Frequently Asked Questions

A home inspection is a professional consulting service that determines the present condition of the home's major systems based on a visual inspection of accessible features. It focuses on the performance of the house rather than cosmetic, code, or design issues. Inspections are often performed during a real estate transaction but can be inspected at any time.

 A home inspection includes the following:

• An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance   of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in   time.
• Primarily a visual examination.
• Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe, or near the end of their life.
• It includes a documented written report.

What is not a home inspection:

• An insurance policy, guarantee, or warranty on the home
• An invasive or destructive exercise
• Intended to identify concealed defects
• A code or design review
• Intended to predict future performance or life expectancy
• An environmental review or energy audit

Included components:

• Roof
• Structure
• Exterior
• Electrical system
• Heating and Air Conditioning system
• Plumbing system
• Insulation and Air/Vapor Barriers
• Interior
• Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems

Excluded components:

• Cosmetics
• Code, bylaw, and building regulation issues
• Outbuildings
• Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems

Buying a home could be the most significant single investment the homebuyer will ever make. To minimize surprises and difficulties, homebuyers should learn as much as they can about the house before buying it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding of their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence. If a homeowner plans to sell their home, a home inspection can allow them to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

It is important to note that no house is perfect. Every home inspection will identify issues with the property, and the inspector will communicate the severity of the problems found. The home inspector's goal is to leave their clients with a deeper understanding of their prospective home to make a sound decision as they continue their home buying process. The client should be fully aware of any issues, risks, or health concerns that may impact the client's decision. The inspector's role is not to tell the clients if they should buy the house or not to help them understand the total cost of ownership. If significant problems are found, homebuyers may wish to negotiate with the seller to make repairs or cover their costs.

A professional home inspection is an examination and objective assessment of the current condition of a house. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. A home inspection is not an appraisal and will not determine the home's market value. It is also not a municipal inspection and does not verify local code compliance.

Our detailed, easy-to-read report includes photos and color illustrations and is delivered electronically the same day of the inspection.

No, we provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. However, we understand that the home's condition is one of many critical pieces of the puzzle when buying a property.

Absolutely. We encourage clients to attend. The inspection is a personalized course in homeownership.

We are trained and certified by NAAHI (North American Association of Home Inspectors), an accredited training provider for home inspectors.