Home Inspection Services

The inspection before you buy determines the big picture of the house condition, focusing on the major systems like roof, furnace, plumbing and wiring. It’s a must in the purchase of any house, new or old.

Mold is a fungus or micro-organism that occurs naturally in outdoor and indoor environments. But we don’t want it growing and spreading on surfaces in our homes. There are health risks related to mold growth and it can be very expensive to remediate significant mold contamination.

Mold requires moisture to grow and spread. A thorough home inspection by a certified inspector looks for conditions that are likely to produce a mold problem - leaks, moisture traps, poor ventilation, history of flooding or leaks, etc. Your inspector will rely on observation, history of the building and specialized equipment, such as a moisture meter, to detect the highest risk points and might suggest further testing.

Problems are less likely in a new build than in an older home, but there are still risks. There are many details involved in coordinating a build and multiple tradespeople - with so many hands over time, things are occasionally overlooked. An inspector can draw your attention to any deficiencies or issues and provide documentation that can help with your pre-delivery inspection.

A thorough, certified home inspection before you put your house on the market can save you money and headaches down the road. If a buyer discovers a major problem during negotiations, it could mean time delays, added expenses or the deal could fall through. Understanding your home’s defects and attributes allows you to make repairs and price your home at market value.

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is released from the ground where radium naturally occurs in the soil. It can enter your home through cracks and holes in a foundation or even through drains. Radon gas can build up over time in any home of any age and two houses next to each other may have completely different levels. Exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer.

A certified home inspector can perform a simple and inexpensive radon test, whether you are considering a home purchase or would like peace of mind that your current home is safe for you and your family.

A common problem during renovations is unexpected expenses due to hidden problems discovered during the work. It often makes sense to address issues while you are in the middle of a renovation, but planning ahead will make things run more smoothly and efficiently.

Having an inspector take a look at the house systems and components before you begin allows you to plan better for the most efficient renovation. A inspector is uniquely qualified to assess the impact your renovation will have on the rest of your house and help you decide what work should be done and what can wait.

A thorough inspection of all wood burning appliances, such as stoves and fireplaces, by a certified WETT inspector is important for safety and often required by insurance companies. Older homes and cottages often feature wood burning appliances that may not comply to WETT standards and must be inspected and properly maintained.

A typical home inspection includes a visual inspection of these features, but a WETT specialty inspection includes a thorough inspection of all elements of wood burning technologies to ensure that they are installed correctly, in good structural condition, working optimally, comply with health and safety standards and meet building codes and regulations. A WETT inspection also includes an inspection of the chimney at the roof for structural or ventilation issues.

A warranty inspection is usually occurs sometime within the first year of occupancy. The inspector is trained in and aware of established warranty performance guidelines.

IR Thermography is a non-invasive technology that uses infrared cameras to detect problem areas that can’t be seen in a visual inspection or are difficult to access, such as an attic. Infrared cameras visualize differences in temperature of surfaces and electrical equipment, specifically variations related to heat and moisture.

These variations in temperature are often a sign that something needs attention - that either something can be done to improve the efficiency or safety of your home.

This may include heat loss, moisture issues, electrical faults, leaks, overloaded circuits, pest infestations, dangerous flue leaks, structural defects or other deficiencies.

A maintenance inspection is a service provided to home owners every 3-5 years. This type of inspection provides valuable information that helps home owners be pro-active on repair and maintenance schedules.