Air barrier inspections in Ontario - Building Code changes.

Are you a contractor, building new homes or cottages in Ontario? Are you calling your local building inspector for an air barrier inspection?  Your weather barrier/house-wrap needs to be inspected if it is serving as the air barrier. At the time of my writing this article, many jurisdictions in Ontario are NOT sending inspectors to job sites for a separate air-barrier inspection, as prescribed by the updated code. Or worse, the contractors don't know to call, and then are stuck with a delay in construction to sort out their air barrier issue. The time is quickly arriving where this will be common, but it has taken the whole of 2012 for some building dept's to get this code change enforced. It will probably take a few more years for it to trickle down to builders.

Building Science vs Actual Building

I have had the pleasure of attending a few Building Science seminars/presentations in Ontario in the last few years.  I have learned some useful facts about the possible future of construction practices, modern trends, and some data/science updates.  Wikipedia states:

 The building science of a project refers to strategies implemented in the general and specific arrangement of building materials and component-assemblies.The practical outcome of building science knowledge is reflected in the design of the architectural details of the building enclosure (see building envelope ),and ultimately in the long-term performance of the building's 'skin'.

Vapour Barrier and moisture problems - MemBrain Smart Vapour Barriers

One problem or question that I run into on a weekly basis is regarding the question of creating a double vapour barrier on the exterior wall of a new home.  Many building codes require a vapour barrier on the warm side of the wall(inside), usually behind your drywall.

Being your own General Contractor - Managing your own build

In my experience there are 2 different types of people who manage their own home or cottage building projects:

1. The experienced or semi-pro layperson:  is well connected with sub-trades, building code, lives close to the building site, and has time to manage all the people and details of a 1-2 year project.  This type of person might be a semi-retired tradesperson, engineer, building inspector, etc. This person knows they can save some money, and has some seasoned understanding of the time & energy required to make this happen.
2. The in-experienced layperson: lives far away from the building site, doesn't have good contacts in the building trades, doesn't know the expectations of the local municipality, and doesn't know very much about the building code or construction. This person is usually looking to save money on the over-all cost, and has decided to do it on their own, and learn as they go. If you are reading this article, this 2nd type may partially describe you.

What happens when my builder does not pay his trades?

We work with many building contractors as a subtrade throughout Ontario, and also with many property owners who decide to manage their building project themselves, and not hire a General Contractor or Project Manager for their build.  The vast majority of our clients pay their bills on time, and without difficulty, but the few contractors and home-owners who do not pay should know what the consequences can be.
Many property owners do not know that a subtrade can place a lien on your property if they are not paid by the general contractor.

Are you Building your Dream Home?

If you are planning or building your dream home, don't forget the importance of properly insulating your walls,  ceilings and basement living areas. If done right, you will save on heating and cooling costs, have a lighter carbon footprint, and have no concerns for the lifetime of your house. If done poorly you may have to tear out your walls, remove your roof or floors, and pay twice!
Choose your insulator well. Get references, and ask about insurance and warranty. If you are insulating in Ontario, see our website: www.thermosealinsulation.ca 

Ontario Building Code Changes for 2012

The Ontario Building Code has become more strict for 2012, especially for residential construction.
According to the province of Ontario the main aims of the changes are:

• More energy efficient windows / sliding doors.
• Higher insulation requirements for ceilings, walls, foundation walls and basements.
• Limitations on thermal bridging (e.g. the loss of heat through studs).
• High-efficiency gas and propane-fired furnaces (90 per cent).
• Higher standards for electrically heated houses. see the rest here