Only one service should be installed for each dwelling or building. A minimum 100-amp service is needed for a single residential dwelling unit.
Ontario only requires a fume barrier between garage and dwelling unit. In the United States they may require a fire separation. Beware of home inspection reports requiring changing of doors etc when it may not be required.
Ontario version of basement egress windows. Except where a door on the same floor level as the bedroom provides direct access to the exterior, every floor level containing a bedroom in a suite shall be provided with at least 1 outside window that can be opened from the inside without the use of tools, and each such window shall provide an individual, unobstructed open portion having a minimum area of 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2) with no dimension less than 380mm (15 in). Except for basement areas, the window described in Sentence shall have a maximum sill height of 1 000 mm (3 ft 3 in) above the floor.
Structural beams with notches. Notches can potentially reduce the structural integrity of solid lumber joists. Therefore, there are limits on the size and location of notches to solid-sawn lumber members.
Drilling holes in framing members is pretty much the same in Ontario as the US. Holes shall not be located less than 2 inches or 50mm from edges of framing member. In Ontario if you increase the depth of the member by the size of the hole then you can ignore this requirement.
Minimum height of chimneys should be 3 feet. The top of the chimney should extend 2 feet higher than building or roof with 10 feet. Any portion of the masonry chimney passing through building must maintain a 2 inch clearance from combustibles. This air space provides protection from radiated heat and prevents conduction to combustibles.
A masonry chimney should terminate some distance above a roof in order to provide adequate upward draft in the chimney. Masonry chimneys should extend at least 2 feet higher than any portion of the building within 10 horizontal feet. The minimum height of the chimney should be 3 feet. Any portion of a masonry chimney located in the interior of the building (such as an attic space) should have at least 2 inches of air-space clearance from combustibles. As heat is transferred through the masonry material, any combustible material in close proximity to the heated walls may reach the point of ignition. The air space helps in the dissipation of heat.
There shall be adequately sized access opening, a passageway should be provided. Attic passageways should be made of solid flooring. There is required to be an opening to the space and a clear, unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the appliance. The passageway should be at least 30 inches high, at least 22 inches wide, and not more than 20 feet in length. The opening should be a minimum of 30 inches by 20 inches. Service access is required in front of the equipment with a dimension of not less than 30 inches by 30 inches. A light fixture should be installed to illuminate the passageway and the mechanical appliance. A control switch shall be provided near entry.
Most clothes dryers have either wrong type of vent pipe or have too long a duct installed. Reading your dryers installation instructions will provide both of the requirements for these. I have never found a dryer that permits the plastic dryer kits that stores sell. All products that attach to a CSA approved dryer must be CSA approved also.
Clothes dryer exhausts pose a different problem compared to other exhaust systems because the air they carry is moist and infused with lint. The exhaust of a dryer must vent outside and not discharge into an attic or crawlspace because the wooden structural members could be affected. Exhaust vents should have a backdraft damper installed to prevent cold air, rain, snow, rodents and pests from entering the vent.
The pressure-relief valve should be set to open at least 25 psi above the system pressure, but not over 150 psi. The relief-valve setting should not exceed the tank’s rated working pressure. The discharge line, which is attached to Pressure Relief Valve must terminate within 6 inches of floor.
Many homes have home made S traps and other contraptions under their sink etc. Traps are required to be the P type and have a minimum 2 inch water seal and be attached to an approved venting system.
An appliance used for heating water or storing hot water must be protected by a relief valve. A combination temperature- and pressure-relief valve (or separate temperature-relief and pressure-relief valves) protect a water heater from explosion. They are emergency devices. They are not intended to function continuously.
Notches and holes in structural wood members is quite common during home inspections. Electricians and HVAC installer typically just cut away to fit their service in place. This can be an expensive repair if not installed correctly.
Notches are not permitted to be cut into structural beams unless the following is adhered to; Notches should not be longer than 1/3 the depth of the lumber being notched. They are not allowed to be in middle 1/3 of the span.
A trap (or water seal) keeps sewer gases from emanating out of the drainage system. A trap is a simple U-shaped pipe arrangement. The shape offers minimal resistance to the flow. The water seal prevents sewer gases and airborne bacteria from entering the interior air of the building. The only type of fixture trap permitted is the P-trap. All other types, including bell traps, drum traps, S-traps, and traps with moving parts, are prohibited. S traps are common in do-it-yourself plumbing installations. Only a P trap is allowed to be used. The trap shall have a minimum of 2 inch water seal and hooked up to an approved venting system.
Work space in front of electrical panels in Ontario is a minimum of 36 inches. The side clearance is to meet the size of panel board and be at least 30 inches wide or wider.
As a Home Inspector knowing plumbing, electrical and building codes is definitely a benefit for the home or business owner. If you don’t know the codes how can a home inspector inform his client of potential problems or expenses.
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