Test your GFCI on a monthly basis to keep your family safe. Follow these steps to ensure your GFCI is in proper working order: 

1. Plug a lamp or night light into the outlet and leave the light on, then press the test button.
2. The light turns off and the reset button pops out--- your GFCI is working properly.
3. The reset button pops out, but the light remains on--- the wiring is faulty and a licensed electrical contractor should be brought in to fix it.
4. The reset button does not pop out at all--- the GFCI is not working properly and should be replaced by a licensed electrical contractor. 

"Hansen Home Inspections did a very thorough and professional inspection of our new home. Peter did not rush and scrutinized every possible detail. He provided us with important information that helped us close the real estate transaction. We would not hesitate to hire him again."    Brad and Angela Foster

Start by looking for several suitable contractors. A good source of referrals may be a family member, friend, or neighbour who has had similar work completed. They can tell you about the dependability of the contractors they worked with, the quality of the work and their overall experience with that company.

Other sources are the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA); in some municipalities, your local building department; and through contractors' websites on the Internet.

When considering hiring a Contractor to work on your home, whether it is a small renovation or a large full scale house build, it is essential to ask the following questions... click here to find out 13 questions to ask.

It is always best to go into a renovation with as much knowledge about your home as possible.

If you are considering renovating your home you should consider having a Pre-Renovation Inspection conducted on your home. The last thing you want to do is have a leaky roof rain down on your newly renovated kitchen or bathroom!!

During an inspection the inspector will be able to inform you about the condition of the critical components of your home so that you can better allocate your renovation budget. If you have $40,000.00 to put into renovations and have spent it all on that "DREAM KITCHEN", then find out your furnace requires replacement and your roof requires some repairs this could put some stress on your budget.

Hansen Home Inspections Ltd. is a licensed professional home inspection firm in North Vancouver, BC. We serve buyers, sellers and those maintaining their homes in the North Shore and Metro Vancouver areas. If you would like to discuss my services please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

Prank Phone Calls Continue
North Vancouver RCMP are renewing their warning today about a telephone prankster, this time to include restaurants. Last night the man who had previously called hotels also called various restaurants in North Vancouver, including Denny's, A&W, Mcdonald's and Subway, at times posing as a fire marshal.

The man came to North Vancouver RCMP's attention yesterday when he called the North Vancouver Hotel posing as a sprinkler maintenance man. He convinced a hotel guest to activate the sprinkler, causing thousands of dollars in water damage to a guest room... Read full story.