First, contact us to schedule an inspection. Be sure to have a few important pieces of information prepared, such as the location of the home, its classification (condo, townhouse, etc.), and how many square feet it has. Based on the type of property and how large it is the inspection fee can be determined.
Please schedule an inspection as early as possible, because we are often overbooked and may need a few days before we can service you. Furthermore, if you already have an appointment but wish to cancel it, please give us at least 24 hours notice as a professional courtesy.
Pre-Listing Inspection
Buyers
Keep your expectations in check; there is no such thing as a perfect house. The inspector will be looking for signs of any major issues, though minor ones will be noted as well. You may attend the inspection if you wish, and should express any concerns you have to the inspector.
If you have any particular concerns, please make it known before booking the inspection so the inspector can be properly prepared. If you are buying a condo, read the Strata Minutes or any building reports so that you can discuss this with the inspector.
Sellers
For a smooth inspection, please provide access to the following: crawlspace, attic, electrical panel, and heating system. Please make sure all systems are turned on – furnace, fireplaces, breakers, etc. If something cannot be turned on, please notify the inspector.
You are, of course, free to stay to check on the inspection. However, this may slow down the inspection time. Any pets should be kept in a cage or removed from the premises so it won’t be a distraction.
If your home had some major repairs or renovations, please make this known by providing completed permits, warranties, or any other details.
If you are selling a condo, ask your realtor to provide access to common areas, the roof, and mechanical rooms. If you have any Strata Minutes or other such reports, provide them if possible.
The Inspection
Next, we will conduct the inspection. Be sure to give us at least 2-3 hours (possibly more, depending on how large the property is) to provide a full inspection. In that time, we will be looking at the following areas:
- Roofing:
- The type of roof covering, the roof drainage system, the flashings, the skylights the roof penetrations.
- Exterior:
- The exterior wall covering, flashing and trim, all exterior doors, attached decks, balconies, porches & railings, the eaves, soffits & fascias, the grading, drainage.
- Structure:
- The foundation & under floor crawl space, the floor structure, the wall structure, the ceiling & roof structure.
- Electrical
- The service equipment, the amperage & voltage, the interior service panel & subpanels, the light fixtures, switches & receptacles.
- Heating
- The installed type of heating system, the vent systems, flues, & chimneys.
- Air Conditioning
- The installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
- Insulation & Ventilation
- The insulation & vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, the ventilation of attics & foundation areas, the mechanical ventilation
- Plumbing
- The interior water supply & distribution systems including all fixtures & faucets, the drain, waste & vent systems, the water heater, the sump pump.
- Interior
- The walls, ceilings, floors steps, stairways, railings the countertops, cabinets, the doors, windows garage doors & operators.
Please have a look at our photo gallery for a glimpse into the kinds of issues the inspector is looking for.
Post-Inspection
Once the inspection is finished, we will give you a brief verbal report so that you can have a general understanding of the home’s condition. We are not yet done, however.
Afterward, we will do a full write-up and email you a detailed digital report with pictures and recommendations on how to address each problem that we discovered during the inspection. You can expect to receive this report within 24-48 hours. For a sample report, click here.
Lastly, to book an inspection, click here.