Step 1 – Green Renovations - Home Inspections (1 of 5)

If you have recently purchased a home or are in the market for one, you likely have had a home inspection performed to get the real ‘dirt” on a home’s condition. This information is invaluable also for renovations as the defects and potential hazards are exposed. These are the basic priority fixes.
When looking for a home inspector, I recommend seeking a company who is a member of OAHI (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors). Members meet strict professional standards and cover all major systems including the roof, structure, exterior, interior, insulation, electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing. A structural engineer may be a wise choice as well. Look for the RHI (Registered Home Inspector) certification.
It is also a good idea to accompany the inspector for your own home in order to visualize the points as they are noted. Bring the report when you sit down with your architect and builder.
Although it is far more satisfying to plan the flooring, granite counter, stainless steel appliances, the basics need to be corrected first. Sound plan – sound home – sound investment. And remember that building code requirements trump energy savings needs.