Thorough Home Inspections

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a professional consulting 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 often performed during a real estate transaction but may be done anytime.

A home inspection is:

• An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in time
• Primarily a visual examination
• Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life
• Documented in a written report

A home inspection is not:

• An insurance policy, guarantee or warranty on the home
• An invasive or destructive exercise
• Intended to identify concealed defects
• A code or design review
• Intended to predict future performance or life expectancy
• An environmental review or energy audit

Components included:

• Roof – coverings and drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations. Trim and gutters, downspouts, drip edges and other accessible roof related items.
• Structure - structural components including visible foundations and framing.
• Exterior - exterior wall coverings, flashings and trim, all exterior doors, attached or adjacent decks/balconies/steps/porches and their associated railings. Eaves, soffits and fascias where accessible from the ground level. Vegetation, grading, and surface drainage on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building. Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances. Attached garages or carports. Garage doors and garage door operators for attached garages.
• Electrical system - service drop including entrance conductors, cables, and raceways. Service equipment and main disconnects, service grounding and interior components of service panels and sub panels. Distribution conductors and over current protection devices. A representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and arc fault circuit interrupters (if appropriate).
• Heating and Air Conditioning system - readily accessible components of installed heating equipment. Vent systems, flues, and chimneys. Fuel storage and fuel distribution systems. Permanently installed central air conditioning equipment.
• Plumbing system - interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets. Drain, waste and vent systems including fixtures. Water heating equipment and associated venting systems. Water heating equipment fuel storage and fuel distribution systems. Drainage pumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
• Insulation and Air/Vapor Barriers - insulation and vapor barriers in unfinished spaces.
• Interior - attics, basements and crawlspaces. Walls, ceilings, and floors. Steps, stairways, and railings. A representative number of countertops and installed cabinets. A representative number of doors and windows. Walls, doors and ceiling separating the habitable spaces and the garage.
• Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems – ventilation of attics and foundation areas. Mechanical ventilation systems. Ventilation in areas where moisture is generated such as: kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Home Inspections are typically performed according to applicable standards of practice. Please contact the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) www.cahpi.ca to see what inspectors shall inspect and describe/report, and what the inspector is NOT required to inspect.

What’s excluded:

• Cosmetics
• Code, bylaw and building regulation issues
• Outbuildings, septic tanks
• Swimming pools and spas
• Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems