Outlined below is typical of the service Property Inspectors perform and what you should expect when hiring an Inspector. As an Inspector I give home buyers the advantage of knowledge to help make wise decisions before they make a purchase. Understanding what is involved in the inspection process before hiring an inspector is just as important. My intension on this site is to give as much detailed information as possible about my service including the following important information in their entirety:

PURPOSE OF AN INSPECTION:
The purpose of a building inspection is to identify existing major problems by performing a limited visual inspection of a prospective purchase. The aim is to significantly increase your knowledge of the building thus creating a more informed consumer. Emphasis is placed on structural and mechanical components and their serviceability. Any area which is either not exposed to view or inaccessible is not in included in this inspection. The client accepts responsibility for conditions which are concealed or obstructed from view at the time of inspection. We do not warrant or guarantee the remaining life of any system or component.

STANDARDS AND SCOPE:
All inspectors will perform visual home inspections in accordance with the standards of Practice of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors. This is not a Building Code or by-law compliance inspection. Reports issued will not include any destructive testing or dismantling., Furniture, soil, stored items, etc will not be moved for the inspection. Estimates for repair or replacement, if provided, are estimates only and are not to be relied upon by any person. The client should obtain bids from qualified licensed contractors in order to determine the possible costs of repairs, if needed.

INSPECTION POINTS:
My inspection service points are outlined below, however, greater detail may be found by selecting a subject in the house on the home page of this site.

Grounds...driveway, sidewalks, retaining walls, grading, patios, decks/porches
Foundation...slab, raised foundation, crawlspace, sill, girders, joists
Exterior...walls, soffits, fascia, eaves, gutters, down pipes, exterior stairs, doors, trim, windows
Roof...composition/condition, flashings, attic
Electrical...exterior services, interior services, grounding, breakers/fuses, wiring methods
Plumbing...water service entrance, hose faucets, supply lines, drain/vent lines, sump pump, water heater, laundry Heating...location / type, fuel type, burners, venting, plenum, fans/pumps, combustion air, hydronic systems, electric baseboard
Bathrooms...toilet, counter, cabinets, electrical, sink, ventilation, tub/shower
Interiors...floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, heat source, stairs
Kitchen...cabinets, counter, flooring, lights, outlets, range hood, sinks, garburator, dish washer/plumbing
Garage...garage, roofing, walls/ceilings, doors, electrical
Central Cooling...electrical, compressor, condenser, condensate lines, evaporator, refrigerant lines, ducting Chimneys/Fireplaces...type, fire box, damper, hearth, facing ..

EXCLUSIONS:
a) EXTERIOR / UNDERGROUND ITEMS: e.g. soil conditions, erosion control, and earth stabilization measures, structural stability or engineering tests; wood-destroying insects, pests or dry rot; swimming pools, spas, saunas/steam baths septic systems sprinkler systems; unexposed footings/foundations/perimeter drains ; landscaping; outdoor recreation facilities (playground and patio equipment); outbuildings, common elements/areas in multi-unit housing, fences; doorbells  

b) INTERIORS: i.e. Solar systems; heat exchangers, free standing appliances, water softeners or conditioners; interior spas/hot tub/steam rooms; concealed electrical and plumbing installations, tub/sink over flows; gas space heaters; electronic air cleaners; humidifiers; alarm and intercom systems; the condition of walls or floors under finishing and furniture, central vacuum, accessories, air quality, the operation of shut-off valves, decorative items.  

c) OTHER: i.e. asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, lead, toxins, carcinogens, noise, contaminants in soil, water or air; ancillary wiring, remotes, low voltage systems, cooling/heating supply adequacy, hazardous plants or animals; advice on purchasing; building value appraisal conformity to municipal codes; or by-laws; cost estimates; items which are shut down, or do not respond to normal operating controls; items which may likely be dangerous to the Inspector or may damage the property or its components

COST:
The cost of an inspection will vary slightly. Most inspections are based on the size of a home. The average cost for a single family dwelling up to 2500 square feet ranges from $375.00 to $400.00. There are adders for larger homes, and homes with secondary living quarters. You should always ask upfront how much the inspection will cost. Just remember it is a small price to pay to protect your investment. (don't forget to add the G.S.T)

WHEN TO BOOK:
Usually you book an inspection as part of your offer to purchase. Include in your offer the clause "subject to obtaining a satisfactory building inspection" within a certain amount of days. The inspection can usually be done within two or three days.

INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS:
The first thing you should ask is "Are you a member of C.A.H.P.I."? Ask what certification does he/she have "Candidate, Associate, or Registered Home Inspector". Ask what background the Inspector has and will that Inspector be doing the inspection or one of his/her employees? Ask the inspector to describe some of the equipment he/she will be using. i.e.: Carbon Monoxide Detector, Moisture Meter, Water Pressure Tester, Electrical Testers

CLIENT INVOLVEMENT:
It is recommended that you as a purchaser attend the inspection. Remember it is your investment. Ask questions during the inspection. If you see something make note of it and ask the inspector about it. If you are not able to attend the whole inspection which takes approximately 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. You should make sure you are there for the last hour.