A New Addition
Before building an addition, clearly identify the features you need and inspect the current structure and mechanical systems to be sure they can support the new addition.

Assesing the Renovation Project
Before renovating, it’s important to assess the condition of your home to determine if there are any significant underlying problems that must be addressed before or during your planned renovation project.

Assessing the Comfort and Safety of Mechanical Systems
The heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a vital part of your home.  Ensure that your mechanical systems are operating safely and efficiently.

Buying a Toilet
Advice and tips on what to look for when buying a toilet.

Canada's Construction System
The purpose of this document is to foster understanding of the elements of the system of construction and operation of buildings and houses in Canada .

Energy Efficient Upgrade - Mechanical Systems
Upgrading the heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) equipment is the best way to create a healthy, comfortable and less expensive home to operate.  Before altering these, it is important to understand how the overall performance of the house will be affected.

Energy Efficient Upgrade - The Building Envelope
The envelope, or outer layer, of your house separates living space from the outdoor elements. Improving it can result in a better insulated, more airtight home that is easier to heat.

Flooring Choices
A quick summary of the advantages, considerations, installation,  maintenance, and costs to think about when choosing resilient, laminate, and wood flooring, as well as carpet and ceramic tile.

Hiring a Contractor
How do you find the “right” contractor for you?  What should go in a contract?  What are liens, holdbacks and completion certificates?  Make sure you get what you want and pay for when hiring a contractor.

Hiring a Home Inspector
One of the best ways to understand about a home's condition, habitability and safety is to hire a professional home inspector.

Insulating Your House
Choose the right insulation to reduce the amount of energy you use and to make your home more comfortable.

Interaction Between Trees, Sensitive Clay Soils and Your Foundation
Is the size, type or siting of a tree affecting your foundation? Understanding the interactions between trees, soils and the foundation can help you avoid foundation shifting, cracks and other damage.

Log Homes 
A list of questions and answers concerning the unique design and building considerations for log homes.

Renovating Your Basement – Moisture Problems
Is there condensation on the basement windows?  Are there white chalky stains on the foundation? Do the carpets smell musty?  Creating a clean, dry and healthy living space is a critical first step.

Renovating your Basement – Structural Issues
Renovating a basement can add value and extra living space to a home.  Fixing foundation problems before renovating is essential to preserve the durability and structure of the house.

Renovating Your Bathroom
Bathroom renovations offer the second highest financial payback rate and are one of the most common home improvement projects.  Use this fact sheet to check for problems before you renovate.

Renovating Your Kitchen
The kitchen is often the most used room in the house and kitchen renovations typically have the highest financial payback.  Conduct a pre-renovation inspection and prioritize the most desirable features for your new kitchen.

Repairing or Replacing Exterior Wall Materials
Exterior finish materials must prevent rain and snow from penetrating the building and causing moisture damage.  Repairing or replacing exterior wall finishes will protect and preserve the durability and structure of the home.

Repairing or Replacing Roof Finishes
Regular maintenance and periodic roof inspections will identify problems before they cause costly damage to your home.  Learn about the key factors that will determine whether you should repair or replace your roof.

Replacing Your Furnace
This fact sheet provides information for consumers who are replacing their existing furnace with a new one. It deals with fuel choice, furnace selection, and furnace sizing.

Sample Renovation Contract
A detailed written contract between you and the contractor you hire is essential to any renovation or home repair project, no matter its size. Even the smallest job should be put in writing.

Selecting a New Home Builder
This About Your House factsheet provides information on how to find and what to look for and consider when searching for the right builder to build your new home.

Soot staining on carpets
Does your carpet have permanent dark stains near baseboards, air registers or under doorways?  Find out what causes soot staining and what you can do about it.

Understanding Window Terminology
This factsheet offers helpful guidance on buying the right type of window for your home.  Terminology commonly used in the window indsutry is also presented in this factsheet

Understanding Your New Home Sales Contract
This About Your House fact sheet provides information on some of the terms and provisions that you may find in a new home sales agreement to illustrate what a contract can cover and an explanation why.

Window and Door Renovations
Do you want more natural light in your living area?  Are you concerned about security?  Before repairing or replacing windows and doors, consider all of the factors outlined in this fact sheet.