Shells Product Information

If you listen to Shell’s HouseSmart or Home Discovery Radio Shows, often Shell will mention the name of a product in response to a question from one of his callers. In this section of the website, we are going to keep you informed in case you didn’t have a chance to write down the name of a product or where to get it.

Each week, we will update this area for products that Shell may have mentioned, and provide a little more information as to where or who to contact for more information.

If you have a question, feel free to email us at feedback@housesmartcentre.com

Here is a list of products you may have heard Shell mention recently, and where to look or call for more information

K2 Stone Quarries – Ocean Pearl Natural Stone
1-866-722-2420

Flexrock
Available @ Home Hardware Locations

Beauti-Tone Granite
Available @ Home Hardware Locations

Sunfast Exterior Wood Finish
Cloverdale Paint and their Authorized Dealers
604-596-6261
www.cloverdalepaint.com

QuietRock
Dryco Building Supplies
604-533-2313
www.dryco.ca

Geocel Caulking
Windsor Plywood Stores
www.windsorplywood.com

Wall Vent Plug
Can-Cell Industries
1-800-661-5031

Gentec Vinyl Siding Accessories
604-888-6474

Universal Concrete Accessories
604-299-8551

Make sure to check back with us, we will be updating this area each week after the programs!

Top 10 Condo Complaints

Money is a frequent cause for complaint in strata complexes. Recently, the Condominium Homeowners’ Association of BC published the most common strata queries — and their answers:

Article Published by Tony Gioventu, of the Condominium Home Owners Association.

Fraud and financial irregularities are common complaints filed with our offices. They range from owners cleaning out the reserve funds to support their gambling practices to the caretaker fleecing the profits of the laundry change, to council members paying for their personal expenses and condo improvements out of the strata funds. Here’s our top-10 list of problems:

1. “Our strata council treasurer has not paid her strata fees for more than two years in exchange for handling our finances.”
   Council members must pay their strata fees, otherwise they are in arrears and possibly not eligible to continue to be on council. If the owners have approved the remuneration of a council member, then they pay their fees and the corporation in turn pays them for the services.
2. “We have a caretaker and accountant who are contractors. Do we have to file taxes for them?”
   Strata corporations must issue T-5A tax forms for any person who is paid more than $500 a year for his or her services as an employee contractor.
3. “Our strata council draws funds from our bank machine to re-supply the petty cash.”
   ATM cards should be for deposit purposes only. If the strata uses petty cash, it should be reimbursed with proper receipts and by cheque to ensure a record of the transactions.
4. “Our strata has spent more than $10,000 at Home Depot on gardening supplies, but our landscape budget is only $3,500.”
   Credit/borrowing of funds must be approved by a three-quarters resolution of the strata corporation before they are authorized. Credit cards are a serious danger for the strata, as often purchases are made that are not approved or there is no funding.
5. “Our treasurer issues a cheque to himself each month to pay for supplies and materials and no one is allowed to see the receipts.”Council members should not sign cheques made out in their own names. Either increase the number of signing officers or direct your manager/council to approve all expenses in writing in advance. If the strata or manager is not willing to provide copies of receipts, then your strata has greater problems. An audit is likely the next step.
6. “Our strata has paid for a wholesale membership and we just discovered our resident manager has been receiving and cashing the rebate cheques for the past five years.”
   Council members, employees or agents must not receive any undisclosed or unapproved commissions, rebates or finder’s fees. A strata bylaw and/or a condition written into service contracts and accounts that prohibits rebates can help avoid an otherwise illegitimate practice.
7. “The Company we hired to do the roofing, which was recommended by the treasurer, turns out to be owned by the brother of the treasurer.”
   Council members, agents or employees must disclose a business relationship with a contract or service provider before the decisions are made and cannot be a part of that decision. If it is later discovered that the terms of the contract were unfair or unreasonable, the strata can seek redress through the courts.
8. “Our strata just had a fire, our replacement value is significantly lower than what it is supposed to be, and only half of the losses are being covered.”
   Strata corporations have their insurance appraisal updated every year and must be insured for full replacement value. Never take anyone’s word for it. If it isn’t in writing from the appraiser or insurer, it can’t be proven.
9. “The property manager refuses to give us copies of our investment certificates.”
   Term deposits and banking accounts must be in the name of the strata corporation. Copies of the certificates and bank statements must be provided within 14 days of written request. If a written request is unsuccessful, the strata should take immediate legal and disciplinary action.
10. “Our strata council has lent three owners the funds they need for special levies at a rate of interest lower than any other owners are paying.”
    The Strata Property Act gives no provisions for financial loans to be made by a strata corporation. These activates are controlled under Canadian banking legislation and the proceeds from the lending of the funds are taxable. If owners require special consideration for payment, arrangements should be made with the strata corporation.

The Condominium Home Owners’ Association (CHOA) is a non-profit association that assists strata owners throughout British Columbia. CHOA promotes an understanding of strata living and the interests of strata property owners. For more information go to their website at www.choa.bc.ca.

Tips to Close Up the Cottage

What to do for the off-season: Some say cabin others say cottage; whatever you term your getaway home, the question remains: What to do when closing up for the fall or winter season. Perhaps, the summer if you happen to be a snowbird with property down South.

I will address the question in a generic fashion, but depending on the type of property you have there are specific tasks to keep in mind before heading home:

Here is a brief description of the different types of vacation homes:

• Recreation Property – In a subdivision on a mountain ski resort or beach area with full services and conveniences.
• Cottage – Recreational property on a beach with electricity and water.
• Cabin – In the Toolies, on a lake, no power, no services, no conveniences. Bathroom complete with a moon door.

Recreation Property –
Water System

• Shut off water system by turning off pump or shutting the valve if on city water.
• Drain the pressure tank.
• Open all faucets.
• Break a union close to the valve so water will drain out clear to shut-off valve.
• Drain pump and run a few seconds to be sure all water is out of lines from the pump.
• To stop sewer gas, flush toilets and dip water out of flush tank and bowl, stuff plastic bags full of insulation into bowl.
• Drain flexible spray hoses in showers and sinks.
• Drain water heaters.

Sewage System

• Force as much water out of traps as possible with a plunger (Kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, floor drains and sump pump)
• Add antifreeze to trap.

Heating System

• Electric heating systems require no maintenance other than shutting the power at electrical panel.
• Turn off burner emergency switch.
• If electric heat, install low-heat thermostats. By doing this, your home could be maintained at about 5 C without a freeze-up, rather than 13 C, which is the lowest temperature most thermostats can be set.

Appliances

• Washer: Shut off water supply line and drain water from drain hoses.
• Dishwashers: Remove inlet and outlet connection to valve. Operate valve to remove any water. Remove drain hose from pump and drain.
  Stored items
• Remove food or containers that contain liquid that can freeze.
• Put non-perishable food items in sealed plastic containers.

Keep pests out

• Cover Chimneys tightly to keep out raccoons, rodents and birds. (Note: Leave note that this was done previously)
• Cover any entry points in the foundation or eaves where squirrels, mice or other small animals can enter.

Cottages:

• Apply window shutters, which can be easily removed.
• Drain all water lines back to entry system (pump and pressure system). Drain any storage tanks including hot water heaters.
• Leave all water faucets in open position so they drain back.
• Empty toilet tanks but leave water supply on. Sponge out bowl and stuff with insulation in a plastic bag to prevent sewer or septic odor.
• Shut power off at main panel box and propane off at tank.
• Lock doors and other out buildings with exterior padlocks.
• Keeps all access under cottage skirted/covered to keep out animals and rodents.

Cabins:

• Leave all non-perishable food items in sealed plastic containers.
• Store some water in plastic bottles, ¾ full to prevent freezing and cracking. Twelve one-litre bottles would be advised.
• Leave wooden matches in waterproof containers.
• Keep warm clothing and blankets stored in plastic containers with lids.
• Do not lock your doors in the event someone shows up in the backcountry lost, cold and hungry. Believe me, they will leave you a note of gratification.

It’s Just That Easy!

Hiring a Contractor

Get it in Writing

Step 1 – Know who you’re dealing with
Good contractors have satisfied customers. Ask contractors to provide customer references for projects similar to yours. Then take the time to call these homeowners and ask if the work was done properly, on time, and on budget. Find out if any follow-up work was needed and if this was done satisfactorily. Also ask if they would hire the contractor again.

If a contractor is unwilling to provide references, don’t hire them.

Step 2 – Make sure you’re protected from risks
When a contractor works on your home, you need to be protected from a number of risks. These risks exist whether you are hiring someone for a simple home repair, a large renovation project, the construction of a new home or cottage, or to work on a rental property you own.

Here are some things legitimate contractors (renovators) should have:

• Business liability insurance
• Worker’s Compensation Coverage
• Business Number or GST/PST number
• A contractor’s written warranty (what is covered and for how long)
• Appropriate Municipal, Provincial and Federal Licenses & Permits
• Written receipts for all deposits and payments that comply with local business codes
• All required building permits (Homeowners are responsible for obtaining a building permit; however, your contractor can usually obtain the permit on your behalf). Inform your home insurance company before any work begins. Some homeowner policies don’t cover construction-related risks or theft of building materials from the work site.

Step 3 – Get it in Writing!
Having a written contract is essential. It helps protect you from the nightmare of lawsuits that can result from accidents, work-related injuries, or damages to third parties. Even for small projects, it’s important to make sure you’re protected. The size of the job does not limit the liability you face if an accident occurs. And accidents can happen even with the simplest home repairs. A written contract also helps protect you from many other potential problems. Without a contract, you could lose any deposit or advance payment given to the contractor, or find yourself charged far more than you expected. Also, there is little you can do about poor quality or incomplete work. And you have little assurance that you will get warranty coverage and after-sales service.

• A contract doesn’t have to be complicated. This is some of the information that should be in all contracts:
• The name, address and telephone number of the contractor
• A full description of the work and the material and products to be used
• When the work will start and be completed
• How much you will be charged for the work and when you will have to pay
• The contractor’s warranty detailing what is covered and for how long
• Confirmation of business liability insurance & WCB coverage
• The contractor’s Business Number or GST/PST number and the contractor’s business license number (where required by the municipality)
• Most often, the contractor will draw up a contract for you to review. Don’t sign it unless you are satisfied that it includes all the necessary information and accurately represents what you have agreed to.

** Professional contractors always work with a proper, written contract. Their price includes protection you need in case something goes wrong or an accident occurs. This is a valuable part of the service you’re paying for.

How to find a good contractor in your area: Get in touch with our HouseSmart Referral Network. Made up of carefully screened contractors, the Referral Network can recommend a contractor in your area.

In Central Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon area we work with the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association. Go to www.renoguide.ca for a list of professional contractors in that area.

Get it ALL in Writing