PURPOSE OF THE INSPECTION

First and foremost an inspection is to give you an unbiased assessment of the structural and mechanical soundness of the home. It is a visual survey of accessible areas and mechanical items. No destructive testing or dismantling should be done during the course of an inspection; hence an inspector can only tell a client exactly what was clearly evidence at the time of an inspection. The inspector is trained to look for specific tell tale signs and clues that may lead to the discovery of actual or potential defects or deficiencies.

Inspectors base their inspections on the current Industry Standards provided to them by their professional societies. These standards are not CURRENT CODE compliance, but a good home inspector will not only know the current code, but also have a general knowledge of what was code at the time of a home's construction.

WHAT'S COVERED AND LOOKED AT?
As a consumer and homeowner you have a right to know exactly what a typical real estate home inspection is. We hope this information will give you a bette understanding of exactly what your home inspector can and cannot do for you during the course of the inspection.

The inspector can include additional inspection services (typically for an extra fee) if it is an area of their expertise. Usually though, they will recommend a specialist to inspect specific areas they do not inspect or if they detect a defect that needs special training, ie: certified gas inspectors, structural engineers, pest control, etc.

Most inspectors will not give difinitive cost estimates for repairs and replacements since the costs can vary greatly depending on rates and grade of materials to be used. Another area that varies greatly is life expectancies. Every system and component in a building will have a typical life expectancy and an inspector may indicate this to the client, but some will exceed this expectancy while others may fail much sooner than anticipated.

HOW LONG IS AN INSPECTION AND WHAT TYPE OF REPORTING CAN YOU EXPECT?

The average time for an inspection on a typical home usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending upon the size, systems, etc. that have to be inspected. Of course apartments and townhomes require less time.

All inspectors provide clients with reports. The worst type of report would be an oral report as this type does not protect the client and also allows for misinterpretation. Written reports are better and come in a variety of styles and formats. The common ones are:

1. Checklist with comments.
2. Rating System with comments.
3. Narrative report combined with either of above.
4. Pure narrative report.

Inspectors differ on what they consider the best type of report, but the report should be such that the client can fully understand the findings of the inspector and all the ramifications of such findings. Typically, the inspector will do a walk-through of the home with the client after the inspection and point out both the negative and positive features. Also many inspectors will give a maintenance schedule to ensure optimum running of a home's components.

GUARANTEES & WARRANTIES

Inspectors rarely provide warranties or guarantees on their inspections. Buyers should therefore not rely on a inspection as a form of insurance against any latent, hidden, or future defects. What you should ensure though, is that the inspector and/or company have errors and omissions insurance that will cover them in case of an error on their part. Be sure to ask specifically if they are covered and for details of their coverage. Watch for limitiations that specify such damages would be limited to a specific amount, ie: cost of the inspection. Again, be specific when asking about any limitations!  

*NOTE:  As of May 2009, Home Inspectors in British Columbia are now required to be certified with the Provincial Gov't of B.C..  Not all inspectors have become certified as yet, therefore it would be prudent to ensure the inspector you choose is certified as this will give your certain rights of protection and standards of inspection.

NEED AN INSPECTOR or MORE INFORMATION?

Contact: VINCE BURNETT

SUPERIOR HOME INSPECTIONS 

Phone Direct: 604-328-9640
E-mail: superior-inspections@shaw.ca