Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Home Inspection?
A Home Inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of the all the readily accessible systems and physical structural elements of a home. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchaser's buying decision.
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in - before you buy - to avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home. Our Home Inspection report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property.
If you are selling your home, a prelisting inspection will point out any potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyer’s inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
What does a Home Inspection include?
C.H.I. Home Inspections reports - cover all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the home’s heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures.
Why should I choose an Inspector that also uses a Thermal Camera?
A Thermal Camera (infrared technology) can reveal many hidden issues in a home that would not be visible to the naked eye. The Thermal Camera can be used to detect hidden water problems, missing or failing insulation, areas of energy loss, and much more. The C.H.I. Home Inspections report will provide you with the information you need - to make educated decisions about the condition of your home and its systems.
Do I need to be there during the Inspection?
No, you aren’t required to be there for the inspection - but we highly recommend that you be present if possible. It is a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the greatest benefit from the Home Inspection.
If you are present, you can ask your inspector questions directly and we can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel that you will be able to best understand the finished report, and get the most benefit from it, by having been there during the inspection.
How long will the Inspection take?
The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 to 5 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.
Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It is especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. With our building backgrounds, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or maybe just missed something. Mistakes do happen.
How much does a Home Inspection cost?
See Pricing tab! We accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Interac, e-transfer and Certified cheques.
When will I get my report?
After the inspection, your inspector will review their findings and discuss the report with you in person. He will then provide you with a high quality and detailed report, sent to you electronically within 24 hours. A hard copy can be provided upon request. The C.H.I. Home Inspections report will include color photographs, making it easy for you to see and remember any defects that we found. Our contact information will always be available in the report if you have questions immediately following the home inspection or in the months after.
Can I see a copy of a sample report?
Yes. We use specifically designed software for the Home Inspection Industry. We can produce your inspection report in an easily readable format. This includes a Summary section with pictures. Your report will exist securely on the internet so it can be viewed, printed or forwarded as a link quickly and easily (not like a big, bulky and slow PDF attachment file). We store the report for the buyer or seller and provide access from any computer or device with Internet access, anytime, anywhere.