can incorporate the decoration or color palette. You will find that some themes are more common then others and you’ll be able to make a huge difference in the way that you present your kitchen with the theme.

Themes make remodeling easier when it comes to decisions and it tends to go lighter on the budget. If it is a cheap, new kitchen that you desire, then you will want to think about changing the accessories (door knobs and handles). This way you can give the kitchen cabinets a makeover without having to pay the price. Also, keep in mind that good cleaner and wood oil makes a difference in the way that your kitchen appears. You will want to consider the fact that your kitchen makes the world of a difference when you look at the smaller details of it all.

Having a bathroom tile that is attractive and decorative adds a splash to the design of your bathroom. Start with designing the main wall bathroom tile that would be made using a marble, ceramic, limestone or porcelain. Small sized tiles were popular but, currently even the larger ones are mostly used and you have a wide of range of patterns to be chosen. The standard 4×4 is no more a fashion. You get tiles in different sizes and shapes, and one can always mix these different options and match these tiles of the bathroom wall to the theme of your life. After wall, your next lookout should be other fixtures like the shower, bath tub or the vanity. You can always restrict these to certain areas incase you are looking for a good resale price.

Decorative bath room tile for the walls almost has endless choices to be made. You can design the wall tile keeping a particular theme in view like floral designs with flowers, a ocean pattern showing on the borders of the tile the feature of a sea shells etc. We also get tiles made of porcelain that are painted by hand and in different colors. Any pattern you have in your mind for a tile with a particular pattern and style, you would find it, and such are the options for a bathroom wall tile.

Finishing of the tile also makes it more fashionable. Shiny finishing was a most commonly used wall tile. The current trend is looking for more of a rustic or matte finish. Polished limestone or toppled kind of marble not only gives a casual appearance but also a pliable looking quality. These don’t come in regular shapes and have a muted look and are very different from the polished ones.

Camels, creams and sage should be considered when you plan to have earth or soft tones. Ceramic designs go well with the natural ones. Granite is also a better option. For a class look, you can choose a tumbled marble. For borders or accents, that is placed randomly or for even a complete wall, consider metal or glass tiles.

Right combination is always important when you use different materials. Textures, shades and colors are the key to this blend. You choice may contain varieties from natural, ceramic materials to marble or glass until and unless the color and work go hand in hand. Have the design planned very well in advance so that you have the right combination of the required materials. You shall always have a perfect tile design for your bathroom wall!!!

Find more information on bathroom tiles