Helpful Links
Resources & Links
Articles you can use to do your own research. Encyclopedic, helpful and handy. You will find everything from our code of ethics to companies we have personally done business with and who we recommend.
Home Buying Institute (HBI): Trusted Advice for Buyers
http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com
The Home Buying Institute (HBI) has been educating buyers in the U.S. for more than 15 years. It’s a mission we take seriously.
Frequently Viewed Articles
http://www.inspectionlibrary.com › costs
The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and/or improvements to a typical three-bedroom home. Our experience has shown that actual …
Home Improvement Costs – Carson Dunlop
https://www.carsondunlop.com › pdf › LifeCycles…
The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and/or improvements to a typical three-bedroom home. Our experience has shown that actual …
Life Cycles and Costs – Honest Home Inspection
https://www.honesthomemn.com › 2021/06 › Life…
HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. According to Remodeling Magazine, here are some national average costs for common remodeling projects in the U.S. in 2014.
Priority Maintenance for Home Buyers
There are so many home maintenance and repair items that are important, it can be confusing trying to establish which are the most critical. Try ….
http://www.inspectionlibrary.com › costs
Undertaking a Home Repair
This report will deal with the simpler topic of home repair – basically replacing things that are worn out or fixing things that are broken.
http://www.inspectionlibrary.com › costs
The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and/or improvements to a typical three-bedroom home. Our experience has shown that actual …
Home Reference Library – Canadian Home Inspection Services
When Things Go Wrong
Our mantra to homeowners about what happens after they move in to their new house.
Inspection, Education, Knowledge.
https://www.pageandpercival.com › 2020/09 › Ins…
http://www.inspectionlibrary.com/wtgw.htm. 441 Jane Street, Toronto, ON September 1, 2020 www.inspectionpros.ca. KNOW YOUR HOME. Report No. 2725
Pre-Inspected Listings, The Future of Real Estate
http://www.inspectionlibrary.com › preinspect
Home inspections have traditionally been for the benefit of the purchaser. Pre-inspected listings benefit all parties – purchasers, vendors and Realtors. Deals …
Your New Home
It makes sense for you to learn about the qualities of your investment before putting your money on the line.
http://www.inspectionlibrary.com/new.home.htm
Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
http://www.ww.w.oahi.com › english › realtors › about-…
Jun 29, 2022 — The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is the oldest and most respected Home Inspection Association in Ontario. Learn More · Apply …
Home Maintenance & Improvement
Priority Maintenance for New Home Owners
http://best-inspection.com › priority-maintenance-for-n…
Priority Maintenance for New Home Owners, One-Time Tasks · Install new smoke detectors if they’re 5+ yrs old or yellowing. · Install carbon monoxide detector(s), …
Life Cycles and Costs – Honest Home Inspection
https://www.honesthomemn.com › 2021/06 › Life…
HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. According to Remodeling Magazine, here are some national average costs for common remodeling projects in the U.S. in 2014 …
Inspect Before You Renovate | Carson Dunlop Home Inspection
https://www.carsondunlop.com › inspection › blog › in…
Jun 1, 2014 — This blog will explain on how important is the inspection before renovation.
Home care: a guide to repair and maintenance
http://publications.gc.ca › NH15-32-2003-eng
Home Care. A Guide to Repair and Maintenance. CMHC offers a wide range of housing-related information. For details, call 1-800-668-2642 or visit our…
Technical – Structures
Serious structural problems in houses are not very common, but when they occur, they are never cheap to fix. Some can’t be fixed at all. This report won’t turn you into a home inspector, but it will give you some of the common indicators.
Structures – Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
https://www.oahi.com › home-buyers › technical-articles
Many houses, as a result of problems in one or more categories, sustain damage to such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters, …
Truss Uplift | Carson Dunlop Home Inspection
https://www.carsondunlop.com › inspection › blog › tr…
Apr 8, 2014 — Truss uplift has nothing to do with plastic surgery or under- garments. It is a phenomenon common in homes built with roof trusses as …
Grow Op Property Check – London Police Service
https://www.londonpolice.ca › services › Grow-Op-Pro…
You can find out if a house you want to buy has been used to grow cannabis or has been a drug lab by requesting a check of our records on the address.
Buying a Home Advice – Signs of a Marijuana Grow House
https://www.reco.on.ca › … › Buying a home
Marijuana grow houses: what are the signs? Most home buyers tend to focus on what they can see: bright, open spaces, attractive finishes and a nicely …
Technical – Insulation and Ventilation
5 Things You Need to Know About Vermiculite
https://www.familyhandyman.com › … › Rooms › Attic
Jun 17, 2019 — Vermiculite is a mineral that was used for insulation. If your home was built before 1990, you might have vermiculite insulation in your …
How to stop condensation in your home | AXA UK
https://www.axa.co.uk › … › Home maintenance
When it comes to understanding how does condensation form, these droplets are the result of damp air or humidity getting stuck inside our homes. Knowing how to …
Technical – Heating
Air Filters
While you are in your basement unpacking the Halloween costumes, take a moment to consider your furnace.
Best Air Filters for Your Central AC and Furnace
https://www.consumerreports.org › … › Air Filters
May 27, 2022 — Consumer Reports highlights the best air filters for your central air conditioning system and furnace, protecting your HVAC and clearing the …
Humidifiers
While an ideal humidity for your home can be as low as 5%, people prefer about 60% humidity.
https://www.healthline.com/health/humidifiers-and-health
Carbon Monoxide
Low concentrations of CO can go undetected and can contribute to ongoing, unidentified illnesses. At high concentrations, it can be deadly.
Carbon Monoxide Sources in the Home
CO is produced whenever a material burns. Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO problems Common sources of CO in our homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as: Clothes dryers. Water heaters.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning in Your Home – EH
Heating Efficiency
Heating Efficiency become popular because they save fuel and, one would suppose, save money. But what do they mean when they talk about efficiency? What is furnace efficiency?
Heating Efficiency | EGEE 102: Energy Conservation and …
Furnaces and Boilers – Department of Energy
Fireplaces
Fireplaces are no longer used as the primary source for heating homes, but the magic of a fire stills makes a fireplace a valued part of any home.
How to Add a Fireplace to Your Home for a Cozy Space
https://www.bhg.com › home-improvement › advice
Learn everything you need to know about installing a wood burning fireplace. This winter, you’ll find your home both cozy and warm after …
19 Types of Fireplaces for Your Home (Buying Guide)
https://www.homestratosphere.com › Living Rooms
Discover the 19 different types of fireplaces you can buy for your home based on fuel type, mounting type, style, materials and more.
Technical – Exterior
Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)
It’s more flexible than traditional stucco and consists of a moisture barrier, foam insulation, cement basecoat, reinforcing fiberglass mesh and an acrylic finish. Synthetic stucco is 80% lighter than traditional hard-coat and relatively durable, due to containing fiberglass.
Stucco vs. EIFS Siding | 2021 Comparison Guide – HomeAdvisor
Building Blocks: The Pros and Cons of a Brick House
https://www.angi.com › Solution Center › Contractors
Feb 24, 2022 — Brick houses hold up against the test of time better than vinyl and wood. They can withstand high impact without cracking or denting.
Technical – Electrical
Why You Should Upgrade from 60-amp to 100-amp Service
https://www.gimme-shelter.com › upgrading-from-60-a…
Many insurance companies have decided that 60-amp service is not as safe as 100-amp service, and they often won’t insure a property with a 60- .
Can I Get Homeowners Insurance with Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
https://www.wirechiefelectric.com › knob-tube-wiring-…
Many insurance companies won’t cover homes with Knob-and-Tube wiring on the basis of absence of a ground wire. Another issue is difficulty of access to inspect …
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) – Safe Electricity
https://safeelectricity.org › ground-fault-circuit-interrupter…
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution. If a person’s body starts to receive a shock, the GFCI senses this and cuts off the power before he/she can get injured. GFCIs are generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water.
Technical – General
Building Technical Terms 101 | Carson Dunlop Home Inspection
https://www.carsondunlop.com › inspection › blog › ho…
Household Glossary – Building Technical Terms Explained … ABS — A type of black plastic pipe commonly used for waste water lines.
How to date your house – How Old Is My House?
http://www.howoldismyhouse.com › how-to-date-your-…
Use visual clues to determine the possible age of your house.
How old is my house?: working out the age of your home
https://www.realhomes.com › Advice
Dating is best done by looking at the plan-form of your building and understanding the materials used in its construction. Before the 16th century, life in most …
Vague Real Estate Terms – Advantage Inspection Service
https://azinspect.com › … › General
Vague Real Estate Terms · “Plumbing Recently Replaced” Eager sellers and salespeople often describe plumbing replacement work improperly. · “New Roof” The term …
Understanding Oil Tanks
http://www.ovhi.ca › library › CREA_understanding…
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, a home with an exterior oil tank older than 15 years, or an interior tank older than 25 years will not be insured.
Introduction to Mold
The Canadian Real Estate Association calls for regulations on…
https://www.crea.ca › … › News Releases & Statements
Apr 30, 2018 — Ottawa, ON, April 30, 2018 – The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is … vulnerable people exposed to fungus and mould” Bourque said.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
Professional Associations
ASHI® American Society of Home Inspectors®
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers
ASNT American Society of Non-Destructive Testing
CAHPI Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors
Code of Ethics
Commercial Standards of Practice
OAHI Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
OBEC Ontario Building Envelope Council
National Association of Home Inspectors (NACHI)
PEO Professional Engineers of Ontario
Residential Standards of Practice
WETT Wood Energy Technical Technician
Supported By
- London Fire Department
Companies We Recommend Serving London & Area
If you know of an excellent service provider, please be sure to forward their contact information. We will practice our due diligence and offer their services if acceptable to the ThermoPhoto quality standards.
HVAC – Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
Roy Inch & Sons – Residential, Sales and Servicing. Heating, Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality, Appliance Repair.
519 681-2450
London Boiler Service – Specialize in Hot Water Heating, Pool Heating, Solar Heating, In floor Heating, System Cleaning, Residential and Commercial.
519 488-1489
Plumbing
Hyde Park Plumbing and Heating – Residential/Commercial. All types.
519 657-3550
Pope Plumbing and Heating – Excellent 24-hour Emergency Service, Repairs and Hot Water Heating, New Installations, Gas Piping.
519 652-3133
Paton Bros Ltd. – The originators of do-it-yourself plumbing in London. For over 60 years Paton Bros Ltd have built long-standing, well-earned reputation for quality and service.
519 455-4910
Mike Pope Plumbing & Heating – Repair/Renovations, Hot Water Heating, New Installations, Gas Piping.
519 673- 5954
Chimney Cleaning & Sweeping (all WETT Certified)
The Chimney Doc
519 457-4115
Top Hat Chimney Sweeps
519 433-9124
Roofing
Courtney Roofing Ltd.
519 652-6859
Davidoff Roofing Ltd.
519 641-7663
Bob Wilkins Roofing
519 685-5927
Foundations Repairs & Service
Advanced Basement Systems – Responsible Waterproofing. We fix wet basements, Guaranteed. Certified Waterproofing Professionals.
1-226-887-0849
AshWorth Drainage & Waterproofing
519 660-9315
Pest Control
Abell Pest Control Inc.
519 680-7472
Orkin Pest Control
519 659-2212
Rentokil Pest Control
519 642-0111
Insulation
Insta-Insulation – Approved by Holmes on Homes
1-888-688-0311
Home Security
HomeMatix Systems Inc.
519 657-8019
Chubb
519 668-6800
Carpentry
Todd Greg Carpentry
519 433-3460
Sean Mayville
519 673-2006