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Wood Appliance Inspection
Time
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It's now time to be
thinking about your wood burning appliances and making sure
they are up to insurable standards. We have many partially
completed WETT reports in the files, so if you are one of
these clients, please contact us soon.
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| Remember that
we do WETT inspections (stoves, fireplaces and chimneys)
at discounted prices when it is included with a home
inspection. We also offer the same services to
clients who are not buying or selling homes so if you know
anyone who is installing a new wood burning appliance and
needs to have their insurance upgraded, we're the people who
can help. |
This Summer
So it has been a busy summer for us at North
Island Inspections! After sales picked up again after the
winter/spring doldrums, I took a month off in July/August and went
east to Ontario to visit family and friends (and see the
Blue Jays loose). This allowed Scott to become familiar with
the systems we've developed over the years as he looked after the
business while I was away.
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The big test came when I went for my Yukon
canoe trip earlier this month (see photo -those are
grayling) As you may know, I go away with a group of
friends annually for a kayak, canoe or bike trip. I usually
warn agents and clients before I go, but this year I didn't
and Scott looked after things quite well! Needless to
say we're quite happy after he survived feet to the
fire.
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So what does this mean? It means
that North Island Inspection Services can now offer quality
inspections to more clients in more places with less wait
time. We cover the gulf islands (from Lasqueti
north), the Sunshine Coast (we both have roots in
Powell River) and the North Island (from Parksville to Port
Hardy -we've actually been north of Hardy).
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Remember: If you refer us
to anyone who mentions your name when we are doing their
inspection, you will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Atlas
Cafe in Courtenay.
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Home Maintenance Tips for Fall
Protect Your Home and Investment
Your house is more than the place
where you live, it’s your home and your most important investment.
Carrying out a regular program of maintenance and repairs can help
you protect that investment, and help keep your family safe and
sound in every season.
In Fall, Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation suggests you take a few minutes each week to
perform the following simple tasks, which will help you to avoid the
most common—and costly—problems before they occur.
Some of these tasks
include:
- Check and clean or replace your
furnace filters on a monthly basis during the heating season. Have
your furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service
company (every two years for a gas furnace and every year for an oil
furnace).
- Bleed air from the hot water
radiators, and turn the gas furnace pilot light on.
- Vacuum electric baseboard
heaters to remove dust, remove the grilles on forced-air heating
systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
- If you have a heat
recovery ventilator (HRV), clean the outside air intake grill, the
filters inside the unit, and the core, and pour water down the
condensate drain to test it.
Have well water tested for quality.
- Check the sump pump and line to
ensure proper operation. There should be no line obstructions or
visible leaks.
- If you have a septic tank,
measure the sludge and scum to determine if it needs to be emptied
before spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three
years.
- Replace window screens with
storm windows, and ensure all windows, doors and skylights shut
tightly, including the door between your house and
garage.
- Ensure that the ground around
your home slopes away from the foundation wall to prevent water from
draining into the basement.
- Clean leaves from eave troughs
and downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof, and check
chimneys for nests or other obstructions.
- Cover the outside of air
conditioners, and drain and store outdoor hoses. Close the valve to
the outdoor hose connection, and drain the faucet (unless it is
frost proof).
- Winterize landscaping by
storing outdoor furniture, preparing gardens and, if necessary,
protecting young trees or bushes for winter.
For more
information, visit
www.cmhc.ca .
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