Homebuyer's School

Deciding between ceramic, porcelain or cement tile for your home? In this episode, we talk with Deborah Armstrong, Senior Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss the differences between the three, the cost of each and installation as well as their durability. We also explore if they can be stained or coloured, and if they need underlayment. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/ceramic-vs.-porcelain-vs.-cement-tile-which-one-is-better-for-your-home

We discuss the following items: 

• Differences between ceramic vs. porcelain vs. tile
• Costs of each (including installation)
• Durability and how often do they need to be replaced
• Are they already stained?
• Do you need tile underlayment for each?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

So your new home is finally built and you're close to taking possession. What do you need to know when doing the final walkthrough? In this episode, we talk with Kristy Seibert, Area Manager with Brookfield Residential and discuss what to look for and expect during the final walkthrough with your home builder. What happens if you find any defects or imperfections? And can you ask for more than one walkthrough?

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-final-walk-though-of-a-new-home

We discuss the following items: 

• What should I know and expect before the walkthrough before closing on a new home?
• What happens if you find any defects or imperfections during your walkthrough?
• Is there an opportunity to do more than one walkthrough?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

So you want to protect your new tile? What type of underlayment should you use? In this episode, we talk with Deborah Armstrong, Senior Interior Designer with Brookfield Residential, and discuss what is tile underlayment and what's it used for. We explore the different types and brands as well as how thick it should be to be effective. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-is-tile-underlayment-and-whats-it-used-for

We discuss the following items: 

• What is tile underlayment membrane and what is it used?
• What are the different types of underlayment? Common brands?
• What's the best underlayment to use?
• How thick should tile underlayment be?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

When you are buying a house, how does the contract between buyer and seller work? What's in the agreement and how binding is it? In this episode, we talk with Kristy Seibert, Area Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss what is a real estate purchase contract and when it happens. We also explore up to what point can you cancel or get out of the contract. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-is-a-real-estate-purchase-contract-and-how-binding-is-it

We discuss the following items: 

• What is a real estate purchase contract?
• Can you cancel your contract? When can you do it?
• How does your mortgage approval play into the agreement?
• Up to what point can you get out of your purchase agreement?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

If you just bought a new home, do you have low water pressure? Is that normal? In this episode, we talk with Kurt Gibson, Director of Field Operations with Brookfield Residential, and discuss what is considered normal water pressure, does water pressure fall in line with the city's pressure and how to raise your water pressure.  

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/water-pressure-in-a-new-home-what-first-time-home-owners-need-to-know

We discuss the following items: 

• What's considered normal water pressure in a new home?
• Does your home's water pressure fall in line with the city's average?
• How do you increase water pressure in a new home?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Wondering how a zero lot line home differs from a traditional lot home? Why would you buy one over the other? In this episode, we talk with Kristy Seibert, Area Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss the differences between the two types and associated costs. We also explore zero lot line wall construction and zoning. Finally, we look at how living in a zero lot line home impacts your relationship with neighbours. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/whats-the-difference-between-a-zero-lot-line-home-and-a-traditional-lot-home

We discuss the following items: 

• How does a zero lot line home differ from a traditional lot?
• Why are houses built that way?
• What about zero lot line wall construction?
• Zoning for zero lot line homes
• Impact on your neighbours if you live in a zero lot line home

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Did you just buy a brand new home and are noticing cracks along your drywall? Not sure if it's normal or the beginning of a larger problem? In this episode, we talk with Kurt Gibson, Director of Field Operations with Brookfield Residential, and discuss what are house settling drywall cracks and why they happen. We also explore how to tell the difference between normal settling and a more serious issue.  

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-is-kiln-dried-lumber-and-how-is-it-used-when-building-a-home

We discuss the following items: 

• What are drywall cracks from house settling and why they happen?
  • About vertical and horizontal cracks
• How about windows not closing or doors not fitting? 
• How to tell if the cracks are normal or part of a more serious structure issue?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

When buying a new construction home, you may have heard of kiln dried lumber. It's probably the wood used for your house. In this episode, we talk with Kurt Gibson, Director of Field Operations with Brookfield Residential and discuss, what it is and how it's used in the home construction process. We debunk some myths, explore types of wood used and talk about the importance of moisture. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-is-kiln-dried-lumber-and-how-is-it-used-when-building-a-home

We discuss the following items: 

• What is kiln dried lumber and how's it used in the home construction process?
• Can it be from any type of tree?
• Why is moisture content important for kiln dried lumber?
• Does it absorb moisture?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Wondering what's the warranty when buying a new construction home in Alberta? What does it cover and for how long? In this episode, we talk with Kristy Seibert, Area Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss the Alberta New Home Warranty program and what it covers. We explore the one, two, five, and ten-year warranty coverage as well as if it's transferable and if you can extend it. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/alberta-new-home-warranty-program-what-first-time-home-buyers-need-to-know

We discuss the following items: 

• What is the Alberta New Home Warranty Program 
• What does it cover and for how long?
• Who pays for the deficiencies?
• The one, two, five, and ten-year warranty coverage
• Is it transferable?
• Can you opt out? Is it mandatory?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

So you've just bought a new house but started to see some physical issues crop up. Whether that's drywall cracking, windows sticking or doors harder to close. Wondering if there is something wrong with your house or is this just part of buying a new home? In this episode, we talk with Kurt Gibson, Director of Field Operations with Brookfield Residential, and discuss what is house settling and what's considered normal. We answer how long does the settling it last for and what's considered normal versus actual foundation issues? Finally, we also discuss what happens if you have foundation issues after your home warranty expires.

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-does-it-mean-for-a-house-to-settle-and-whats-considered-normal

We discuss the following items: 

• What is house settling and what's considered normal?
• Can you see your house actually move if it's settling?
• How long does a house settle for?
• Difference between house settling and actual foundation issues?
• When should you worry?
• What if foundation issues happen AFTER your warranty expires?
• What are normal house settling noises?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca