What We Look at

What is a home inspection?

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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.

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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

• Structure

• Exterior

• Electrical system

• Heating and Air Conditioning system

• Plumbing system

• Insulation and Air/Vapour Barriers

• Interior

• Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems

What’s excluded:

• Cosmetics

• Code, bylaw and building regulation issues

• Outbuildings

• Swimming pools and spas

• Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems