So, what exactly is a Home Inspection?
A Home Inspection is non-invasive. It is a visual examination of a residential home designed to identify observed material defects in specific components of the home. It takes about 3 hours on site and about 4 hours offsite to complete the report with photos and email it to the client to download and access it at any time.
Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems and portions of the home. These are as identified in the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, in the inspection contract authorization prior to a fee paid inspection process.
What is a home inspection for?
Based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection, and not of future conditions, a home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling.
Perhaps the most important thing any homebuyer can do for themselves is research, both on your possible purchase and on your possible inspector. By the time you get to the inspectors website it's likely the home you are looking to buy has already been chosen from many you have looked into.
You may have received a sellers disclosure statement. That's a good first step in researching possible problems. Now, because the home inspection is non invasive (we can't punch holes in walls or tear up carpets) you need a home inspector with experience in building and renovation.
Experience means everything in understanding what an Inspector should look for and what they are looking at. It's important to remember that sellers and buyers both can be unaware of the seriousness or implications of what appear to be minor problems. Just as what might appear to be a serious defect may be easily fixed with no further issues. Is the owner of this home aware of the tree growth over the years and just where the roots are growing, more inportantly that they now likley come up against the foundation where they can be already causing damage?
You need a home inspector who can give you an unbiased, educated, and experienced opinion of the homes present condition, the implications those conditions might have, and recommendations to resolve the
deficiencies. That's where our years in the building industry can benefit you.
Outside we will inspect the exterior doors and windows, chimneys, roof and flashing, siding, access and egress to and from the home driveways, walkways, decks attached to the home, and much more.
Inside we will report on those systems and components inspected like eletrical, plumbing, heating, structure, etc. and which, in our professional opinion are significantly deficient, or are near the end of their service lives.
We will also provide a reason why, if not self evident, the system or component is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life.
We I will report in addition, recommendations to correct or monitor any deficiencies noted in the inspection report.
Our inspection reports are computer generated, easy to read and understand, and accompanied by many digital photographs. This forms a photo documentary on the condition of the home, cottage or commercial structure on the day of inspection. Reports are emailed directly to clients usually within 36 hours of the inspection.
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?
Rather than post a low price saying from, etc. I believe a client deserves to know where possible, in advance, what a service will cost and so: ALL FEES ARE CLEARLY POSTED ON MY WEBSITE
We do not charge more : if it takes longer than the expected time like some companies do, because; when it takes longer that means I usually have found something (or several things) that in good conscience I feel I must investigate further.
We do not charge more : if it takes longer because the home has a detached garage
We do not charge more : because we may have to use large ladders or safety equipment to properly inspect a home.
We do not charge more : like some companies do because I may have to enter a crawl space or attic to inspect it properly.
We do not charge more : if it is a water access only home or cottage and I need to use my boat.
That's just part of giving our best effort to our clients.
My clients deserve no less.