Experts Questions and Answers

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Aug 31
2011

Just saw a house we liked, but electricity wiring is a fraud. There was no code followed, incoming wires can not support a 2x100A fuse, mixture od Al and Cu wires from same panell. Wires free hanging trough part of basement just a mess and real fire hazard. The owners in listing did not mentioned that. Can I do anything and how

posted by Robert to Lily Ohana  :  Views (188)
Hello Robert, It is difficult to comment without seeing the situation but in general it is unfortunate that one of the most common defects that I find during an inspection, is such situations as you described. Inadequate overload protection, amateur, often dangerous wiring connections which can... [ more ]
Aug 25
2011

What is the difference between a flat roof and an angled roof is one better then the other?

posted by Bob Pinelt to Lily Ohana  :  Views (214)
Hello Bob, There are two main differences; The main difference between a flat roof and a sloped roof is in the way they are built. A sloped roof shed water, they are not watertight, you can think of them as an umbrella. Flat roofs use a waterproof membrane to protect the building, flat roofs act... [ more ]
Aug 18
2011

Lily is it important to change your furnace filters in the summer or just when you have the heat on? Is there a type of filter that you recomend?

posted by KC K-Dog to Lily Ohana  :  Views (205)
Thanks KC for your question. It is a very good question! The answer is absolutely! Regardless of the season, your furnace filter should always be kept clean to protect the furnace, the fan and the air quality in your home. Your furnace filter is part of your home’s HVAC System (Heating,... [ more ]
Jan 13
2011

Hello Kristy, We are currently designing our kitchen and are trying to decide on a floor style. Ideally we would like to have something other then ceramic tile. We also live in a town house and do not want to spend to much money.

posted by to Kristy Morrison  :  Views (485)
Hello Shelly, Their are many different options for your kitchen flooring. Their are many factors that will influence your type of floor that you choose, durability, price points, and how you want it to feel under your feet.  Ceramic is typically a floor of choice for many home owners as it... [ more ]
Jan 13
2011

How can we tell if the parquet in our house can be refinished? We have a compo house build circa 1970, some area's are slight uneven. Do you have any advice for Us.

posted by to Lily Ohana  :  Views (514)
Hello Andrew, Without seeing the floor it will be hard to any person to give you an actual yes or no. There are many types of wood floors including parquet floors that indeed could be refinished. Theoretically a surface stain can be removed (sanded) and then refinished. My best advice to you... [ more ]
Jan 13
2011

We are a young couple with a mortgage, In your option is it better to put money in our RSP's or pay down our mortgage. Thanks

posted by to Marci Perreault  :  Views (504)
That is a very good question and one that a lot of people ask.  However, I cannot give you a cut and dry answer.  There are many variables that come into play.  I would have to look at any other debt that you may have, interest rates, balance of mortgage, cash flow, just to name a... [ more ]
Nov 17
2010

Hi Ingrid, I have a question about using funds from an RRSP towards a downpayment on a home. If I currently have a spousal RRSP as well can both be used for $25000 each? Also, is this something you recommend?

posted by Sonia Bennett to Ingrid Patry  :  Views (460)
RRSP's are an excellent source of downpayment for the purchase of a home.  In order to use the Home Buyer Withdrawal Program that the Government of Canada has established you must be a first time home buyer or not owned a home within the past 5 years anywhere in the world.  The maximum... [ more ]
Oct 16
2010

Marci I have 2 questions 1/We have a friend who has equities , all the stocks say segregated. They understand what a segregated fund is but what is a segregated stock 2/ I here that insurance companies now have a program that they sell a product in the rrsp that pays a 5.25=5.5% on the investment until age 71 .At that age it is converted and it is a 6% rate of return after 71. Investors group is pushing this producct. Do you have a similar product and what do you know about this.... Allan

posted by allan to Marci Perreault  :  Views (471)
 Hi Allan.  I am a bit confused by Question 1.   Are you referring to how the stocks are referred to on the investment statement?  I would need to see a copy before I can comment.  I certainly understand segregated funds, but segregated stocks are something new.... [ more ]
Jul 21
2010

What is the difference between a mortgage insurance and a life insurance?

posted by Tal Plagi to Marci Perreault  :  Views (607)
That is a good questions Tal.   Personal life insurance allows you to meet more of your family’s needs than just the mortgage.  The beneficiary can use the proceeds of the life insurance policy any way they deem necessary—not just to repay the mortgage.   With a... [ more ]
Jul 6
2010

What is the difference between a flat roof and a sloped roof?

posted by Katie Boston to Lily Ohana  :  Views (656)
Katie, thank you for your question. There are two main differences; The main difference between a flat roof and a sloped roof is in the way they are built. A sloped roof shed water, they are not watertight, you can think of them as an umbrella. Flat roofs use a waterproof membrane to protect the... [ more ]
Jun 11
2010

Lily I have moss growing on the shingles of my roof on the north side of my house what should I do about it?

posted by Karen to Lily Ohana  :  Views (661)
Hi Karen, Thank you for your question, moss growing on a roof cover is an indication of excess moisture exposure, which may lead to moisture related problems to the roof covering and roof structure. Often proximity to trees, poor roof surface drainage, buildup of organic debris, and absence of... [ more ]
Apr 17
2010

What is mortgage insurance?

posted by April to Marci Perreault  :  Views (575)
Mortgage insurance is an insurance policy that pays the balance of your mortgage to the lending institution if you, the person listed on the mortgage, passes away.  Insurance from lenders usually covers the exact amount of your mortgage.  Your coverage decreases as the mortgage is paid... [ more ]
Apr 4
2010

Can I intstall a solar domestic hot water heating system in Ottawa? I heard this may not be approvable under the current by laws

posted by Sam Fevez to Lily Ohana  :  Views (685)
Hi Sam, Thank you for your question. The answer to your question is yes, BUT there are installation requirements and you may or may not need to have a permit prior to the installation of such system. It depends on the type of system installed. Any installation of a solar hot water system in... [ more ]
Feb 24
2010
What is a rubble foundation?
posted by Kerri M to Lily Ohana  :  Views (673)
Rubble foundation is a type of foundation that uses loose stone or rubble masonry (rough unfinished stones). It has been used for thousands of years and it is considered a more environmentally friendly than the typical concrete footings/foundation commonly used today. Less concrete is used in... [ more ]
Feb 13
2010
How should I prep my house for a home inspection?
posted by Lionel D. to Lily Ohana  :  Views (782)
Hi Lionel, Thank you for your great question. The way to prepare for a home inspection slightly depends if you are the seller or the buyer but in both cases the simple answer is to provide access to all the systems and components of the house and to make sure that all utilities are... [ more ]
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