Go from unsure to secure.

When you’ve finally found the house you want to turn into a home, how can you know exactly what you’re buying? That the property’s worth the price the sellers are asking? That there are no costly and extensive repairs in the near future? How do you make sure your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare?

You need a home inspection. A home inspection is a service that determines the present condition of the home’s major systems, based on a visual inspection of accessible features. It focuses on the performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues. Inspections are performed during a real estate transaction but may be done before you list your house for sale or just to understand the condition of your house and what to do next. If the home inspector finds a problem (or a symptom of a problem), that discovery is detailed in a written home inspection report.

Niagara Home Inspections

A home inspection is not protection against something happening to your home in the future. Heating systems wear out, roof shingles deteriorate, and all homes do eventually require repair. A home inspection is also not an appraisal. We will not tell you the value of your home. Neither will we tell you whether you should (or should not) buy a particular house. We inform you about the house, and you decide.

A home inspection simply provides you with the context you need to make an informed decision about a very important major purchase.

It is also important to note that a home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector is thinking “safety” not “code” when performing their inspection of a house. The inspection is most valuable when you accompany Ted throughout the house.

All of our home inspections include an infrared scan, which allows us to identify issues such as missing insulation, moisture, electrical concerns, heat loss, and structural issues. This is included in the price and is part of every inspection.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A HOME INSPECTION?

Comprehensive inspection of all the major systems of the house

Inspection Report emailed within 24hrs – See Example

Infrared Scan of the house

Gift Bag
House Cutaway
Attic We will inspect the air flow and venting of the attic, as well as the insulation type and amount.
Plumbing The plumbing system provides 2 services to the house. 1. supply lines, giving you drinking water, water for washing, cooking & cleaning. 2. waste water is then drained to the sewers under the road or to a septic system. its important to know the types of supply lines to & throughout the house. most of the pipes are hidden within the walls but from what we can see we can determine that there are not any leaks or problem areas.
Interior The interior of the house can tell us a lot about a house. Typical flaws such as nail pops, ceiling cracking, floor squeaks will be found in every house. Bigger concerns can show themselves within the interior as well, water staining, major structural movement can cause doors and windows to rub or not even function properly.
Heating & Cooling The purpose of the heating/cooling system should be obvious. These systems have a life span of between 15-20 years. Its important to service the appliances annually as well as replace or service the air filters and humidifiers associated with these appliances.
Electrical The electrical system is very important from the safety and convenience point of view. We make you aware of the type of wiring you may have. It could be copper, aluminum, knob & tube or a combination. We also make you aware of the amperage rating of the house. All of these aspects of the electrical system help to make the house comfortable to live in.
Heating & Cooling The purpose of the heating/cooling system should be obvious. These systems have a life span of between 15-20 years. Its important to service the appliances annually as well as replace or service the air filters and humidifiers associated with these appliances
Foundation The structure includes the foundation & footings, floors, walls & roof. Some of these components are visible during the inspection, some are not. The structure of the house should stand still over its life. We look for evidence that this is true, as well as give you an idea of what to expect in the future.
House Cutaway
Roof Flashings & roof protrusions. The purpose of a roof is to keep the building and it’s contents protected from the elements. We will report to you the type of roof covering and the condition it is currently in.
Siding Exterior walls are commonly brick/stone, stucco/EIFS, wood, aluminum or vinyl. All of these materials except for stucco/EIFS and wood are relatively maintenance free. Wood will require periodic painting, while stucco may develop cracks which will need repair. EIFS requires 100% perfect sealing at all times to avoid trapping water behind it, which can cause mold and wood rot issues. With new homes, it is important to note that settlement cracks may become evident in the first two to three years. This is a common occurrence, and it is advisable to monitor the degree of cracking. The majority of these cracks never amount to anything significant. If in doubt, consult a professional.
Doors & Windows When checking the exterior of doors & windows, it is important to keep in mind they must form a weather tight barrier for the structure. Caulking should be complete and in good condition. Frames should be well maintained (i.e. paint, if necessary) and windows should not be cracked, broken or missing.
Doors & Windows When checking the exterior of doors & windows, it is important to keep in mind they must form a weather tight barrier for the structure. Caulking should be complete and in good condition. Frames should be well maintained (i.e. paint, if necessary) and windows should not be cracked, broken or missing.
Downspouts & Eaves These are part of the structure that work to provide a weathertight barrier around the house. Eaves & downspouts should be kept clear of debris.
Grass & Grade The purpose of good lot grading is to direct water away from the structure in an attempt to keep the basement as dry as possible. The grading in the home’s immediate vicinity should be sloping away from the structure. Any downspouts discharging above grade should discharge at least six feet from the home. If proper grading is lost to settlement, it should be corrected as soon as possible.

For more information about our home inspector, Ted Neufeld, click here. When you’re ready to book or if you have more questions, call us.

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