So what is it Home Inspection and what do we do during the three hours

Home Inspection is a visual examination of the accessible features of the property.  The two key words are: visual and accessible. These two words mean that we do not perform any destructive testing.  We only dismantle things that can easily be reassembled, and anything that we take apart we replace ourselves immediately after examination.  For instance removal of electrical panel cover or furnace maintenance cover is included in the scope of Home Inspection. 

     During the inspection, we examine the following systems and components of the property:

• Roofing                        
• Exterior
• Structure
• Electrical
• Heating    
• Air Conditioning
• Insulation
• Plumbing
• Interior

   Each system or component, including  the method that was used for its evaluation, is described in detail, complemented by the inspector's recommendations and notes.

     Every Home Inspection takes on average 3-4 hours and is conducted according to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of American and Canadian Associations of Home Inspectors, which include certain limitations that must be clearly determined in the inspector's contract.

     After completion of the on-site inspection, our clients will receive a comprehensive computer generated narrative report, complimented with digital pictures of the deficiencies that have been discovered.

Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

1. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
2. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
3. Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
5. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
6. Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
7. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
8. Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
9. Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
10. Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!

     People often ask whether only "old" houses (built over 20 years ago) require a Home Inspection, and whether it is wise to spend money on an inspection of a brand new (or almost new) house?  Unfortunately, new houses today sometimes have more problems than older ones, and not all of these problems are covered by the New Home Owner's Warranty.  So it is always wise to spend a little extra on a professional Home Inspection to get a clear picture of the deficiencies in your future residence.

     Now we are coming to the point of cost, which in general is less than $ 500. Our inspection fee is based on the location of the house, its age and square footage.  Factors such as an additional kitchen or bathroom, finished basement and fluctuating gas prices may slightly influence the cost of the inspection.

One word of caution: "Do not hire cheap inspector!"

Remember: "You always get what you paid for!"

        For the past ten years average house price in the city of Toronto rose from $250K in 1996 to 361K in 2007. We have been in this business for many years, and we notice that despite the drastically rising house prices and correspondingly agents commissions, mortgage brokers and lawyers fees, some home inspectors still charge $300 or less as it was ten years ago. I'm always wondering why? The answer is simple: they are either inexperienced newbies or don't know the exact cost of this business and are not real professionals. This job is about saving you money on costly repairs. That is why don't try to save $50 on the professional services. Hire the best professional home inspector - the Certified Master Inspector. Save thousands of dollars on discovered deficiencies, not $50 on the inspection fee.

     Even though Home Inspection is often called Technical, it is not technically exhaustive.  In our inspection, we view the house as a whole system rather than focus on its separate components.

     Please remember that a Home Inspection does not guarantee a flawless house, but rather provides an independent, professional opinion of the condition of the house at the present moment.

     Before you call us at (416) 909-6467 for an exact quote of the inspection for your particular property call around and get some more quotes. You will be surprised what an array of prices you will be getting. Ask the other inspectors about their services, professional experience, background and report. Then call us at (416) 909-6467. You will understand why we are different and charge higher fees. Our inspections are performed seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can be booked one to two days in advance.       

     Please do not call after 10 p.m.