# Pre-purchase home inspection

> A pre-purchase home inspection is a visual check of a home you are about to buy, done before your inspection condition expires. It covers the roof, structure, exterior, plumbing, electrical, heating, insulation and interior, and ends with a plain-language report with photos and a clear next step for each finding.

A full look at the home before your conditions come off.

## Who it's for

Anyone buying a house, townhouse or duplex in Edmonton or nearby, especially when the offer includes a home inspection condition.

## At a glance

- Time on site: About 2 to 4 hours for a typical detached home
- Report: Usually within 24 hours, by email
- Price: From $499, plus GST, homes up to 2,000 sq ft

## What's included

- Roof: Coverings, flashing, gutters, downspouts and visible signs of leaks.
- Structure: Foundation, framing and visible signs of movement or settling.
- Exterior: Siding, windows, doors, decks, walkways and grading around the house.
- Plumbing: Supply and drain lines, fixtures, the water heater and visible leaks.
- Electrical: Service panel, wiring type, outlets, and GFCI and AFCI protection.
- Heating and cooling: Furnace or boiler, venting, and air conditioning when the weather allows.
- Insulation and ventilation: Attic insulation, airflow, bathroom and kitchen exhaust.
- Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings and built-in appliances.

## Not included

- Opening walls or moving furniture: The inspection is visual and non-invasive.
- Mould, radon or asbestos testing: Specialists can test for these if the report suggests it.
- Sewer line camera scope: Recommended for older homes; done by a plumbing specialist.
- Building code compliance: That is the role of the municipality and its permits.
- Cosmetic items: Paint, finishes and other matters of taste.

## How it works

1. **Send your details**: Tell us about the property, your timing and any condition deadline.
2. **We confirm**: We reply to confirm the date, the price and what the inspection covers.
3. **Inspection day**: We go through the home system by system. Join us for the walkthrough.
4. **Your report**: A clear report with photos and next steps, and answers to your questions.

> **What matters most in Edmonton homes**
>
> Long winters, freeze-thaw cycles and clay soils put pressure on foundations, grading and roofs. Older homes in mature neighbourhoods may have aging wiring or plumbing, and newer homes can have settling backfill around the foundation. The inspection pays close attention to how water moves around and into the house.
>
> Read more in [red flags in older Edmonton homes](https://edmontonhomeinspector.com/blog/older-edmonton-homes-red-flags) and [winter home inspections](https://edmontonhomeinspector.com/blog/winter-home-inspection-edmonton).

## Pre-purchase home inspection: common questions

### What does a home inspection include?

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.

### How long does a home inspection take?

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.

### Should I attend the inspection?

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.

### When will I get the report?

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.

### What if my condition deadline is soon?

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

### Can a house fail a home inspection?

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.

### Should I get a sewer line scope?

It is worth considering for older homes and homes with large trees near the line. A sewer scope is a camera inspection done by a plumbing or drain specialist, and it is not part of a standard home inspection.