A drastic (but effective) way to keep water out of the basement
June 2, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA foundation membrane could cost a homeowner client $15,000, and it is probably not something your clients should try installing themselves, but it is “often the most effective method” of waterproofing a basement, a Bobvila.com author suggests. A foundation membrane…
A groundwater flood occurs in the basement: Who pays for the carpet?
July 24, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA plumbing firm that failed to cap an old water pipe after helping renovate a basement is on the hook to reimburse the owner for a new carpet after the property suffered flooding. This is the result of a British…
Basement flood victims lose suit against previous owners
July 20, 2020 by Greg MeckbachBritish Columbia homeowners who tried to sue the people who sold them the home for water damage allegedly caused by hydrostatic pressure lost their case at the Civil Resolution Tribunal. Seth Nanayakkara, Julia Wells and Linda Adams bought took possession…
How basement flood risk could rise with pandemic-induced municipal funding crunch
June 10, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic could have an impact on public works projects aimed at reducing basement flooding, the head of an extreme weather risk think tank suggests. “When you are talking about how we are going to…
What’s new in 2020 with Intact Centre home flood risk assessment training
January 23, 2020 by Greg MeckbachWant to share basement flood horror stories with other brokers or home inspectors, and hear how industry peers tackled their problems? The Home Flood Risk Assessment Training Course, launched in 2018, now has discussion sessions, said Daniel Filippi, program manager…
Couple sued over basement flooding after selling fixer-upper
January 20, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA Kelowna couple have been sued for $168,000 after a house they sold suffered basement flooding. In Brunning v. Cummings, released Jan. 13, Supreme Court of British Columbia Justice Gordon Weatherill awarded the damages to Cheri and Joel Brunning. The…
How this buried oil tank came back to haunt former homeowners
January 17, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIf your clients are selling their home, should you ask whether prospective buyers want written assurance that any oil tanks are removed and the soil cleaned up? Scott Warren and Antonia Camille Fantillo sold their home in early 2016. They…
How brokers can stop a flooded basement
April 16, 2019 by David GambrillA recent study suggests brokers have a golden opportunity to talk to homeowners one-on-one about how to protect homes from basement floods. With the right information and often for less than $500, homeowners can protect themselves from the increasing risks…
How air conditioner installer got dragged into basement flood
March 12, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMoisture that an air conditioner collects could damage your client’s home if it doesn’t drain properly, but the client cannot necessarily blame the air conditioner installer for a flood. Basement flood victim Samuel Sieb took Gandy Installations Ltd. to British…
Online basement flood course coming soon
January 30, 2019 by Greg MeckbachAn online version of the Home Flood Risk Assessment Training will be available Canada-wide this March, Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, said in a recent interview. The course is geared towards insurance brokers, home inspectors,…
Insurers subsidize Toronto basement flood pilot
July 10, 2018 by Greg MeckbachA pilot program aimed at getting homeowners to reduce basement flood risk is getting a subsidy from the Insurance Bureau of Canada and Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation. The Toronto Home Resilience Program, which involves 200 homeowners, aims “help home…
Neighbours’ spat over flooding, catch-basin access leads to $100,000 court award
July 5, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe owner of a property with a non-functioning catch-basin has to pay her neighbour more than $100,000 because flooding prevented the neighbour from renting apartments, the Court of Appeal for Ontario ruled last week. Terrence and Matilda Berg own a…