1. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough, non-invasive evaluation of a property's nine key components, conducted before finalizing a purchase. Its purpose is to identify potential issues or defects that may require attention. You'll receive a comprehensive report, complete with repair recommendations, to guide you in making an informed decision about your prospective home

2. What is included in a home inspection?

 A home inspection typically involves a detailed visual assessment of nine key home systems: the exterior, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, insulation, and interior spaces. Inspectors will also evaluate the property's structural integrity, ventilation, and overall insulation quality. I also provide basic thermal imaging and notable moisture readings.

3. Why is it essential to have a home inspection?

A home inspection is an essential step for several important reasons:  it helps uncover potential health and safety risks; it identifies hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs; and provides valuable insights that can be used to negotiate the home's price.

4. How do I prepare my home for a home inspection?

Inspectors cannot move personal items during an inspection.  Prepare your home by doing the following:

Clear furniture and stored items around access panels, crawl spaces, attic hatches, electrical panels, furnaces, water tanks, and shut offs.  If an access panel is in a closet, consider removing or covering clothes to protect them from falling debris.

For smoother inspections, keep pets—friendly or not—contained or away from the house during the inspection.

5. How long does a home inspection take? 

The time needed for a home inspection varies based on the home’s size and condition. Generally, a standard inspection typically lasts between two to four hours.

6. What is the cost of a home inspection?

 The cost of a home inspection varies based on the home’s location and size. On average, a home inspection typically costs between $400 and $600 in Canada.

7. Is my presence required during the home inspection?

Although attending the home inspection isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended. I suggest joining at the end of the inspection, where our Home Inspector can walk you through the findings and address any questions you might have. Being there in person gives you the opportunity to gain a clear understanding of any potential issues uncovered during the process. If you're unable to attend, don’t worry—I’m happy to follow up with a phone call to go over the report and answer any additional questions.

 

9. How often should I have a home inspection?

It is recommended that you have a home inspection done every 5-10 years, even if you are not planning to sell your home. This can help you identify any potential issues early on and avoid costly repairs in the future.

10. What is polybutylene (Poly-b)? 

 Poly-b is a flexible plastic.  It is usually gray with the letters ''PB" stamped along the pipe. It became a popular material for use in plumbing and pipes between the late 1970's to mid 1990's. Its popularity was the result of its flexibility and low cost. However, as the years have gone on, the plumbing industry has come out with far superior materials. Poly-b is no longer used and no longer complies with the current building code. Home inspectors and plumbers now recommend that poly-b be replaced.

11. What is asbestos?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used in construction because of their heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. However, asbestos is now known to pose serious health risks. For this reason, we do not conduct testing for asbestos or inspect areas where its presence is suspected, but we will clearly note the limitations in our report and recommend you seek a professional in that area.