Frequently asked questions

A visual, non-invasive look at the home's major systems: roof, structure, exterior, plumbing, electrical, heating, insulation and ventilation, and interior. You get a written report with photos explaining what was found and what to do next.

Yes, if you can. Walking through the home together is the easiest way to understand the findings and ask questions while you are standing in front of them.

Plan for about two to four hours for a typical detached house, and less for most condos. Larger or older homes, and homes with a suite, take longer. Leave time at the end for the walkthrough and your questions.

Yes. Most of an inspection is unaffected by winter. Snow can limit what is visible on the roof and around the grading, and the report says exactly what could not be seen.

Usually within 24 hours of the inspection, by email. If your condition deadline is very close, tell us and we will walk you through the key findings before you leave.

Mention the deadline when you get in touch. We will tell you right away whether we can fit the inspection in before it.

No. An inspection is not a pass or fail test. It describes the condition of the home on the day so you can decide what matters to you, what to ask the seller about and what to plan for.

It depends on the size, age and type of home, and on any add-ons. We confirm the price in writing before you book, so there are no surprises on the day.

Yes. Alberta requires home inspectors and home inspection businesses to be licensed. We are not taking paid inspections yet, and our licence number will be shown on this site before we do.

No. An appraisal estimates what the home is worth, usually for the lender. An inspection looks at the condition of the house and its systems, for you.

Yes. A condo inspection covers your unit and its systems, plus the shared areas we are given access to. The condo documents cover the rest of the building, so we point out what to look for in them.

An inspection is visual. It does not open walls, test for mould, radon or asbestos, scope sewer lines, or check that the home meets building code. If we see signs that one of these is worth doing, the report says so.

Health Canada recommends that every home be tested for radon, ideally with a long-term test of at least three months. A home inspection does not include radon testing, but you can arrange a test after you move in.