Services
Home Inspections:
My home inspection will provide you with an objective, un-biased and detailed report on the condition of the home, allowing you to make an informed purchase decision. The best way to protect yourself is to know and understand the condition of the home you are buying. I will evaluate and provide you with a report on the exterior and interior components of the home.
| Exterior : | Roof, chimney, flashings, valleys, penetrations, gutters & downspouts, eaves, soffits, siding & brick, windows & doors, air conditioner, decks, porches, garage & driveway, foundation structure and property drainage. |
| Interior: | Heating/cooling system, electrical system, plumbing system, hot water tank, windows & doors, walls, ceiling, floors, basement/foundation structure, attic, insulation & ventilation. |
Each complete home inspection includes a report book detailing the findings of the inspection, with illustrations of typical components found in a home. Included in this report book is a guide to seasonal home maintenance and a home repair budgeting guide. It also lists the standards of practice that a home inspector must adhere to and what you should expect from a home inspection.
I also offer a “Walk-through” inspection. This is ideal for homeowners or someone considering purchasing a home but not necessarily wanting a full inspection. This is a great inspection if you consider the home to be in good condition, but just want some peace of mind about it. It is also a great inspection if there is a bidding war or you are looking at multiple homes before you make your choice. It will save you hundreds of dollars since there is no need for a full inspection when you may not even get the house. This “walk-thru” inspection typically takes 1.5-2 hours,with inspections of the major components of the home, followed by a narrative report on the condition of the home from which you can make an informed decision.
Also offered, when completed at the same time as a home inspection, is a mold inspection at a substantial price reduction (see pricing).
Mold Inspections:
A mold inspection involves a complete visual examination of the exterior and interior of the home determining where moisture is intruding into the home. It is a non-evasive visual examination to identify and report on conditions that have led to moisture intrusion, water damage and conditions conducive to microbial growth. If such conditions are present, appropriate testing procedures can be determined. Samplings may be taken to send to the laboratory for analysis. These may include air sampling, swab or lift sampling, carpet sampling (by vacuum) and interior wall cavity air sampling. Limited sampling may be recommended in the absence of visible conducive conditions as a precautionary measure; such as carpet sample, as such conditions may be concealed.
Also offered is a “sampling only” inspection with analysis by the laboratory with these results only.
Included with each total inspection is a report book on the conditions found and the C.H.M.C. (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) guide, “Fighting Mold”, The Homeowners Guide.
C.N.N. states that “mold is a major problem for 30% of new homes.”
Recent studies estimate that 50-60 % of all homes contain some sort of mold problem, affecting 8-10 million Canadians.
The E.P.A. ( environment protection agency) states “ It is important to take precautions to limit exposure to mold and mold spores. Avoid breathing in mold and mold spores. Mold has the potential to cause health problems like allergies and irritation to the lungs, eyes, skin, throat and nose and is potentially toxic. ” They recommend that if you suspect that you have a hidden mold problem, you should consider hiring an experienced professional to avoid exposing yourself to mold.
Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it does. Testing your home on a regular basis is a prudent way to prevent small problems from growing into a costly and unhealthy situation. Always avoid exposing yourself and others to mold.