The Journal

Renovating an Older Home in Ontario: Hidden Costs to Budget For

Renovating an Older Home in Ontario: Hidden Costs Buyers Should Budget For “The Renovation Should Cost About $100,000.” Maybe. But my next question is: WHAT DOES THE $100,000 INCLUDE? Does it include: Demolition? Electrical? Plumbing? Structural work? Engineering? Permits? Environmental testing? Asb

Buying a Fixer-Upper in Ontario: Do the Renovation Numbers Make Sense?

Buying a Fixer-Upper in Ontario: How to Know If the Numbers Make Sense “This House Is $200,000 Cheaper. We Can Just Renovate It.” Maybe. But the word I pay attention to is: “JUST.” We'll just replace the kitchen. We'll just open this wall. We'll just finish the basement. We'll just redo the bathroom

Buying a Century Home in Ontario: What Buyers Need to Know

Buying a Century Home in Ontario: What Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing Should You Buy a 100-Year-Old House? Absolutely—if it's the right house for you and you understand what you're buying. Century homes can offer things that are increasingly difficult to recreate: Established neighbourhoods.

Basement Moisture in Older Ontario Homes: What Buyers Should Know

Water & Basement Moisture in Older Ontario Homes: What Buyers Should Investigate “There’s Water in the Basement. Is This a Foundation Problem?” Maybe. But: WATER IN THE BASEMENT DOESN'T AUTOMATICALLY MEAN THE FOUNDATION IS FAILING. Basement moisture can potentially originate from different sources.

Old Plumbing in Ontario Homes: What Buyers Need to Know

Old Plumbing in Ontario Homes: Galvanized Pipes, Cast Iron & What Buyers Should Know “The House Has Old Plumbing. Is That a Problem?” Maybe. But: “OLD PLUMBING” ISN’T A DIAGNOSIS. A house may contain plumbing installed: When it was originally built. During a kitchen renovation. During a bathroom ren

Foundation Cracks in Ontario Homes: When Should Buyers Be Concerned?

Foundation Cracks in Older Ontario Homes: When Should Buyers Be Concerned? “We Found a Foundation Crack. Is the House Structurally Unsafe?” Not necessarily. This is one of the fastest ways for a home inspection to go from: “Everything is looking pretty good.” to: “WAIT—THERE'S A CRACK IN THE FOUNDAT