Home Buying & Maintenance Tips

When it comes to the home-buying process, we want to take the mystery out of how this works. We are here to help you and answer your questions throughout the whole process. Let us help you become more informed about your home!

WHOLE HOME SYSTEMS

As a member of HIABC, we provide services listed within the HIABC Scope of Inspection, focusing on the major systems of the house (Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior). Our goal is to equip you with understanding of the house's current condition and existing major problems that would affect home ownership.
Check out HIABC’s more comprehensive list (Scope of Inspection) of what we inspect.

HOME INSPECTION PROCESS

After you make an appointment with us, whether by phone or email, we will send you contract agreement and HIABC scope of inspection to be reviewed and accepted. The signed contract and payment are required to be returned 24 hrs before inspection.

On the day of the inspection, the inspector will arrive at the property and begin the inspection. After the inspection is complete, the inspector can do a walk-through with you and your realtor and review the items that require attention. (a typical inspection should take 2-4 hrs to complete, but time will vary, due to factors like current condition, size, and age of home, accessibility of systems, etc.)

A detailed and thorough inspection report, using Spectora software, will be emailed to you within 24hrs of the completed inspection.

PRE-SALE INSPECTION

It’s already stressful enough selling your home! 😳 Consider getting a pre-sale home inspection:
✔️ It can help reduce that stress and give you more confidence in the process. You can remove the worry of what surprises your buyer will find in their own inspection, and streamline the sale process.
✔️ As well, a pre-sale inspection can potentially save you money, as your inspection will lay out the visual condition of your home, giving you the perspective of your potential buyer.
✔️ There may be issues you were not aware of, and this gives you the opportunity to either adjust your price or take your time and decide how & who should make repairs.
✔️ It contributes to trust and a more positive transaction when your buyer knows you’ve done your due diligence, promoting openness and transparency. A great selling point!
✔️ Why not help your sale go as smoothly as possible? It’s cost effective, as the inspection only adds value and integrity to your sale price!

CHOOSING YOUR INSPECTOR

Your Realtor may be able to suggest a home inspector, but ultimately you are responsible for whoever you hire. If problems surface later because the inspector wasn’t properly vetted, that liability falls on you. It’s essential that you hire the inspector who will assess your potential home. They work for you and are accountable to your needs — not anyone else’s.

Check who your inspector is registered under and ensure they are licensed by Consumer Protection BC. Inspectors who are members of the Home Inspectors Association of BC (HIABC), have the highest standards for home inspectors in British Columbia. Find a local inspector at hiabc.ca

BUYER BEWARE

4 IMPORTANT THINGS WE WANT YOU TO KNOW

Did you know that each home inspection report is specifically made to note the components and condition of a home “on the day of inspection” only? Adjustments to the home will be made and conditions will change. Really… they do.

When you get your own inspection report, it belongs to YOU, no one else. There is no obligation for you to share that information with anyone. Your inspector shares it only with you as the client, with exceptions such as if you give permission, when it’s required by law, or there is a serious health/safety risk.

Did you know there is an important aspect to your home inspection you are missing when you rely on a previous report? We HIGHLY value our face-to-face meeting with you after the inspection. We recommend each of our clients to meet onsite after the inspection. This is when more in-depth discussions occur about the recommendations and defects found, and we can discuss questions and concerns you may have. There’s a context and a wealth of verbal information from the inspector you do not have access to with an old written report.

And lastly, unfortunately, using an old inspection report leaves you with no protection or recourse. The inspector will only review an inspection with their client. You have a right to practice your due diligence and find an inspector to perform your inspection and report for YOU, the client. Our goal is to be 100% on your side and help you make an informed decision with your new home purchase.