What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection should be conducted by a certified home inspector. The home inspection process is an analysis based on a visual and technical inspection of the major components and systems of a home. The home inspection is intended to identify components and systems that may be unsafe, near the end of their lifespan, or are not performing as they should be.
Home Inspection Components
The following are systems and components that we inspect during the home inspection.
- Foundation and support structure.
- Roof, vents, flashings, and trim.
- Gutters and downspouts.
- Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations.
- Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings.
- Eaves, soffit and fascia.
- Windows and doors.
- Steps and stairs.
- Grading and drainage.
- Driveways and walkways.
- Heating systems.
- Central air conditioning system.
- Electrical service line and meter box.
- Main disconnect and service amperage.
- Electrical panels, breakers and fuses.
- Grounding and bonding.
- GFCI and AFCI.
- Main water shut off valves.
- Water heating system.
- Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets.
- Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
- Basement, foundation and crawlspace.
- Water penetration and foundation movement.
- Fireplace damper door and hearth.
- Insulation and ventilation.
- Garages and carports
- Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers.
- Safety controls.
- And much more.
All Calibre Building and Home Inspectors...
…are trained and NACHI certified in all residential systems and their functionality;
…must have sufficient knowledge and capability to recognize probable failure in any aspect of a home;
…are able to describe any system and the materials involved, and recognize typical defects and implications, including safety concerns;
…can differentiate between inadequate and adequate installations and repair techniques;
…adhere to the standards of practice and code of ethics of NACHI - National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
No Home is Perfect
Not even new buildings are without imperfection, but don’t let that discourage you from buying your dream home. All it means is that when you find that perfect home, you should hire a NACHI certified home inspector to determine if any defects or safety issues do occur in the home.
Why Hire a Home Inspector?
To do a home inspection yourself would be a mistake, and not to know the true condition of your new home on such a large investment could turn out to be a homebuyer’s nightmare. It’s also important to learn about the mechanical features of your new home and how to operate and maintain them.
Here are some examples of concerns that might arise during an inspection:
Damaged exterior or interior structure requiring necessary work to ensure safety.
Knowing the lifespan of the roof before it needs replacing.
Knowing the stability of the chimney and functionality is necessary for safety.
Will the furnace or air conditioner need replacing in the near future?
Does the electrical panel pose any safety concerns?
Are the insulation levels adequate in your attic?
Fireplace safety and fire threats if any.
Does your basement show any signs of leakage? What are the causes and remedies?
Our Inspection Process
Our process of inspecting a home involves 2 – 4 hours of onsite inspection. The time needed will be determined by the size, age, occupancy and any modifications from the original design of the home. During the inspection process we will gather information using digital voice notes, digital and infrared images, and we will also reference all the key systems of the home such as electrical services, HVAC systems and water services. We will access both the attic space and the roofing system of the home, although in these hazardous areas, and for safety reasons, only our inspectors will be involved.
Attend the Inspection
During the inspection we recommend that the client be present as this is the time when our inspectors can educate you on the systems of the home and how they should operate as well as be maintained. This is also the best time for us to point out any defects that we find, and explain how they may affect you. All of the questions you may have will also be answered during this time.
Comprehensive Home Inspection Reports
At the end of the home inspection is when the process of compiling all of the information gathered into a comprehensive report begins. We prepare an inspection report including both digital and infrared images from the site, and further include illustrated home diagrams throughout the report in order to help our clients visualize any defect and the corrective measures needed to rectify such defects.
Our inspection report is emailed to you within 24 hours in a PDF file format. Once we have sent you the file, we then send you by mail a bound hard copy of the report. Included in the binder is the inspection report, a home maintenance repair cost schedule (for you to compare quotes on repairs or upgrades in the future), and an invaluable book called “NOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD A HOME INSPECTION”. This book will guide and educate you on all the home systems and components and how to effectively maintain them. It also provides you with an annual schedule plan with normal maintenance that should be performed to maintain your home.
After all this, the inspection is complete but our services are not, as we continue to offer our clients telephone or email consultation at no cost. At Calibre Inspection Services, you become our client for life, not only on the day of the inspection. Please contact us at anytime; we are here to help you live in comfort.
Calibre Inspections Services Inc.
60 Elinor Avenue, Toronto, ON M1R 3H4
Tel: 416.701-0333 Fax: 416.352.1305 Toll: 877.701.0444
Email: info@calibreinspectionservices.com
Website: www.calibreinspectionservices.com
