Home Inspection FAQ

Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don’t feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection? You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive to your needs.

Most Inspections take about 3 to 4 hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age and condition of the home.

We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection from start to finish. However, our service is an excellent tool for buyers who are assessing a property from a distance and are unable to attend in person.

You can call us and discuss all of the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of a home’s structure and systems. Whether its an older home, newer home, mobile home, townhouse, condominium or commercial building, the home inspection will determine the structural and mechanical soundness of the home. I can identify existing and potential problem areas, suggest possible solutions and provide estimates for the cost of the work required. You will receive a report outlining the inspection findings. If as a result of the inspection, you have further concerns, have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination. Your home inspection should include a comprehensive and easy-to-understand report and photographs of the inspection. For details of areas inspected by Homeguard, please see the list on my Services page.

The very best qualifications and credentials consist of a background and extensive experience in construction and home maintenance coupled with education and training specific to home inspections.

Additionally, a well-qualified inspector has passed the national competency exam as well as adhering to the HIABC Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics .

Education is always an ongoing process and association in groups such as HIABC ensures that the inspector continues to take classes and is always on the cutting-edge of his business. A good inspector will take 20 credits of continuing education each year to ensure that he or she is always up to date.

Home inspectors are often referred by family or friends. Your real estate agent can also provide you with a list of inspectors. Look for one that is trained and certified by a national organization such as Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHI) or National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI), and who has errors and omissions insurance. Do not hire someone who will do any suggested work due to the conflict of interest this poses.

This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, unless they are certified and experienced at professional home inspections, there is a considerable risk factor involved in using their services. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.

There are a number of reasons why you should get a home inspection including:

• To ensure you are not surprised by major defects
• So you can be advised about the various elements of the home including – heating and cooling systems, structure, electrical and plumbing
• To learn about how the mechanical systems work and need to be maintained
• Most homeowners are not expert in the numerous components of house construction
• A third party can be objective as there is no emotional attachment

We are certified, qualified and experienced, and provide excellent customer service and thorough inspections. The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. You are no doubt wondering what you are getting for your money, and may be asking yourself “Will this home stand the test of time?” Our diligent inspection will provide the insight into this question.

A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but also additional hidden repair costs that will be necessary upon acquisition of the property. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.