Extensive Background

Extensive background as General Contractors gives us the technical know-how on all aspects of building design and construction. We understand how homes were built in the past, and stay current with state-of-the-art techniques and materials. We know how all the major systems of the homework and how to make them work more efficiently. if you’re looking at repairs and maintenance, we’ll tell you what is involved and an idea of how much it will cost. Our hands-on experience is a clear advantage when it comes to inspecting buildings and planning renovations.

Extensive knowledge

Extensive knowledge in all types of mechanical systems helps us provide recommendations to live more healthfully, save money and help the environment. We offer advice on areas such as ventilation and energy consumption alternatives.

Inspections to fit your needs

We offer four types of home inspections to suit your inspection needs: Pre-Purchase Home Inspection, Pre-Listing Home Inspection, Deficiency Inspections, and New Home Inspection. You can find out more about our inspection types by visiting the page that best applies to the type of home you are purchasing: House Inspection, Condo Inspection, or Townhouse Inspection.

Commitment to service excellence

Commitment to service excellence goes further than technical expertise. Answering your questions and communicating our findings —simply, clearly, and honestly — from your first contact with us, throughout the building inspection, and for as long as you own the property means you have a highly skilled home inspector at your service, at no additional coat, whenever you need advice.

Mission Statement

Vancouver Home Inspections Company’s mission is to provide the highest quality inspections in the Lower Mainland, BC. We succeed at this through the integrity of our inspectors and support staff, our commitment to being respectful and considerate of our clients and of each another. Our passion for continuing education and learning the newest innovations of our industry drives the quality of our work.

Previous Repairs Can Be an Area of Concern

Is there visual evidence of exterior wall patching? Has caulking been installed in some areas and not in others? Through detailed home inspections, we check the wall penetrations on the walls most exposed to the weather. If the home has a stucco-covered exterior have any water-resistant coatings been applied subsequent to the original construction? The presence of any of these items will raise a red flag.

Observe & report on warranty details

For the inspection of new houses, we examine what items are covered and for how long. Is there a warranty against water penetration? How long does it last? What assurance is there that the builder will still be around to make the repairs? If the home is not new, what time, if any, is left on the warranty? If repairs have been carried out are they covered by a warranty?

Every Home Should Be Subject To Professional Home Inspections Before Purchase

Make your offer to purchase subject to a professional house inspection. Vancouver Home Inspections is a member of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (BC) CAHPI. The process should take 3 to 4 hours and will include a user-friendly HomeGauge generated report of our findings. Be aware that house inspections are visual inspections and does not involve drilling or cutting holes. We will go through a home and give an opinion on the probability of problems based on the design features present and may also identify previous repairs but leaks may go undetected if there are no visible signs present. We’ll make recommendations as necessary.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Roofing System
• Structural Components
• Foundation & Crawl Spaces
• Basement
• Grading & Drainage
• Interior (doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs)
• Exterior (doors, windows, siding)
• Deck
• Garage & Carport
• Electrical System
• Heating System
• Plumbing System
• Air Conditioning system
• Attic, Insulation, & Ventilation
• Fireplaces

Thermal imaging is utilized in tandem with a moisture meter and other helpful tools as necessary to qualify suspected issues that are difficult to confirm with a visual examination alone.

Condo Designs and Building Structure Should Be Reviewed

Some buildings are more prone to leak than others. One of the most significant design features is the absence of adequate roof overhangs to protect the walls from rain. Exterior condo walls are especially prone to water contact as many level units often have little to no overhang protection from the elements. It’s important to check how the building will deal with water shedding in Vancouver’s traditionally wet climate.

Deck and balcony design are important. Decks and balconies which rely on small drains which are prone to plug, decks over living areas, “solid” railing designs, balconies which slope toward the building are more likely to result in leaks. Buildings with open walkways and stairwells are vulnerable to leakage and rot damage. Earth-filled planters in contact with the walls of ground floor units are potential problem areas.

Previous Repairs Can Be an Area of Concern

Is there visual evidence of exterior wall patching? Has caulking been installed in some areas and not in others? We check the wall penetrations on the walls most exposed to the weather. If the building has a stucco-covered exterior have any water-resistant coatings been applied subsequent to the original construction? The presence of any of these items will raise a red flag.

Observe & report on warranty details

Examine what items are covered and for how long. Is there a warranty against water penetration? How long does it last? What assurance is there that the builder will still be around to make the repairs? If the building is not new, what time, if any, is left on the warranty? If repairs have been carried out are they covered by a warranty?

Every Condo Should Be Subject To Professional Home Inspections Before Purchase

If you’re considering to buy a condo make your offer to purchase subject to a professional condo inspection. We’re a part of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (BC) CAHPI. We will go through the condo unit and building with you. The process should take 2 to 3 hours and will include a user-friendly HomeGauge generated report of our findings. Be aware that condo inspections are visual inspections and do not involve drilling or cutting holes. We will provide an opinion on the probability of problems based on the design features present. We may also identify previous repairs, but leaks may go undetected if there are no visible signs present. We’ll make recommendations to you as necessary based on our findings.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Roofing System
• Structural Components
• Foundation & Crawl Spaces
• Basement
• Grading & Drainage
• Interior (doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs)
• Exterior (doors, windows, siding)
• Deck
• Garage & Carport
• Electrical System
• Heating System
• Plumbing System
• Air Conditioning system
• Attic, Insulation, & Ventilation
• Fireplaces

Thermal imaging is utilized in tandem with a moisture meter and other helpful tools as necessary to qualify suspected issues that are difficult to confirm with a visual examination alone.

Previous Repairs Can Be an Area of Concern

Is there visual evidence of exterior wall patching? Has caulking been installed in some areas and not in others? We check the wall penetrations on the walls most exposed to the weather. If the home has a stucco-covered exterior have any water-resistant coatings been applied subsequent to the original construction? The presence of any of these items will raise a red flag for townhouses.

Observe & report on warranty details

For new townhomes, we examine what items are covered and for how long. Is there a warranty against water penetration? How long does it last? What assurance is there that the builder will still be around to make the repairs? If the home is not new, what time, if any, is left on the warranty? If repairs have been carried out are they covered by a warranty? This type of information is important for homeowners to know and should be talked about with the Strata.

Every Townhouse Should Be Subject To Professional Home Inspections Before Purchase

Make your offer to purchase subject to a professional townhouse inspection. We are members of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (BC) CAHPI. We will go through the townhouse with you. The process should take 2 to 3 hours and will include a user-friendly HomeGauge generated report of our findings. Be aware that townhouse inspections are visual inspections and do not involve drilling or cutting holes. We will go through a home and give an opinion on the probability of problems based on the design features present and may also identify previous repairs but leaks may go undetected if there are no visible signs present. We’ll make recommendations as necessary.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Lot grading & drainage
• Garage & carport
• Exterior walls, windows & doors
• Porches, decks & handrails
• Roofing, gutters, chimneys & skylights
• Attic ventilation & insulation
• Interior walls, ceilings & floors
• Kitchen & bathrooms
• Basement & crawl space
• Foundation & structure
• Heating system & fireplaces
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system

Thermal imaging is utilized in tandem with a moisture meter and other helpful tools as necessary to qualify suspected issues that are difficult to confirm with a visual examination alone.