How long does a home inspection take?
A typical inspection should take 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the time frame in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
What do you look at?
We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer’s decision to purchase.
How much does an inspection cost?
Fees range depending on the inspection, however there are factors that will affect the fee, including the estimated time to complete the inspection. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.
What is included in the fee?
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
- Comprehensive electronic home inspection report done on site.
- Technical support for as long as you own your home.
Can I follow along?
Definitely. We encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most home buyers.
Do I have to take notes?
You don’t have to take notes during the inspection. We will document everything in a written report. It’s much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.
Can I ask questions?
Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. If the inspector’s comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for further explanation.
What should I wear?
You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 3 hours walking through the home with the inspector. You won’t have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won’t get dirty.
Can I bring my family?
We recommend that you not bring your family; this is a technical evaluation, and you should focus on the inspector’s comments – the fewer distractions, the better.
Do I get a written report? When?
You will receive an electronic report emailed to you within 24 hour of completion of your home inspection. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home.
If it’s really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house?
No. Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and expenses. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play.
What are your inspectors qualifications?
We are certified and licensed through Consumer Protection BC
How many days notice do I need to give you?
Our team of inspectors is ready to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least three days to arrange for a home inspection, however if that is not possible please phone as soon as possible to arrange a time.