What's Inspected During A Home Inspection

A home inspection will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete depending on size, age and condition of the property. Inspection Reports include photo documentation where applicable. An in-depth, non-invasive, visual and physical examination of the property, will be performed, with pride, by an educationally trained, experienced, unbiased, Alberta Licensed & Certified Master Inspector.

EXTERIOR

The Home Inspection starts on the outside, where the Inspector examines the external elements and landscaping of the property. Items that are observed and commented on include: the grading, walkways, driveway, patio, retaining walls, fencing, and electrical. Next, the Inspector examines the exterior of the home. The Inspector will report on such things as: the foundation/coating, siding, trim, soffit/fascia, downspouts/extensions, windows/frames, electrical, hosebibs, decks, stairs, vents, balconies, covered/enclosed porches.

ROOFING

The Inspector then makes his way to the roof of the house (and garage if present) and will inspect the roofing materials, flashings, flues and penetrations, the valleys, eavestroughing, skylights and then any chimneys and components related to the chimney. Where possible, the Inspector sweeps away snow for a closer observation.

GARAGE

If there is a garage on the property, the Inspector will include this structure in the Inspection. The Inspector will examine the roof and exterior of the garage, and report on it the same way as the house. Then, if the garage is accessible, the Inspector will enter the garage and report on the interior components including: the floor, electrical, heating, interior walls, ceilings, doors, overhead doors, and motorized door openers.

HEATING / HVAC

The heating system is next to be inspected. The Inspector will identify the type(s) of heating system(s) and observe: the heating unit(s), burner chamber(s), exhaust/venting system(s), distribution/ducting system(s), and thermostats.

AIR CONDITIONING

If the house is equipped with an air conditioning system, and outside air temperatures permit, the Inspector will identify and operate this system and report any deficiencies.

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILLATION SYSTEM (HRV)

If the house is equipped with a HRV, the inspector will identify and operate this system and report any deficiencies.

WATER HEATER

The next system to be inspected is the water heater. The combustion chamber (if applicable), exhaust/venting system, supply/distribution piping, are all reported on. 

ELECTRICAL

Now the electrical system gets the attention of the Inspector. The main electrical service is examined, followed by the main electrical service panel and any sub panels. The Inspector finishes this section by reporting on the general wiring or branch circuitry of the house.

PLUMBING

The inspector then examines the visible plumbing for the house. The Inspector will locate and report on the main water shut off valve, supply piping, waste/drain piping, venting, and if there is a sump pit, sump pump or a booster/ejector pump, these items will also be reported on.

STRUCTURE

The structure of the house now gets inspected. The inspector examines the visible and accessible components of the structure including: the foundation walls, foundation floor, posts / columns, beams, joists, subfloor, and framing. Where possible, the Inspector uses a moisture meter to check stains and to seek moisture hidden behind finished walls / floors / ceilings.

ATTIC

The inspector will report on: the framing/structure, roof sheathing, vapour barrier, insulation, ventilation, and any electrical devices.

KITCHEN

Here the Inspector will inspect the doors, floors, walls, ceiling, pantry/closet, windows, electrical, cabinetry, counters, sinks, faucets, supply and drain piping, refrigerator/freezer, stove/cook top, oven, exhaust/hood fan, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and trash compactor.

LAUNDRY AREA

The Inspector then inspects the laundry area, and reports on the doors, floors, walls, ceiling, windows, cabinetry, counters, sinks/faucet/plumbing, electrical, washer hook-ups/drainage, and dryer hook-ups/venting.

BATHROOMS

The Inspector will inspect all of the bathrooms in the house. The Inspector will examine: the doors, floors, walls, ceilings, closet(s), windows, electrical components, heating, cabinetry, counters, sinks, faucets, supply and drain piping, toilet, tub, tub surround, tub enclosure, tub tapset, shower head, shower base, shower surround, shower enclosure, and shower tapset. A moisture meter is used around the floor near toilets and on tiled tub/shower surrounds to check for moisture that may be actively penetrating the floor and walls at these areas.

ROOM BY ROOM

The inspector inspects every room in the house individually. This includes all bedrooms, living room, family room, dining room, recreation room, and the den/office. This includes a review of the: doors, floors, walls, ceiling, windows, closets, cabinetry, electrical, and wet bar (if applicable).

FIREPLACE

If the house is equipped with a fireplace(s), the Inspector will examine this too. The Inspector will comment on the firebox, visible flue, damper, hearth, mantle, and screening.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Any smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are noted, including the absence of these devices as they are an important safety component. The Inspector will make any recommendations in the report.

PRESENTATION

The Inspector is an unbiased, third party. It is important to remember that the findings in the report should not be interpreted negatively. There are many positive comments that can be made about any property; however, that is not the purpose of the Inspection. The report is designed to bring to your attention, items that may be in need of maintenance, repairs, or safety issues. The Inspector will then answer any remaining questions that the clients may have. After this, the Inspector will take the clients around the house to point out such things as plumbing shut-off valve locations, electrical panel, water heater, furnace, etc., and give a brief explanation of how the major systems operate, if the clients desire.