When buying real estate you need to know exactly what you’re getting into ahead of time. A Pre-Purchase Inspection will identify the major items that may influence your buying decision. We’ll report on existing or potential problem conditions, safety issues, prioritize items in need of attention or further investigation, and give you a lot of detailed information on the overall condition of the property.

We don’t give ‘Pass’ or ‘Failing’ grades on our Pre-Purchase inspection reports because we know that any building problem can be fixed; it just depends on your time, resources, and interest in doing so. Our job is to give you the vital technical information you need, delivered in an honest, straightforward, and objective manner, so you can confidently make the best decision for your unique circumstances.

This inspection identifies existing or potential problems before your home, townhouse or condo goes on the market. Pre-listing inspections are especially useful if the seller does not actually live in the home — for example, owners of rental properties and trustees. Our home inspector prepares a written report on the condition of the property, prioritizes items in need of attention, and can discuss estimated costs for any work required.

This information guides the repair or maintenance projects you want completed prior to putting it on the market. It also allows you to reflect any deficiencies in the listing price, rather than having to renegotiate later when the issues are discovered. A Pre-Listing Inspection report can make your home sell faster and for a better price!

Since July 1999 all new homes and apartments constructed with building permits must be built by residential builders licensed by the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) and covered by mandatory third-party home warranty insurance that meets the requirements of the Homeowner Protection Act. On the surface, this would appear to be adequate protection of one’s investment. Not so!  New homes being built by inexperienced tradespeople leave many owners in dismay because of numerous deficiencies. To avoid this unfortunate situation, you need the expertise of an independent inspector to back you up when dealing with unscrupulous or uninterested builders.

This inspection identifies numerous items that likely will not be noticed by the buyer’s untrained eye during the typical “deficiency walk-through” prior to occupancy. Using an extensive inspection checklist our inspector can spot defects, oversights, incomplete work, and building code violations. In addition to conducting a full inspection, we prepare a list of deficiencies and defects for the builder to complete or repair.Some builders are resistant to the idea of a third-party inspection, and since they still own the property, they can veto who attends the walk-through. We recommend you check the builder’s policy in advance and consider including a clause in the offer allowing a home inspector to attend the final walk-through.

In July 1999 mandatory third-party home warranty insurance, commonly known as 2-5-10 Home Warranty, was introduced to protect new home owners from defects and to improve the quality of residential construction.  Minimum standards of coverage, commencement dates, exclusions and limits on coverage for single and multi-family homes are governed by the Homeowner Protection Act. Warranty insurance coverage diminishes incrementally at Years 1, 2, 5 and 10 and it is up to the owner to report any deficiencies to the builder before the Warranty period ends. Make yourself aware of commencement dates and ensure that all Warranty inspections are done well in advance of coverage deadlines.

Owner Builders are not required to provide warranty insurance for their new home, however they must provide prospective purchasers with a Disclosure Notice stating that the home is not protected by 2-5-10 coverage. An owner builder has a statutory obligation to future owners that is equal to the minimum standards for home warranty insurance. A professional inspection will document deficiencies and can speed up the repair process while Warranty coverage is in place or, in the event of a dispute about the builder’s statutory obligation to correct defects. Our understanding of buildings and how they age provide vital information you need to protect your new home.

Expensive repairs to the building envelope and mechanical systems are the most significant and common costs you are likely to run into in a condominium purchase. A Pre-Purchase Condo Inspection involves a detailed inspection of the suite you are considering as well as a visual inspection of the building’s common areas, specifically: exterior walls, roof, mechanical rooms and underground parking. A Document Review is also included with this inspection; Strata Council Minutes, Engineering, Depreciation and Warranty Reports (if available) provide invaluable information to the condo buyer and are reviewed by the home inspector while on-site.

This inspection gives you the information you need to prioritize maintenance, repair and renovation plans, and can include a discussion of the potential costs involved. An inspection at any time during the course of ownership will help you prepare for upcoming improvements and could save you thousands of dollars in unanticipated expenses. A home inspection is a valuable planning tool whether you’re thinking about updating your new home or had to forego a Pre- Purchase Inspection to get your offer accepted.

Our Pre-Lease Inspection provides detailed information on the condition of the property prior to the commencement of a  residential lease. Both tenants and landlords will benefit by being aware of the issues so that responsibility can be determined before a lease is signed.

A Post-Lease Inspection can compare findings and reduce the chance of a dispute or costly repairs at the end of the lease term.

Pre and Post-Lease Inspection reports include photographs and detailed descriptions of the building, the facilities and any existing deficiencies.

Often a building problem will present itself that defies resolution. No matter what you do to repair it, the condition persists. Sometimes only one building component requires inspection as the requirement of an Insurer or perhaps simply for your own peace of mind.

For these kinds of investigations, an experienced building inspector with a background in construction is your best bet to identify the cause or condition and recommend an effective course of action. Our inspectors’ specialized knowledge will provide the solutions to most building problems. Keep in mind, however, that any inspection is limited to what can be seen without doing destructive testing.