|
CMHC has a wonderful series of articles on it's website entitled;
ABOUT YOUR HOUSE
General Series
For your convenience, we have the most popular titles and links listed below -
We regret that not all the links are active at this time;
Moisture and Mold
The Condominum Owners' Guide to Mold
Don't think that because you are buying a condominium that everything will be looked after for you.
Fighting Mold — The Homeowners' Guide
Mold can cause allergies or respiratory disease. Learn how to identify and eliminate mold from your home.
Attic Venting, Attic Moisture, and Ice Dams -
How do you deal with a leak in the ceiling? How should an attic be properly vented? How do you eliminate ice dams? This fact sheet will answer these and other attic related questions.
Choosing a Dehumidifier -
Air that is too damp can cause condensation on windows, water damage to materials, mold and even wood rot. Choose the right dehumidifier to regulate the humidity in your home.
Measuring Humidity in Your Home
We need humidity for our comfort and health. But too much or too little humidity can produce a host of difficulties for householders.
The Importance of Bathroom and Kitchen Fans
Choosing the proper kitchen and bathroom fans is important for improving indoor air quality and maintaining ideal humidity levels.
Health and Safety
Asbestos
What is asbestos? Why is it so useful? What problems can asbestos cause and what options does the homeowner have in dealing with them?
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce03.cfm
Backup Power for Your Home
The top ten tips in choosing the appropriate backup system to provide electricity to your home in the event of a prolonged power failure.
Carbon Monoxide
A list of questions and answers dealing with keeping Carbon Monoxide out of your home and to help you choose the right CO detector.
Combustion Gases in Your Home
Do you have a gas or oil fired furnace, boiler or water heater? What about a woodstove or fireplace? Take the necessary steps to keep combustion gases out of your home.
How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet
Reading and understanding the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides product information and the necessary safety precautions to follow when using it.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce18.cfm
Removing Ice On Roofs -
Whether you have a sloped or flat roof, learn techniques that will help you deal with extensive roof icing or ice dam problems.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce15.cfm
Testing Airflow -
This simple test uses an ordinary garbage bag to help you estimate airflow from your furnace registers, bathroom exhaust fan or clothes dryer exhaust.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce46.cfm
Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)
What is UFFI? Why was it banned? Should you be concerned about UFFI? How do you know if your home has UFFI?
When You Must Leave Your House Due to a Prolonged Winter Power Outage
A series of practical tips to protect your home in case you are required to evacuate for more than 24 hours because of power failure.
Wood Heat Safety
Whether you often use a wood stove or a fireplace, or are coping with an emergency loss of electricity, learn how to safely use wood to heat your home.
 |
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Energy Efficient Upgrade - Mechanical Systems -
Upgrading the heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) equipment is the best way to create a healthy, comfortable and less expensive home to operate. Before altering these, it is important to understand how the overall performance of the house will be affected.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce40.cfm
Energy Efficient Upgrade - The Building Envelope -
The envelope, or outer layer, of your house separates living space from the outdoor elements. Improving it can result in a better insulated, more airtight home that is easier to heat.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce41.cfm
Insulating Your House -
Choose the right insulation to reduce the amount of energy you use and to make your home more comfortable.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce19.cfm
Water-Saving Tips for Your Lawn and Garden
Often water is applied inefficiently, resulting in significant waste due to over watering, evaporation or run-off. Here are some general watering tips to avoid such waste.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce23.cfm
Maintenance and Repair
After the Flood -
Protect your health and prevent further damage to your home by following this step-by-step guide to restoring your home after a flood.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce07.cfm
Buying a Toilet -
Advice and tips on what to look for when buying a toilet.
Canada's Construction System -
The purpose of this document is to foster understanding of the elements of the system of construction and operation of buildings and houses in Canada.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abshose_058.cfm
Helping Your Trees Survive Storm Damage -
Practical pruning advice to restore the health and shape of trees damaged by ice or wind storms.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce12.cfm
Interaction Between Trees, Sensitive Clay Soils and Your Foundation -
Is the size, type or siting of a tree affecting your foundation? Understanding the interactions between trees, soils and the foundation can help you avoid foundation shifting, cracks and other damage.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce45.cfm
Maintaining Your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)
For a clean and healthy living environment, review the seven steps to maintaining the Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV).
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce09.cfm
Should You Get Your Heating Ducts Cleaned?
Will clean ducts result in improved air quality? When is duct cleaning most appropriate? This fact sheet separates fact from fiction.
Your Furnace Filter
To reduce exposure to airborne particles, choose the furnace filter that best suits your needs.
Your Septic System
A primer on the components, operation and proper maintenance of an inground septic tank and system.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce47.cfm
Construction and Renovation
Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor lately is often like playing Russian Roulette. Contractors are unregulated in Canada and there are no guarantees that your contractor will do a good job. Here are some very good tips to get your renovation project off on the right track.
A Sample Renovation Contract
Don't need one - it's a cash deal! Cash deals and no contract could be a recipe for disaster. Think again - it is strongly recommended that you either get a contract from your renovator or draw one up yourself. Here again are excellent tips to ensure that any contract protects your interests.
A New Addition -
Before building an addition, clearly identify the features you need and inspect the current structure and mechanical systems to be sure they can support the new addition.
Assesing the Renovation Project
Before renovating, it's important to assess the condition of your home to determine if there are any significant underlying problems that must be addressed before or during your planned renovation project.
Assessing the Comfort and Safety of Mechanical Systems -
The heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a vital part of your home. Ensure that your mechanical systems are operating safely and efficiently.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce42.cfm
Carpet Streaking -
Does your carpet have permanent dark stains near baseboards, air registers or under doorways? Find out what causes carpet streaking and what you can do about it.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce14.cfm
Renovating Your Basement – Moisture Problems -
Is there condensation on the basement windows? Are there white chalky stains on the foundation? Do the carpets smell musty? Creating a clean, dry and healthy living space is a critical first step.
Renovating your Basement – Structural Issues -
Renovating a basement can add value and extra living space to a home. Fixing foundation problems before renovating is essential to preserve the durability and structure of the house.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce34.cfm
Renovating Your Bathroom -
Bathroom renovations offer the second highest financial payback rate and are one of the most common home improvement projects. Use this fact sheet to check for problems before you renovate.
Renovating Your Kitchen -
The kitchen is often the most used room in the house and kitchen renovations typically have the highest financial payback. Conduct a pre-renovation inspection and prioritize the most desirable features for your new kitchen.
Repairing or Replacing Exterior Wall Materials -
Exterior finish materials must prevent rain and snow from penetrating the building and causing moisture damage. Repairing or replacing exterior wall finishes will protect and preserve the durability and structure of the home.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce39.cfm
Repairing or Replacing Roof Finishes -
Regular maintenance and periodic roof inspections will identify problems before they cause costly damage to your home. Learn about the key factors that will determine whether you should repair or replace your roof.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce38.cfm
Understanding Window Terminology -
This factsheet offers helpful guidance on buying the right type of window for your home. Terminology commonly used in the window indsutry is also presented in this factsheet
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_061.cfm
Window and Door Renovations -
Do you want more natural light in your living area? Are you concerned about security? Before repairing or replacing windows and doors, consider all of the factors outlined in this fact sheet.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce37.cfm
Emergencies
Landscaping
Testing Your Home
|
