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ABOUT US
It became clear after numerous inquiries from a spectrum of clients struggling to find workable resolution to problems in their buildings, that our unique skills were required. We were called when all else failed…including the trail of experts trying to diagnose and correct “the problem”. Thus, our core purpose evolved towards “Problem-Solving Investigations”.
Successful “problem-solving” of buildings demands knowledge of building science, building condition assessment, electrical, mechanical, structural and material systems, as well as methodology in root-cause and failure analysis. We earned the reputation of being an engineering company that knows how to drill down to the root of the issue…not based on guesswork, but by understanding the engineering principles and, seeking out cause of failure…with this combination, a mutually agreeable and lasting problem resolution is likely to be realised.
More recently, we have included residential and small commercial building inspections – we see our engineering strength providing a higher quality product for our prospective clients.
Today, real estate agents, commercial building owners, factory managers call HiPoints to evaluate their properties. Why?...Because we tell them what they need to know…
When you need to know what you should know…call HiPoints!
OUR MISSION
We provide high-quality field inspection and problem-solving service to residential, commercial building, and light industry. Our goal is to help our clients identify and resolve:
- Major deficiencies, or
- The cause of potentially failing systems or components.
WHAT WE DO
These are some examples of work we do:
Property inspections
- According to CAPHI or InterNACHI standards of practice.
- Four-point property insurability inspections
Building envelope investigations
- Flat-roof and pitched-roof leaks
- Underground or under floor pipe work
- Water leakage and moisture intrusion
- Rot behind EIFS exterior cladding
Mold inspections
- Identifying potential mold growth areas
- Moisture surveys and mold testing
- Support abatement activity
Resolve comfort problems
- Dampness
- Draft
- Too hot
- Too cold
Evaluate energy performance
- Building depressurization and air tightness
- Insulation integrity
- Poor ventilation and air flow
- Over-consumption – energy loss diagnostics
Analyse electrical and mechanical systems
- Infrared surveys to meet insurance requirements
- Analyse and develop equipment or plant deterioration trends
- Develop a condition-based maintenance programme
OUR CLIENTS
1) Property owners who continue to endure unsolved problems and require “expert evaluation”, e.g.:
- New home owners whose warranty has run out and require engineering evaluation for litigation purposes,
- Property owners undertaking major renovations and need to understand the extent of deteriorated systems…e.g. moisture intrusion,
- Commercial building owners who frequently repair the same system such as roof or electrical or may require an electro-mechanical predictive maintenance plan.
2) Remediation companies: Seeking 3rd party independent testing such as mold.
3) Insurability evaluations: Seeking major deficiencies, moisture surveys, mold testing or problem investigation.
4) Residential / home inspections: For buyer and seller
5) Buyers of New Homes
- Before taking possession, known as a “Pre-delivery inspection”,
- A home owner who’s New Home Warranty is ready to expire.
6) Industrial processes: Where processes fail to produce good product or product fails to perform to expectations.
INSPECTION VS INVESTIGATION
Inspection: The purpose is to compare and evaluate against an absolute or relative standard, standard of practice, or requirements of specified type. These are non-invasive evaluations and are typically based on visual, IR Thermography, or non-destructive sampling.
Investigation: The purpose of an investigation is to determine cause of problem for which client requested our service. The result of such an investigation may be determinate or indeterminate...depending on the complexity and on the client’s budget. Investigations are focused on the potential area of failure – often referred to as a “problem-solving investigation”. The work is often non-invasive but can be invasive. If invasive or destructive, the client must waiver any claims for damages; alternatively the client must make the arrangements to uncover walls, ceiling or parts to expose for investigation.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
- Certified, experienced engineers with a multi-disciplinary approach to inspection, investigation and failure analysis.
- An independent evaluation – we have no conflict of interest because we do not do repair work or modify your property.
- We clarify the prevailing issues for you and inform you of the risks and potential costs.
- Recommendations of specialists, trades people to resolve your problem.
- We always recommend you obtain 3 quotations for repair work to be done.
- If called upon, we will perform follow-up evaluations after repair / remedial work has been done.
OUR QUALIFICATIONS
- P.Eng. Province of Ontario; registered professional engineer
- Ontario Building Code Parts 1, 3, 7, and 9; Ministry Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Home Inspection Certified; Honours graduate, Humber College
- Canadian Association of Property and Home Inspectors; Associate Member
- International Association of Certified Home Inspection; Member
- International Association of Certified Air Consultants; IAC2 Certified
- Failure analysis, stress analysis, lab testing and forensic engineering
- Heat transfer and computational fluid dynamics, in building and equipment
- Development and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems
- Infrared Thermography; FLIR ITC Certified
[THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION]