Library

Discover 10 easy ways to save money and energy in your home, from sealing air leaks to improving insulation, upgrading lighting, and maintaining HVAC systems.

Every homeowner needs a reliable set of tools. Discover the 15 tools every homeowner should own to handle repairs, maintenance, and DIY tasks safely and confidently.

Learn essential air conditioner maintenance tips to improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and keep your cooling system running smoothly all season.

Learn where asbestos and lead paint in homes are commonly found, why they’re dangerous, and how homeowners can manage these hazards safely during renovations or maintenance.

Learn about asbestos and where it may be found in older homes, including insulation, flooring, ceilings, roofing, and other materials, and how to reduce exposure safely.

Learn about basement walkouts and what you need to know, including drainage, grading, retaining walls, and maintenance tips to help prevent leaks and water damage.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)? Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odorless gas. It is a by-product of incomplete combustion, such as natural gas, liquid fuels, and anything that burns.

Discover the most common electrical defects found during home inspections, including double tapping, reversed polarity, and ungrounded outlets. Learn how to spot and fix these issues to keep your home safe and up to code.

Discover the most common plumbing defects in a home, how to spot them, and what homeowners can do to prevent leaks, clogs, and costly water damage.

Learn about the most common roof defects in homes—from leaks and blistering to poor workmanship. Spot issues early and protect your investment.

Learn why gutters and downspouts matter, how clogs and poor drainage cause moisture problems, and what maintenance steps help protect your home from water damage.

Learn the basics of home plumbing systems, water supply, piping materials, valves, and drainage. Clear tips to help homeowners understand how their plumbing works.

Learn how moisture gets into your home through air currents, diffusion, and heat transfer, and how proper sealing, insulation, and ventilation help prevent intrusion.

Learn how to keep ants out of your home with simple, effective tips. From sealing entry points to natural repellents, these strategies work.

Protecting your property from water damage starts with understanding how moisture enters a home and how early warning signs can prevent costly repairs. With the right maintenance and awareness, homeowners can reduce risks and keep their homes safe and dry.

Learn how indoor air pollutants affect asthma, what common triggers exist in homes, and how ventilation, filtration, and moisture control can improve indoor air quality.

Learn what inspectors look for when inspecting a residential structure, including foundations, framing, roofs, walls, and floors, and how these systems affect safety.

Well-maintained landscaping and other improvements are important for the enjoyment of a healthy and durable property.

Learn key laundry and utility room safety tips to prevent leaks, fire hazards, and drainage issues. Simple steps to keep your home safe and efficient.

Learn about lead and where it may be lurking in older homes, including paint, dust, soil, plumbing, and imported goods, and how to reduce exposure safely.

Learn essential plumbing system basics, including water supply, piping materials, valves, drainage, and venting. A clear, homeowner‑friendly guide from a certified inspector.

Prevent moisture intrusion with smart drainage and landscaping tips. Keep water away from your foundation and reduce the risk of damage.

Learn essential property drainage tips to prevent basement leaks and moisture intrusion. Improve grading, drains, and water flow around your home.

Radon gas, what is it? Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust.It is invisible, it is odourless, and it is tasteless. Radon gas is a product ofthe decay of uranium. When uranium decays, it turns into lead. This is a 14-step process; radon is formed at the sixth step.

Learn essential septic system maintenance tips to protect your home, prevent costly repairs, and keep your wastewater system functioning safely and efficiently.

Discover smart ways to reduce heating and cooling costs in your Ottawa home. Save money and boost energy efficiency with expert tips.

Discover the most common attic problems found during a home inspection, including ventilation issues, insulation defects, moisture, mold, and structural concerns.

Learn how moisture intrusion occurs in homes, how vapor moves, and how air currents, diffusion, and heat transfer contribute to condensation and water damage.

Learn about common chemical pollutants in your home, where they come from, their health effects, and how to reduce exposure for a safer indoor environment.

Learn what building science is and how heat, air, and moisture affect home performance, comfort, energy efficiency, and long‑term durability.

A clear guide to what really matters in a home inspection. Learn which issues are major, which are minor, and how to stay focused during the buying process.

What you can do about mold starts with understanding why it appears and how moisture triggers its growth. By identifying the source and taking the right steps, homeowners can prevent mold, reduce health risks, and keep their homes safe.

Why do basements leak? There are many reasons for basements to leak; as homeowners, we need to understand how water effects our homes.

Learn why you need a home inspection before buying a home. Discover how inspections reveal hidden defects, prevent costly surprises, and protect your investment.

Discover essential window maintenance tips for homeowners. Learn how to prevent drafts, reduce moisture, maintain seals, and extend the lifespan of your home’s windows.

A practical new‑home maintenance guide with simple setup tasks and seasonal checklists to help you protect your home, prevent costly repairs, and stay ahead of yearly upkeep.