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204-808-6564

Beausejour and area inspector

Warner Wunnemann
Phone: 204-808-6564
URL: http://inspectorpages.com/wwunnemann
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Services Offered:
  • Home Inspection

Home Inspection

It is good to have an agent that warns you about problems that a house might have. However, it would be better if you could identity some of most common problems yourself. This could save you the next step which is hiring a professional house inspector. A house inspection in Winnipeg cost about $400-$500; however, it can save you thousands of dollars, if there is a major problem in the house you want to buy. It is also gives you a realistic idea about the costs that you might anticipate. If you are getting a mortgage, the banks most likely will engage a certified home inspector to inspect your house before they give you the money.

Following are some of the typical problems of houses in Winnipeg:
Shifting grounds:

Many houses with bad foundations have a serious problem because of the clay in the soil in Winnipeg. If there is any kind of foundation problems, it usually can be seen in the windows and doorways. As the foundation settles, the walls of houses will shift, and it will pull the windows and doors out of square. If the walls have been painted lately, you also might test if doors can shut properly and windows do not stick.

It is very important that you check the floor in the basement which is normally made of concrete. Cracks in the area may be an indicator of movement of the foundation.

However, in a basement slab you might see quite a bit of cracking that won't be related to movement of the foundation. This could be the result of poor construction practices, which is pretty typical in residential construction. Generally, cracks over 5mm wide, or cracks that have uneven edges from one side to another should give you concern.


Water in Basement

Water in the basement is one of the most common problems in Winnipeg, and it is very costly to fix. Always ask your real estate agent if there has been ever a problem with water in the basement. The current house owner is obliged to tell you the truth.


Old Doors and Windows:

Having good doors and windows is especially important in Winnipeg because of the very cold winter and hot summer.

You still find many houses in Winnipeg with very old doors and windows. It seems that badly insulated houses were not an issue because of the low energy prices compared to some other countries with higher taxes on gas and electricity. However, this is also changing in North America. In the last years the oil price has been increasing, and governments are also increasing taxes on energy because of high greenhouse gas emissions.

You should buy a house that has at least double-glazed windows; otherwise, consider additional costs for replacing them. For replacing of an average window (100 cm x 100 cm) you might pay $600 to $1000 depending on the window's features and brand.

Also with old double glass windows you should be careful since the insulation might be not intact anymore. This could especially be the case in windows build before 1980. You can find the date a window was built by looking in the area between the panes of glass.

Tip: If you are considering replacing your windows, it would be a good idea to check the web site of Manitoba Hydro for valuable information, as well as low-interest loans and promotions. In some cases Manitoba Hydro pays back a portion of the money you spend to upgrade your doors and windows; however, you have to apply for it before you start replacing them!
Furnace

Most houses in Winnipeg have gas furnaces. In general there are three different kind of furnaces that are used in houses in Winnipeg:

Standard efficiency furnaces (can no longer be sold in Canada)
Mid-efficiency furnaces(78 – 82 per cent) .
High efficiency furnaces (89 – 96 per cent)

The higher the efficiency the less fuel you need, the less you pay and at the same time you help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Always ask your agent about the type and age of the furnace. Typical life expectancy of a mid-efficient heating unit is 15- 20 years. For a new high efficiency furnace you pay roughly $3500-$4500.

Tip: If you are considering replacing your furnace, it would be a good idea to check the web site of Manitoba Hydro for low-interest loans and promotions. In many cases Manitoba Hydro pays back a portion of the money you spend to upgrade to more energy efficient appliances; however, be advised that in most cases you have to apply for it before you upgrade!


Fireplace:

Having a fireplace is a real pleasure in the long and cold winter of Winnipeg. However, if you are buying a house with a wood burning fire place, make sure that the chimney is in good condition, and it is not too old. Some chimneys are unsafe just after 15 years. Replacing of a chimney can cost you $2.000 to $5.000. You can ask your agent and ensure that it is mentioned in the purchase contract. You cannot recognize a rusted and unsafe chimney easily because it normally rusts from the inside.
Roof:

A new roof will cost you a lot of money. It is important to know when the roof was made. As a rule of thumb on average you need to replace an asphalt roof every 15 to 20 years.
Exterior walls:

Always go around the house and look for cracks or damage. Cracks can be an indication of foundation problems. If you see damages to stucco (the material that is typically used for covering the exterior walls to protect the walls against water and moisture), you should check that area also from the inside for signs of moisture and mold.


* An average house is considered as a 1000 Square Feet bungalow in an average area.


 

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors: NACHI13030524


Certificate #: NACHI13030524
Issued by: American Home Inspectors Training Institute
For Verification of Certification, Contact:
(800) 441-9411

Certificate #: NACHI13030524
Issued by: Professional Home Inspection Institute
For Verification of Certification, Contact:
800 983 6322

Certificate #:
Issued by: Kaplan ITA
For Verification of Certification, Contact:

Certificate #: NACHI13030524
Issued by: American Home Inspectors Training Institute
For Verification of Certification, Contact:
(800) 441-9411

Certificate #:
Issued by: Professional Home Inspection Institute
For Verification of Certification, Contact:
800 983 6322


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