Wainwright Home Inspections

The reason I take moisture readings under all window corners with every inspection, even without rain: Panelling doesn’t show water stains, and thermal imaging camera will pick up water damaged insulation.

Sometimes you run into some….crappy situations. Shout out to for coming running, clearing this, and giving a better understanding to the potential buyers of what’s to come

One of the most common issues I find in row houses/duplexes. The party wall (firewall) between units must be fully finished (pink tape at joints as seen) through the attic space with 5/8” type X drywall, no gaps or framing visible to maintain a 60min fire rating between units. A gap like this creates a tunnel for fire/smoke to travel and completely negates the fire rating.

This particular unit had passed the superior safety code initial occupancy inspection as well as a home inspection at a later date (by another inspector).

Another reason to get a home inspection? Knowing what you’re buying. First 2 pics are from a home listed as a 2007 build. Except the wiring in the attic was obsolete in the mid 70’s and we stopped using copper as venting/drainage when PVC replaced it in the early 70’s. The second 2 pics are from a mobile listed as 1996….except Canada stopped permitting the 2 prong razor bathroom outlets in the early 1970’s and that electrical panel company stopped existing by 1980. Realtors have to list as what they’re given. Municipality records are not always accurate (as confirmed in these inspections).

Merry Christmas, happy holidays! This fella was spotted and had to share

*GIVEAWAY* Wainwright Home Inspections and K*T are giving away 2 adult weekend passes to the Lazy Bison Music Fest Nov 21-23rd!! (And some K*T swag)!

To enter simply like and comment on this post, 1 name will be drawn for both passes on Saturday November 15th!

Attic space. Disconnected bathroom fan soaking insulation, plumbing vents terminated in the attic. Both causing organic growth and rot in roof sheathing and trusses.

Duel issue today with major consequences:
Went into an older home and was overwhelmed with a strong sour smell. Upon entering the basement I quickly became lightheaded and sore stomach/ill feeling. Immediately began using gas detector to sniff around hot water tank and furnace, no leaks. Soon discovered the original cast iron main drain cleanout cap had broken and was leaking sewage gases into the home. This had been made exponentially worse due to the low vent stack exit on the roof being covered with snow and plugged off, so all venting was being done into the home. With heavy snowfall, make sure your plumbing vent stacks aren’t covered! If they’re older and low, recommend extending to 12” above roof exit. Also, I really don’t recommend gun tape for drainage pipe fixes. Homeowner was notified immediately, explained the headaches they’ve been having recently…. 🤯