FAQs

If an inspector refuses to allow this educational opportunity, then that should raise a red flag for you. Taking advantage of this opportunity to see your potential home through the eyes of an expert before making a decision is a great thing to do! We prefer that you be present during the inspection so we can give you a verbal breakdown of what we’ve found during the inspection and you can see it for yourself.

No. Professional home inspections are conducted in an unbiased manner. Inspectors act as general practitioners for a house and point out problems to buyers. There are many defects that can be repaired on different levels, and the decision rests with the buyer.

Moisture, electrical and plumbing systems, and foundation problems are the most common. Roofs, improper insulation, and major appliances are also common problems.The majority of issues found during a home inspection are not going to derail the deal. Buyers and sellers usually negotiate the price based on the extent of the issues.Here’s a list of the most common issues found by home inspections:

HVAC problems

Electrical systems and faulty wiring

Issues with roofs and gutters

Inadequate drainage and grading around the property

Poor insulation and ventilation

Plumbing

Moisture and mold

Visible mold growth comes in a variety of colours and textures. There may be green, blue, or even orange spots as well as the classic fuzzy black mold. Growth may be thick and 3-dimensional or appear as black spots on walls, ceilings, carpets, or wood. Please send us a few photos of any suspicious areas in your building so we can provide additional information.In some cases, mold is caused by high humidity or hidden water damage that is not readily visible. You may notice a persistent musty or moldy smell at certain times or places. A professional inspector can perform moisture testing, infrared inspections, and other types of testing to determine whether these odours are serious. It can be difficult for a homeowner or building manager to determine whether an odour represents contamination without professional equipment and experience.

Mold testing depends on many factors. Mold testing requirements and how many samples are needed on the property’s condition. Has there been a recent leak? Has there been any water loss? A comprehensive mold inspection on-site is the only way to answer these questions. In order to determine the source of contamination and mold presence, a thorough inspection is crucial. During the site assessment, we can develop a mold sampling protocol tailored to the client’s needs. The cost of a comprehensive mold inspection depends on the square footage. Our mold inspection and mold testing pricing is based on that vital information.

No matter when the structure was built, asbestos surveys are required before demolition or renovation. Renovation activities of single-family homes, especially by homeowners, are often the culprit of having an asbestos fibre release. Certified asbestos building inspectors and asbestos management planners are the only ones qualified to identify homogenous-suspect materials and can presume that they contain asbestos or test the materials for verification.

It is common to find asbestos in old floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles, flashing, siding, insulation (around boilers, ducts, pipes, sheeting, fireplaces), pipe cement, and joint compound used on seams between pieces of sheetrock in homes built before 1980. Asbestos may also be present in some newer houses.

As a buyer, make it part of your purchase agreement with the seller as a contingency pending your approval. As a seller: Before you list your property for sale, have it inspected so that you have a chance to address any concerns in order to avoid delays at closing.

This depends on how important it is to have peace of mind knowing the true condition of the home BEFORE you buy it! The single largest investment we will make in our lifetime will be the purchase of our home. Homes are made up of many working parts. The condition and function of these parts as a system will determine your comfort and safety while living in the home. The various conditions of these components will aid in the determination of the overall value of your investment decision, and in turn, help you gain the knowledge to successfully make an informed decision.

Absolutely! We strongly encourage you and your spouse/partner to attend the inspection. When the inspection is complete, we’ll go over the findings and will be more than happy to address any questions, issues, or concerns you may have.

If you’re present at the conclusion of the inspection, we’ll sit down and go over the report verbally. Reports are generated with pictures and are completed usually the same evening as the inspection. Normally you can expect your report the following morning or within 24 hours.

Our reports are produced back at the office on the evening of the inspections. This gives me unrushed time to review my notes and checklist and to research any questionable areas of concern. Digital photos of areas of concern are then inserted for further clarification. The result is a complete, easy-to-read, and easy-to-understand inspection report.

No, there is no “pass/fail.”. Most homes have some problems, but everything can be repaired. It’s my job to point them out to you so you can make an informed decision. We point out and explain what safety hazards exist, material defects (a home’s system or component that has an issue that could significantly impact the property value) and maintenance items.

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. Home inspections are designed to protect the buyer by revealing problems they might not have noticed otherwise.

A typical 1-family home inspection can range from $575 to $1200. The fees will vary based on the square footage of the home, the age of the home, and the type and location of the home. Call, text, or email us for a quote today!

Home inspections generally take 2 to 4 hours to complete. The duration of a home inspection depends on many factors, such as the size of the home, the condition of the home, and the ability to access certain areas of the home (roof, crawl space, attic, etc.).

Attending the home inspection empowers you with detailed knowledge about the property, aids in addressing specific concerns, and strengthens your position in the purchasing process. While a brief walkthrough provides some insight, a home inspection offers an in-depth assessment of the property’s condition. Being present allows you to learn about the home’s strengths and potential issues firsthand. If you have particular worries about certain aspects of the home, attending the inspection enables you to discuss them directly with the inspector, ensuring your concerns are thoroughly evaluated. Witnessing the inspection process allows you to see firsthand any issues identified and understand their implications, providing a clearer picture of the property’s condition, helping you anticipate future repair needs.

It is important to note that no house is perfect. At the end of the home inspection process, we will provide a detailed report that describes the physical condition of the property, with images and videos highlighting what may need repair or replacement. The information provided is to allow a potential buyer to make an informed decision about moving forward with the transaction. It is not pass or fail.