A Taste of the Kawarthas December 2019/January 2020 Issue

Home Inspections Beware the cascade effect on renovations.

By Steve Irvine Home Sweet Home Inspections

It’s the old opening a can of worms theory. You decide you don’t like your kitchen floor and want a change. The problems is that once you open things up, you need to come up to current codes. To remove the flooring you need to take out the cabinets. If you remove the lower cabinets, you are supposed to update the counter plugs from split circuit 15 amp to alternating 20 amp plugs. This means replacing the wires from the panel to the plugs. If your basement ceiling is drywall and the panel is not close to the kitchen you may be opening up the basement ceiling. Ask questions before the job starts. You have a leak in your bathroom but don’t think it’s that bad. Then you see the stain on the ceiling below. You’ve waited too long. Now there’s a possibility that the sub-floor has water damage. If you need to fix sub-floor, the tiles have to come up. The tub, vanity & toilet need to be removed to pull tiles. Now you’re into a complete bathroom renovation.

Make sure you do regular maintenance & avoid the cascade effect.

Steve Irvine has been a Home Inspector for 17 years and has an Engineering Degree. When he’s not working, you will probably see him on the road riding his Triumph Storm or on the ice pretending to be a goalie.

You can reach Steve at www.steveirvine.ca or by Email steve.irvine.1960@gmail.com

Follow Steve on Facebookat Steve Irvine’s Home Sweet Home Inspections Inc.