T H E G U I D E T O Y O U R H O M E

W W W . W E G O T H O M E S . C A

JULY 15, 2009

› Home Inspectors

› Solar Power

› Is the Air Healthy?

› Increasing Your Homes Saleability

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(NC)—A new trend is emerging among those Canadians thinking of buying or building a new home. According to a sur-vey by EnerQuality Corporation, a home energy training and consulting firm li-censed to deliver Natural Resources Cana-da’s (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE’s) new housing initiatives, nine out of 10 buyers will be looking for energy ef-ficiency features in their next home. A full 90 per cent of respondents also said they were willing to spend more for homes that deliver better indoor air quality and are more energy-efficient.

The findings could help explain the ex-plosion in the number of homebuilders lining up to become licensed in delivering OEE’s new housing programs – EnerGuide Rating System (ERS), ENERGY STAR for New Homes and R-2000. The homebuilding industry is undergoing one of its most sig-nificant transformations in recent years as it responds to higher consumer demand for greener homes and more energy-efficient building practices.

In order to satisfy the demand, home-

builders are implementing a number of federal and regional programs across Can-ada designed to provide a consistent, cohe-sive approach to building energy-efficient homes. It’s important to understand the available initiatives so take note.

The ERS determines the home’s level of energy efficiency on a scale from 0-100. Tools such as the ERS and R-2000 Standard are used in support of regional energy-effi-ciency initiatives such as ENERGY STAR for New Homes, Power Smart New Homes,

Built Green, Yukon GreenHome, and Novo-climat.

The R-2000 standard reflects the best in technology development by the federal gov-ernment and the homebuilding industry. Homes built to the R-2000 standard achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of 80 on the EnerGuide scale. This translates to a home that uses approximately 30 percent less energy than an average newly built home. In addition, there is a series of tech-nical requirements for ventilation, airtight-ness, insulation, choice of materials, water use and other factors...

If you plan to build or buy a home in the coming months, you should brush up on the latest trends, terminology and technology, and look into R-2000 and other regional housing energy efficiency initiatives, at www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca.

Homes built to the R-2000 standard achieve a minimum energy effi ciency rating of 80 on the EnerGuide scale. This translates to a home that uses approximately 30 percent less energy than an average newly built home

Study shows majority of homebuyers will choose energy effi ciency for next home

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The hottest trend in new home construction is solar power

(NC)—As more and more Canadians become aware of the environment and look for ways to re-duce their ecological footprint, the benefits of in-corporating renewable energy into new homes is ir-refutable. If you are planning to build a new home in the coming months, some recent developments may help you with your research.

Solar power, for example, is the hottest trend in new home construction these days; in fact, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Office of Energy Ef-ficiency (OEE), responsible for licensing builders to construct energy-efficient homes, has completed an 18-month pilot project in Ontario to fund the construction of 100 new “SolarReady” homes. The project was a huge success and now the OEE is en-couraging all Canadians to incorporate Solar Ready features into their building plans.

Basically, a Solar Ready home is equipped for the future use of solar power for necessities such as hot water or electricity. When you choose the Solar Ready option, your builder or contractor will design cost-effective adjustments for your home so you can install solar equipment in the future. Solar power is a cost-effective upgrade you can choose for your new home – an upgrade that could help you make big sav-ings in energy costs and put you in line for environ-mentalist of the year on your block.

A Solar Ready home must meet five basic require-ments for the installation of solar energy systems:

• A roof location of suitable size, pitch and orientation;

• Labeled conduits from the mechani-cal room to the attic;

• Extra plumbing valves and fi ttings on the water heater;

• An electrical outlet at the planned solar tank location;

• Construction plans that indicate the future component locations.

It’s a good idea to read up on the federal govern-ment’s Solar Ready technical guidelines, programs and research on solar power and other renewable en-ergy sources. You can find all the latest information at the OEE website at www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca.

Buying a HomeBuying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. So when it comes time to signing on the dot-ted line, make sure you don’t make that decision alone.

To help you put together the right team of professionals, Canada Mortgage and Housing Cor-poration (CMHC) offers the following who’s who list of experts and what they should bring to the table:

Real estate agent. Among other services, your real estate agent will help you find a home, write an Offer of Purchase, negotiate a purchase on your behalf and save you a considerable amount of time, trouble and headaches. When choosing the agent you want to work with, ask for refer-ences and don’t be afraid to ask questions or call your local real estate association for advice.

Lender or mortgage broker. Many different institutions lend money for mortgages, including banks, trust companies, credit unions, caisses populaires, pension funds, insurance companies and finance companies. It can be a good idea to shop around and speak with more than one lend-er before you make a choice. Many Canadians choose to work with a mortgage broker because they don’t represent any specific lending institu-tion. They can often help you find a mortgage with terms and rates that will suit your needs.

Lawyer (or notary in Québec). A lawyer can protect your legal interests by ensuring the prop-erty is clear of liens, charges or clean-up orders and will review all contracts before you sign them and your Offer (or Agreement) to Purchase. Make sure your lawyer or notary is a licensed, full-time professional who understands the local laws and regulations, has reasonable fees and can explain things to you in plain language.

Home inspector. When considering purchas-ing a home, you should hire a knowledgeable and professional home inspector. He or she will be able to tell you if something in the home is not functioning properly, what repairs need to be done and whether there may have been any prob-lems in the past.

Insurance broker. An insurance broker can help you purchase property and mortgage life insurance. Your lender can also help you with mortgage life insurance.

Appraiser. An appraiser will assess your prop-erty’s worth and help protect you from paying too much.

Land surveyor. You may need the services of a land surveyor if the seller does not have a current Survey or Certificate of Location.

For more information on putting together your home buying team and on other factors associ-ated with buying a home, visit www.cmhc.ca, and search “Homebuying Step-by-Step” or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. For more than 60 years, CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.

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(NC)—A new water heater may not be at the top of your shopping list, but when the time comes to replace an ex-isting unit, you’ll need to act quickly. The good news is that domestic water heaters are now included in the ENER-GY STAR initiative in Canada, and that should make your shopping ex-perience both easier and more rewarding.

ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for energy efficiency, used by consumers to select household products that will save them money and reduce energy-relat-ed greenhouse gas emis-sions that have been linked to climate change. Water heaters are one of the biggest energy con-sumers in the home, sec-

ond only to space heat-ing equipment. Although it may be tucked away in a corner of the base-ment, your water heater is used every day, so it pays to select an energy-efficient model.

Water heaters that qualify for the ENER-GY STAR symbol use at least five percent less energy than conven-tional models – and that means your utility bills will be at least five per-cent lower than might otherwise be the case. Features such as bet-ter tank insulation, heat traps and more efficient burners set ENERGY STAR qualified models apart from the competi-tion.

The new ENERGY STAR specification ap-plies to gas, heat pump

and solar water heaters (electric and oil-fired models are not included in the program). In addi-tion to meeting strict en-ergy efficiency require-ments, ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters must offer warranties ranging from six to 10 years on most parts, de-pending on the type of unit.

When shopping for a new water heater, make sure to look for the EN-ERGY STAR symbol on the product, its packag-ing or literature. More information is available at energystar.nrcan.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-OCA-NADA.

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Increasing Your Home's SaleabilityIncreasing your home’s salability

depends to a large extent on creat-ing favorable and lasting impressions with prospective buyers . . . and that means paying special attention to cos-metic fix-ups to the interior and ex-terior of your house. What you want to avoid, however, is going overboard and sending the cost of those repairs sky-high.

Sure-fire ways to liven up the look of your rooms without spending a bundle are to deep clean or lay new carpet, hang new wallpaper or apply a fresh coat of paint. Choose neutral colours like creams and pastels. They are more likely to appeal to more people and they tend to make a room look more open and larger. They also make it easier for prospective buyers to imagine their furnishings in your house, which, in turn, makes them more likely to consider your home for purchase.

You may wish to consider hang-ing a mirror or a picture on a blank wall, plastering any cracked walls, and using plants and greenery to cre-ate a warm atmosphere. In addition, be sure to scrub counters and sinks to a brilliant shine, fix leaking fau-cets, test doors to see if they stick or

squeak, secure loose tiles or steps and make sure the toilet is in good running order. Nine out of ten times someone out shopping for a car kicks a prospective model’s tires; some-one shopping for a home almost in-variably flushes a toilet to gauge the soundness of the plumbing. You may also wish to scent the entire house with something light and fragrant. Studies have shown that a green ap-ple scent has a very positive effect on people visiting Open Houses. In fact, how a house smells is an underrated factor in someone’s decision to buy one house over another. Your house may smell like home to you; how does it smell to other people?

Clutter has a negative effect on prospective buyers. Take showings as the opportunity for cleaning out the basement, garage, and closets. Pack little-used or seasonal items away in boxes to clear the decks. Think of each item you put away as one less thing to pack when you get ready to move.

That the outside of your home ap-pear attractive and well maintained is another plus. A well-trimmed and neat garden can go a long way towards creating a pleasant environment, and

hearty plants that do not require a lot of fuss and care can make the cre-ation of such a garden less of a head-ache for those lacking either a green thumb or much time. See to it that patio, walkway stones, and steps are well connected and stable and, in the winter, be sure to shovel the snow and sand icy patches. You would not want your house tour to turn into a cause for litigation!

It is to your advantage to bring out the best in your home. Market condi-tions may impact how quickly your home sells and for what price, but putting your home’s best foot forward goes a long way towards achieving those goals quickly and to your satis-faction.

The CENTRAL ALBERTA REAL-TORS® ASSOCIATION is an associa-tion of REALTORS® committed to providing its members with the struc-ture and services to ensure a high standard of business practices and ethics so that they might serve ef-fectively the real estate needs of the community. CARA’S website www.rdreb.ca features MLS® Listings, Real Estate Brokerages, Real Estate Professionals, and information about the Association.

10 Wed, July 15, 2009

10 questions to ask your builder before you buy an energy-effi cient home

(NC)—Home buyers may assume their new home is energy-efficient, but may not know for sure unless they ask. Ask these questions to be sure:

• Any builder can claim to build energy-effi cient homes. How do I know your homes are truly en-ergy effi cient?

• Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders’ homes?

• How do your building techniques refl ect the latest developments in housing technology?

• What steps do you take to im-prove the energy effi ciency of the homes you build?

• Can you predict what my energy costs will be?

• What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than oth-ers?

• Are you licensed by the govern-ment to build energy-effi cient homes?

• Do you affi x a government-backed energy label to the home?

• Do independent, licensed profes-sionals inspect the quality of your homes?

• Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher or its equivalent?

The answers to these questions are contained in a brochure produced by Natural Resources Canada, the federal government department that adminis-ters the rating system for energy-efficient homes in Canada through its EnerGuide Rating System. To or-der a copy of the brochure or for more information call 1-800-387-2000 (toll-free) or visit www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca.

The home inspector will provide a visual in-spection by looking at the home’s various systems, including interior and exterior components. The inspector will check exterior components including roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, downspouts, wall surfaces, windows, doors, the foundation and the grading around it.

Note that if the inspection takes place in the winter, the roof and the foundation may not be fully visible for inspection if they are covered with snow and ice. For safety and insurance reasons, the home inspector would not typically climb up on snow or ice covered roofs. However, the home inspector will inspect the roof from the ground or other vantage point. This also applies to the chimney and down-spouts.

If problems or symptoms beyond the scope of the inspection are found, the home inspector may rec-ommend further evaluation.

Interior systems the home inspector will check include electrical, heating, air conditioning, venti-lation, plumbing, insulation, flooring, ceiling and walls, windows and doors. Note that a home inspec-tor is not qualified to inspect a wood-burning appli-ance such as a fireplace or wood stove unless they are WETT (Wood Energy Technology Training) cer-tified. Many home inspectors are, but do not carry out a WETT inspection as part of the standard home inspection unless it is requested. This is an extra request and will add at least one hour to the inspec-tion time. To be properly inspected, a chimney must first be cleaned.

As with the outside of the home, the inspection of the interior systems is visual, meaning that the in-spector will be unable to see behind walls or under the floor.

Unless otherwise arranged, typically a home in-spection does not include appraisals, exact quotes for repairs, or determine compliance with regulato-ry requirements. A home inspection is not intended to provide warranties or guarantees.

Choosing a Home InspectorHome inspection is a discipline that requires spe-

cial training, knowledge and communication skills.However, there is presently no mandatory cer-

tification and no legislated requirement for home inspectors to take any courses or to have passed any tests. Anyone can say that they are a home inspec-tor. That is why it is important to choose an inspec-tor wisely.

Reputable home and property inspectors gener-ally belong to a provincial or regional industry as-sociation. These associations have set standards, which, in some cases, are recognized by provincial governments. Some associations have developed membership categories based on the individual members’ qualifications. In most provinces, a mem-ber cannot advertise or promote his or her member-ship in the association until they have reached the minimum standards of a practicing member. Stan-dards may vary from province to province.

The Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) with the support of CMHC, Hu-man Resources and Social Development Canada and the Construction Sector Council, developed a voluntary national accreditation and certification program to help ensure the competency and profes-sionalism of home inspectors. Home inspectors who have met the requirements of this national certifica-tion program are designated National Certificate Holders.

Hiring a Home Inspector Cont.

Wed, July 15, 2009 9

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Controlling mold is one way of improving air quality in your home, thus preventing asthma.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting Canadians today. An estimated 2.2 million Canadians suffer from asthma, and among children, the condition is growing at an alarming rate. While the exact cause is unknown, one of the most important steps in managing asthma is avoiding or controlling the “triggers” that can spark an attack. These triggers include allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and mold. Other chemical contaminants in the home such as tobacco smoke and solvents, and poor indoor air quality can also aggravate asthma.

It’s important to keep moisture levels under control because both dust mites and molds love moisture. To determine if you have a moisture problem inside your house, you can get a small, inexpensive and easy-to-use instrument called a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity. During the winter season, relative humidity should be below 45 per cent. From spring to fall use a dehumidifier in your basement to reduce dampness and discourage mold. It is a good idea to try to keep the relative humidity in the basement at or below 50%.

Normal activities in your kitchen produce water vapour and odours, but installing an efficient range hood, vented to the exterior, can help minimize the effects on your air quality. As well, when you shower or bathe, use the bathroom fan and allow it to run for 15 minutes or longer.

To help control dust, vacuum thoroughly and often. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or a central vacuum that exhausts to the outside can prevent the dust collected from being re-distributed back to the room. Area rugs are preferable

where dust allergies or asthma are a concern since they can be removed for proper cleaning. Avoid wallpaper, textured finishes, fabric furnishings and draperies that can trap dust. If you are replacing floor coverings, ceramic flooring and hardwood are easily cleanable and reduce chemical odours. You can also reduce dust mites by vacuuming your mattresses, pre-soaking and washing bedding in warm water and using washable mattress and pillow covers.

You can reduce the level of chemical

contaminants in your home by asking smokers to smoke outside. Avoid using pesticides, harsh chemical cleaners or scented household cleaners. Air fresheners and deodorizers only mask odours and add pollutants to the air. Lastly, use only new, low-odour paint.

Lastly, choose an electric stove rather than a gas stove and be sure to change your furnace filters regularly. It’s also wise to have your furnace serviced by a heating contractor and your air ducts cleaned once a year.

To help you learn more about improving indoor air , Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has a publication called The Clean Air Guide as well as a free About Your House fact sheet called Fighting Asthma in Your Home. To order your copy, visit www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642.

Is the Air in Your Home

Healthy?How to Improve Air Quality and

Fight Asthma in Your Home

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting Canadians today. An estimated 2.2 million Canadians suffer from asthma, and among children, the condition is growing at an alarming rate.

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It’s often said that one of the most expensive and important purchases you will ever make will be your home. However, unlike the guarantee a buyer receives with most purchases, there’s no money-back guarantee or return policy if you’re not satisfi ed with your recently purchased home. Once you buy a home, you’re on your own to maintain it, re-pair it, anticipate problems and pay the bills. This is why it’s best to know as much as you can about potential problems before you make the commitment to buy.

What Home and P roper ty Inspectors do

One of the best ways to understand about a home’s condition, habitabil-ity and safety is to hire a professional home inspector1. A properly trained home inspector will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect the operability or lifespan of another. Home inspectors will go through the property and perform a comprehensive visual inspection to assess the condition of the house and all of its systems. They will de-termine the components that are not performing properly as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. They will also identify ar-eas where repairs may be needed or where there may have been problems in the past. Inspections are intended to provide the client with a better un-derstanding of property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspec-tion.

A pre-purchase inspection for a 165 to 205 m2 (1,800 to 2,200 sq. ft.) home typically takes about three hours and costs around $500. Following the in-spection, the buyer is presented with

a written report, consolidating the details of the inspection. The home inspector should be willing to answer any questions a buyer might have and to clarify the limitations of the in-spection to avoid misunderstandings. CMHC recommends that potential buyers accompany the inspector as the inspection takes place. It can be a

valuable learning experience.

Scope of the InspectionHome inspections are intended to

provide information regarding the condition of systems and compo-nents of the home at the time of the inspection. It will help you make an informed purchase decision.

Hiring a Home Inspector

Cont. on page 10

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Sure-fire ways to liven up the look of your rooms without spending a bundle are to deep clean or lay new carpet, hang new wallpaper or apply a fresh coat of paint. Choose neutral colours like creams and pastels. They are more likely to appeal to more people and they tend to make a room look more open and larger. They also make it easier for prospective buyers to imagine their furnishings in your house, which, in turn, makes them more likely to consider your home for purchase.

You may wish to consider hang-ing a mirror or a picture on a blank wall, plastering any cracked walls, and using plants and greenery to cre-ate a warm atmosphere. In addition, be sure to scrub counters and sinks to a brilliant shine, fix leaking fau-cets, test doors to see if they stick or

squeak, secure loose tiles or steps and make sure the toilet is in good running order. Nine out of ten times someone out shopping for a car kicks a prospective model’s tires; some-one shopping for a home almost in-variably flushes a toilet to gauge the soundness of the plumbing. You may also wish to scent the entire house with something light and fragrant. Studies have shown that a green ap-ple scent has a very positive effect on people visiting Open Houses. In fact, how a house smells is an underrated factor in someone’s decision to buy one house over another. Your house may smell like home to you; how does it smell to other people?

Clutter has a negative effect on prospective buyers. Take showings as the opportunity for cleaning out the basement, garage, and closets. Pack little-used or seasonal items away in boxes to clear the decks. Think of each item you put away as one less thing to pack when you get ready to move.

That the outside of your home ap-pear attractive and well maintained is another plus. A well-trimmed and neat garden can go a long way towards creating a pleasant environment, and

hearty plants that do not require a lot of fuss and care can make the cre-ation of such a garden less of a head-ache for those lacking either a green thumb or much time. See to it that patio, walkway stones, and steps are well connected and stable and, in the winter, be sure to shovel the snow and sand icy patches. You would not want your house tour to turn into a cause for litigation!

It is to your advantage to bring out the best in your home. Market condi-tions may impact how quickly your home sells and for what price, but putting your home’s best foot forward goes a long way towards achieving those goals quickly and to your satis-faction.

The CENTRAL ALBERTA REAL-TORS® ASSOCIATION is an associa-tion of REALTORS® committed to providing its members with the struc-ture and services to ensure a high standard of business practices and ethics so that they might serve ef-fectively the real estate needs of the community. CARA’S website www.rdreb.ca features MLS® Listings, Real Estate Brokerages, Real Estate Professionals, and information about the Association.