A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections North West Calgary with Steve Pittman

Home inspections are an exercise in risk reduction. Their true value is in alerting you to big-ticket issues within the property, which can safeguard you against buying a money pit. While everyone likes to save money, skipping a home inspection when buying property could easily end up costing way more! https://hubs.ly/H0FH2vX0

One of the most exciting things you can do as a homeowner is tackle a renovation project. But this isn’t just a matter of grabbing a big sledgehammer and starting to knock down walls. Renovations take time and money. Creating a realistic timeline and budget are keys to success. And having your major renovations inspected as they near completion will offer you added peace of mind that your money has been well spent. https://hubs.ly/H0FH2rv0

Yikes! Don’t listen to anyone but your inspector when it comes to potential risks on a property.

The reality is that perfect homes don’t exist. And, while the spectrum of issues that can arise in a home varies wildly, every single property in existence can use improvements. And when you’re making one of the largest purchases of your lifetime, it makes sense to have an expert examine the property and make sure there aren’t hidden issues you wouldn’t see without a professional eye. One major problem could cost you a lot of money. https://hubs.ly/H0FGXgx0

Are you in the market to purchase a home? Since this will be the biggest buying decision you’ll make in your lifetime, be sure to equip yourself with the knowledge, resources and experts who can guide and support you along the way. https://hubs.ly/H0FD7fP0

Healthy appliances contribute to a smoothly operating household that is, until they don’t. People often take these big-ticket workhorses for granted, ignoring routine maintenance and the time that has passed since installation. This can shorten the average lifespan of appliances and require you to spring for a new one, perhaps before you’re financially ready. Ever wonder how long your appliances should last? Did you know that ABCHI also offers lifetime appliance safety recall monitoring, which is free with every inspection? https://hubs.ly/H0FDh6b0

Can I use your washroom? Sure. It’s at the top of the stairs. You can’t miss it. LOL What’s the strangest bathroom you’ve ever seen?

Insulation is a material in your home that you likely spend precious little time thinking about. Then along comes sub zero (or sweltering) weather, a three-digit utility bill or chilly drafts and you start thinking about it a lot! Check out these tips on how to properly insulate your home. https://hubs.ly/H0D4vv-0

When’s it okay to tackle do-it-yourself projects? When considering DIY tasks, begin with minor repairs and see how you fair. There are plenty of projects that the average homeowner with basic skills and understanding can successfully perform. Check out our helpful blog for suggestions on when to DIY and when to call in a professional. https://hubs.ly/H0D4HHx0

Haha! We couldn’t resist You have to look out for those serious leaks.

Concerned about radon levels in your home? A radon test is an inexpensive and simple way to bring you peace of mind for both an existing home and a prospective purchase. An invisible and odourless radioactive gas that’s released from the ground thanks to radium (which comes from uranium), radon build-up can occur in any home, regardless of age or how well it’s maintained. https://hubs.ly/H0D4tQZ0

It turns out, size does matter. Or, rather, the misrepresentation of a home’s square footage, as a court ruled in favour of a first-time homebuyer in Stouffville, Ontario, after a seller and real estate agent failed to properly disclose the home’s size. An appraisal came in at 1,450 square feet, while the buyer has been told several figures ranging between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet. This discrepancy resulted in the rescission of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and the return of the $50,000 deposit. https://hubs.ly/H0D4t2x0

t has been a hot, dry summer. And with that comes hefty water bills while we ensure our lawns and gardens remain healthy and lush. Check out these tips for creating a water-efficient garden. https://hubs.ly/H0vM4pM0

Tip of the Day: When pouring concrete near a duck pond, dont let the entire crew go on lunch at the same time! LOL Oopsie!

The beginning of the school year has been staggered. While some of you have already sent your kids off to school or started studies from home, others will begin this week or next. Whether youve chosen in-class, online or both, as a parent, student, teacher or support staff, no decision was easy. Thats why we need to support each other and keep everyone safe as a community. No judgement, no criticism, just helping hands. Check out our latest blog for tips on learning safely from home or in the classroom. https://hubs.ly/H0vRkGx0

Happy Labour Day long weekend from our family to yours!

Do not try this at home! Ummm not sure why its such a big deal to safely BBQ away from the house?!

Appraisers had to adjust the way they do business thanks to COVID-19 to remain safe while still excelling at their jobs, as is the norm for home inspectors, Realtors and other service providers that are part of the homeownership process. Relying on extra third-party data for appraisals, including personal pictures and videos the owner had of their property allowed appraisers to do external observations without having to physically step foot on the property. https://hubs.ly/H0vqTcM0

Sometimes, all it takes to feel like you have a totally new space is a little colour. If spending a lot of time at home has you considering your kitchens possibilities, a new coat of paint may be just the thing you need. And while painting kitchen cabinets may sound a little more intimidating than, say, painting a plain old wall, a new coat of paint can transform a standard-issue kitchen into something really spectacular. https://hubs.ly/H0v2xV90

This kitchen is to die for LOL

Ensuring your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are properly installed in your home and remain in good working order should be part of your regular home maintenance routine to make sure they protect your family and home when you need them most. Check out these important dos and donts when installing and maintaining smoke and CO alarms. https://hubs.ly/H0v2BBv0

Whether youre buying your very first home or moving to another one, things can be confusing. Youre not alone! Many people feel this way. Here are a few tips and tricks to overcoming the most common homebuying fears. https://hubs.ly/H0rR7ml0

Buyer: So, have the floors been refinished? Listing Agent: Working on it. LOL

Drips, leaks and flooding can cause major structural damage to a house if not addressed properly. There are some important visual signs that often indicate excessive amounts of water have been or are still present in a property. https://hubs.ly/H0tPNxJ0

With the summer heat comes the need to use more water. Whether this includes watering your lawn and flowers or filling up the pool, overall use skyrockets in the summer months. Here are seven ways that you can save water, which will help the environment and your wallet! https://hubs.ly/H0rRblr0

Perhaps a cleanup is required before the listing pics are snapped LOL Whats the funniest thing youve seen in an MLS photo?

Its important to understand what tasks a home inspector completes as part of an inspection to help realistically set your own expectations and manage the expectations of potential homebuyers. Here are some common home inspection myths dispelled. https://hubs.ly/H0txgGZ0

Your garage is a warehouse, toy shop, workshop and maybe even your favourite place to hang out. Check out these great space-saving tips to help maximize your garage space. https://hubs.ly/H0rRbl10

There are just so many questions about what went wrong here?!

Whether you call your place a cottage, camp or country home, the technical challenges of keeping the property up are similar. Here are some maintenance tips to ensure your cottage remains in tip-top shape so you can enjoy more R&R. https://hubs.ly/H0sYkYf0

A well-designed deck includes built-ins and features that are added for practical purposes along with architectural elements that enhance the design and materials of the structure. Lets face it: it gets hot, and as gorgeously appointed as your fine hardwood deck may be, if you dont provide shade, everybody will run for cover. A pergola or overhead structure will prolong your enjoyment and use of the deck along while adding an attractive design element. https://hubs.ly/H0tcnNb0

This is what happens when you want a rainfall shower but you dont want to spend the money on one. DYI pass or fail?!

Whether youre in the market to buy a property or youre thinking of staying put for now in your existing home, protecting among the largest financial investments of your lifetime from flood damage is a big deal. Its important to know if your house is at risk for flooding. If youre having a home inspected before you buy it or as part of your ongoing maintenance plan, our inspectors will be able to offer suggestions to help secure your property during extreme weather conditions, including flooding. https://hubs.ly/H0sZlzT0

When presenting an offer on a home, you get to choose the conditions you want to include. Of course, conditions on financing and home inspection are among the most important and something you often dont want to waive. If youre not sure what to include, heres a primer of common conditions buyers use. https://hubs.ly/H0sZmNT0

Definitely giving the literal meaning to a drive-by appraisal LOL

Renovating your home is both an exciting and stressful undertaking particularly if you remain in your home throughout the transformation. Whether youre planning a major restoration or minor remodeling, be sure you get your home inspected to ensure all work has been completed properly. Mistakes happen more often than you think! https://hubs.ly/H0sR0hn0

As much as we all love Canadas hottest season, summer also means one thing bugs. From mosquitoes and cluster flies to earwigs, insects are the unpleasant reality we suffer each year. While it may be impossible to avoid their presence altogether, especially in rural areas, here are 11 ways to deter them and even reduce their populations so you can spend more time enjoying your yard. https://hubs.ly/H0sJ2kQ0

Oops! This also sometimes happens with inspection reports

When hiring a home inspector to help ensure your property selection is sound while making among the largest financial purchases of your lifetime, its important to know you can place your trust and confidence in a professional, regardless of whether he or she is licensed. Not all home inspectors are equal, but we have you covered! Every A Buyers Choice Home Inspections inspector is: A Member of the Professional Association such as InterNACHI and follows industry-leading St...andards of Practice Highly Trained & Certified Fully Insured https://hubs.ly/H0sxcTT0 See more

Its simply amazing how adaptable we are! Just a few months ago, millions of Canadians endured gruelling, congested commutes to work five days a week. But that all changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and suddenly roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and public transit were wide open as Canadians were mandated to stay at home. While some people will still commute, it will be interesting to see how this impacts where you decide to buy if commuting isnt an issue for your family. https://hubs.ly/H0rF6yn0

Yikes! is what comes to mind! LOL Followed by: look out below!

During these unprecedented times, buyers and sellers across Canada remain wary of the lasting impact that COVID-19 will have on the housing market. The prospect of making one of the largest financial decisions of your life while uncertainties remain puts many Canadians in a difficult position either wait or act fast. Check out this housing market snapshot to better understand the current outlook and plan accordingly. https://hubs.ly/H0rTLNs0

The Bank of Canada (BoC) shared its optimistic outlook for Canadas economic recovery recently. But that doesnt mean interest rate hikes should be expected any time soon. Now may be a great time to think about buying a home and taking advantage of historically-low rates.

Honey, I changed the doorknob in the bathroom. It looks way better now wait. Ugh!

Happy Canada Day! Were so fortunate to live and work in this great country

The COVID-19 pandemic has made cleaning a daily (or hourly!) ritual. Here are the surfaces you should be tackling every day, even after your life returns to a new normal. https://hubs.ly/H0rF7tp0

Haha! A little humour injected into a listing never hurt

The home inspection industry has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated, blue-collar profession. But were thankful to support the next generation of home inspectors! We embrace inclusivity and diversity through a variance in age, gender, sexual orientation, skillset, thought, race and cultural background to better serve our clients. https://hubs.ly/H0rF3WS0