What is a Home Inspection?

 

A Home Inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of the all readily accessible systems and physical structural elements of a home. Our emphasis is on identifying existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers 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. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property.

 

 

 

What are your qualifications?

 

NCR Home Inspection inspectors are associated with OAHI, CAHPI, and have completed an ASHI endorsed Home Inspection program. We update our training annually, and through additional seminars and conferences, stay abreast of developments in home building, renovations and maintenance.

 

 

 

Can I do it myself?

 

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

 

 

 

When do I call in the Home Inspector?

 

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

 

 

 

What do I look at?

 

We inspect the major systems of the home. These include the roof, structure, exterior, electrical system, heating and air conditioning system, plumbing system, insulation and vapour barriers, interior, mechanical and natural ventilation system. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical purchaser's buying decision. We will add significantly to your knowledge of the home, but still cannot tell you everything about the home. All home inspections are entirely visual. No destructive testing is performed, the inspection report will put you in a much better position to make your decision.

 

 

 

Why should I choose an Inspector that offers Infrared Thermal Imaging?

 

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, areas of energy loss, and much more. The NCR Home Inspection 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. 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 me questions directly and I can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. 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 does an inspection take?

 

The typical length of time for our home inspection of a standard home is 3 hours. Some older and/or larger homes can take longer. As a courtesy to the vendor, they should be informed of the time involved once the inspection is arranged.

 

 

 

Can a home fail inspection?

 

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather descrive its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.