What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. Our inspections are performed according to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of our professional association, The Home Inspectors Association of British Columbia (http://hiabc.ca/). The Association is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.
How long does an inspection take?
Every inspection is different, depending on the size of the home, accessibility, and number of deficiencies. The average inspection is approximately 3 hours. After which I like to meet clients and go through the home together.
How much will my inspection cost? Are there any hidden fees?
Our prices are simple, please visit our services page. Some homes require different pricing.
What methods of payment do you take?
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cheque, E-Mail Transfer or Cash.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my inspection?
You will need to confirm your information, and please return a signed and initialled inspection contract so that I can confirm the inspection.
What will my Inspection and Inspection Report contain?
Your report contains information on almost* all visible and accessible components and systems of your home. If they are acceptable, there is not much to report. If there are issues, I will describe the issue, provide photos, describe the implications and provide some recommendations. Please keep in mind that condition of appliances are not included in a home inspection. Sellers will generally report on the condition of appliances in a disclosure report. I do not always know what appliances are included in sale, and if appliances are broken or leaking, I cannot test these out, in case I make matters worse. If you have other specific concerns that you need reporting on, please let me know. Please visit the http://hiabc.ca/ standards of practice to learn more about what is included in a typical home inspection, and what is not
*Some other examples of items not inspected include; septic systems, well systems, dangerous areas, concealed systems, inaccessible areas, confined spaces. Please see the HIA BC standards for further details.
When will I receive my report?
Reports are generally ready after the inspection is complete and will be emailed to you as soon as possible. If you are unable to attend the inspection, I can email you the report and call you to discuss the inspection.
Why do I need an inspection?
Minimize risk, better understand your home and avoid unpleasant surprises. You can also learn more about your home through questions, even if they may seem silly, I will do my best to provide easy to understand answers. Sometimes I will come across an area in need of major repairs or containing builder oversights that you need to know about. I may also point out areas that may need maintenance. The inspection then allows you to make decisions with confidence.
How far ahead do we need to book?
Booking a few days in advance is recommended, as this will give us time to communicate and align a time that works for both parties.
May we attend the inspection?
Absolutely, but be aware this will add time on to your inspection. Many clients prefer to arrive a few hours after the scheduled start time. That way I can compile the report and have all relevant information ready to communicate.
Can homes ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ an inspection?
No, as inspectors, our job is not to pass or fail a home. We will report on the conditions of systems and components that are visible and readily accessible at the time of our inspection.
What if the inspection uncovers problems?
All homes have problems, but knowing what the problems are, the severity and the implications are very important. Some problems require further evaluations and estimates, but most are simple and easy to fix. Always discuss issues with your realtor. Sometimes sellers will fix issues, sometimes sellers and buyers can make an agreement, and the odd time problems are just too severe to negotiate. If there are issues, we will review them together.
