Home Inspections

Are the Wealthy a Possible Source for Funding Efficiency Research?
Published on November 16, 2018

The Home Builder's Guide to EnerGuide
Published on November 09, 2018

As Ontario looks to make EnerGuide energy-labelling programs mandatory, and as home buyers continue looking for money-saving and environmentally friendly homes, the demand for EnerGuide builders will continue to rise. This means that it is more important than ever for home builders to work with a licenced service organization - such as Barrier Sciences Group - and choose which energy efficiency initiative is best suited for their needs. By working with BSG, a home builder is also able to validate the quality of their builds through an impartial and separate company.

Energy Efficiency Growth in Central Alberta
Published on October 24, 2018

Red Deer Alberta is leading the way in terms of energy conservation in Alberta, according to Energy Efficiency Alberta CEO, Monica Curtis. With 1 in 10 homes taking part in the Residential No Charge Energy Saving’s Program, homeowners are replacing less efficient home products such as incandescent lights, with more efficient ones, such as LEDs.

Funding for Energy Efficiency Improvements in Nova Scotia
Published on October 23, 2018

The Canadian Government is working in collaboration with the provincial government of Nova Scotia in an effort to combat climate change and promote an eco-friendly economy. They are looking to help Nova Scotians reduce their energy waste, save money on utility bills, and create jobs for the middle class.

Smart Home Technologies in Multifamily Housing
Published on October 19, 2018

A recent report from the market research and advisory team, Navigant Research, has delved into business model applications and opportunities of using smart home technology within the multifamily home market.

5 Reasons Your Home Needs an EnerGuide Home Evaluation
Published on October 08, 2018

If you already know about the EnerGuide Home Evaluation, this will help you to understand more of the benefits. If you’re new to EnerGuide, it’s an opportunity to understand the program and how it can benefit you. Whatever the case, if you haven’t had a professional home evaluation - it’s time to reconsider.

Does Your Home Need to Breathe?
Published on September 28, 2018

A common misconception among homeowners is that a home needs to ‘breathe’ to have proper ventilation. While this may be true in a certain sense, it's actually very detrimental to energy usage and temperature control if ventilation is occurring through small leaks, instead of through a controlled mechanical means (such as a Heat Recovery Ventilator/ HRV), or a dedicated ventilation point.

The Cause of Backdrafts
Published on September 24, 2018

Some of your home’s problems are more obvious than others, but that doesn’t always make them easier to decipher. Take those blackened smoke stains above your woodstove, or your fireplace, as an example – or that strange white substance that is forming on top of your water heater. These could be symptoms of backdraft (no, not that movie from ‘91 about firefighters – although, backdrafting has become synonymous with explosions and out of control fires). Still, there’s something we can’t see that’s also a dangerous by-product of backdraft, and that’s carbon monoxide. This is why finding the cause of backdrafts in a home is crucial to your health and safety.

Cannabis Smells
Published on September 17, 2018

Cannabis will soon be legalized in Ontario, but what does this mean for condo owners and people renting apartments? There is already some concern over cannabis odour bothering neighbours. Finding the causes for this can put hep put an end to the concern.

New Residential Construction and Airtightness Testing
Published on August 28, 2018

Proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code and SB-12 regarding mandatory airtightness testing for new residential construction are slated for 2020 and 2022. It is really no longer a question of “if” but more of a “when”. There will be two phases that home builders will need to be aware of – and ready for.