The Things I've Seen!

House System: Roofing

Situation: During the inspection, I observed that the roof is missing a drip edge — the metal flashing installed along the roof edges where the shingles meet the eaves. This component is often overlooked in older homes or during roof replacements when installers cut corners.

Implications: A missing drip edge can allow water to seep behind the fascia and into the roof decking, leading to wood rot, mold growth, and deterioration of the soffit and fascia boards. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of the roof, cause hidden water damage, and even contribute to ice damming issues in winter.

Recommendations: Consult a qualified roofing contractor to install proper drip edge flashing along all roof edges. This is a relatively low-cost upgrade that helps direct water into the gutters, protects the roof structure, and ensures compliance with modern building standards. Adding this protection can prevent expensive repairs down the line.

House System: Exterior

Situation: During the inspection, the eavestroughs (gutters) were found to be clogged and not draining properly, despite having modern gutter guards installed. In several sections, water overflow signs were visible on the fascia and around the foundation area.

Implications: Gutter guards can reduce debris buildup but don’t eliminate the need for maintenance. When gutters remain clogged, water can overflow near the foundation, leading to basement leaks, soil erosion, and even foundation cracks over time. Overflowing water can also damage soffits, fascia, and landscaping, adding unnecessary repair costs.

THIP Recommendations: Schedule a thorough cleaning and inspection of the eavestrough system. Have a professional check for slope issues, blockages, or damage to downspouts that could be affecting performance. After cleaning, set a regular maintenance schedule — at least once a year — even if gutter guards are present, especially if the property is surrounded by trees or exposed to heavy seasonal debris.

House System: Exterior

Situation: During the inspection, I found that the window wells are filled with leaves, dirt, and plant growth. In some areas, the debris is piled high enough to partially block the window and obstruct the drainage system at the bottom of the well.

Implications: Clogged window wells trap water against the foundation and can block the drain that’s designed to direct water away. This increases the risk of water intrusion into the basement, leading to dampness, mold growth, and potential structural damage over time. Plant roots can also compromise the well’s drainage or create pathways for water to penetrate foundation walls.

Recommendations: Clear the window wells of all debris and vegetation. Check that the drains at the bottom of the wells are open and functional. To prevent future build-up, consider adding protective grates or covers and schedule regular seasonal cleaning, especially during fall when leaves accumulate quickly.

House System: Electrical

Situation: During the inspection, I came across an original CEB (Canadian Electrical Brand) fuse panel still in service. In addition to its age, immediately noticeable  were the slots covered by electrical tape rather than proper fill-plates. These panels were common in older Toronto and GTA homes, especially those built prior to the 1970s, and typically feature screw-in fuses instead of modern breakers.

Implications: While CEB panels aren’t inherently unsafe, they are outdated and no longer manufactured. A.K.A. obsolete. This means replacement parts are harder to find, and the design often lacks the safety features of modern breaker panels. In many cases, these panels have been modified over the years — sometimes improperly — increasing the risk of overloaded circuits, overheating, and even fire hazards. Insurance companies may also flag or refuse coverage for homes with outdated electrical panels.

THIP Recommendations: Hire a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate the panel and the overall electrical system. Upgrading to a modern breaker panel will improve safety, meet today’s electrical codes, and make it easier to expand or upgrade the system in the future. This is especially important if the home will be undergoing renovations or if higher electrical loads (like EV chargers or updated HVAC systems) are planned. 

House System: Cooling

Situation: During the inspection, I noted that the foam insulation on the air conditioner’s refrigerant lines (the copper pipes running between the outdoor unit and the home) was cracked, missing, and deteriorated. This is common in older systems or when the insulation has been exposed to sun, rain, and temperature changes over time. Or even newer systems where vermin have chewed away at the foam.

Implications: Without proper insulation, the refrigerant line can lose efficiency, causing the A/C system to work harder to cool the home. This can lead to higher energy bills, reduced cooling performance, and, over time, added strain on the compressor, which is one of the most expensive components to replace. In extreme cases, condensation can drip where it shouldn’t, potentially leading to moisture damage or mold growth.

THIP Recommendations: Have a qualified HVAC technician replace the deteriorated insulation with new, UV-resistant foam. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that helps maintain system efficiency, extends the life of the equipment, and keeps the system operating safely and effectively — especially during peak cooling season.

House System: Plumbing

Situation: During the inspection, I observed a copper water pipe above the water heater actively leaking, with water dripping onto the top of the heater. The leak had already begun to corrode the metal surface of the unit.

Implications: Even a small, slow drip can lead to accelerated corrosion of the water heater’s exterior and fittings. Over time, this can cause premature failure of the tank, potentially resulting in flooding, water damage, or even safety hazards if electrical components are affected. The constant moisture also increases the risk of mold or mildew growth in the surrounding area.

THIP Recommendations: Have a licensed plumber repair or replace the leaking section of pipe as soon as possible. Once the leak is addressed, clean and dry the affected areas and assess the extent of corrosion on the heater. If the unit is older or shows significant rust damage, consider planning for a replacement to avoid unexpected failures.

House System: Insulation & Ventilation

Situation: During the inspection, I found that the bathroom exhaust fan hose has come loose and was venting directly into the attic instead of properly through the roof vent. This is a common issue, often due to poor installation or the hose loosening over time.

Implications: Moist air from showers and baths is now trapped in the attic, which can lead to excess moisture, condensation, and mold growth on the underside of the roof sheathing and insulation. Over time, this can damage wood framing, reduce insulation effectiveness, and create air-quality issues inside the home.

THIP Recommendations: Have a qualified contractor reconnect the exhaust hose to the roof vent using proper clamps and seals. Ensure the connection is airtight and insulated if required, to prevent condensation inside the hose. Regularly check the vent connection during seasonal maintenance to ensure it stays secure and functional.

House System: Interior

Situation: During the inspection, I noted that the stairway to the basement does not have a proper, grippable handrail. In some cases, there may be a decorative rail present, but it does not meet current safety or building standards for size, height, or grip.

Implications: A missing or non-compliant handrail is a significant safety hazard. Without a secure, grippable handhold, the risk of slips, trips, and falls increases — especially for children, older adults, or anyone carrying items up or down the stairs. Falls on stairs are one of the leading causes of home injuries, and insurance or home safety inspections often flag this issue.

THIP Recommendations: Have a qualified contractor install a proper, continuous, and grippable handrail along the full length of the stairway. The rail should meet local building code standards for height, clearance, and diameter to ensure a secure and safe grip. This is a simple, low-cost fix that significantly improves safety in the home.