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FAQs
At Harbour Inspection Services we do our best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what we believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesistate to contact us.
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A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.
Our typical fee for an inspection is <$425.00>. However, some factors will affect the fee such as the age of the home, number of floors and overall size of the structure. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional.
- Comprehensive written home inspection report.
- Technical support for as long as you own your home.
A thorough home inspection requires the complete focus and attention of a home inspector and for that reason I do not encourage clients to accompany me on my first trip through the home. Other issues such as safety (open electrical panels) restricted access, (attics, crawlspaces) also make it challenging and difficult to have others present. And sadly, some agents will attempt to keep inspectors busy and off guard with casual banter and endless questions in order to detract the inspectors attention as much as possible. Once I have completed my inspection, I will meet with you at the house and then do a quick review through the house with a more detailed private discussion outside or at an alternate location.
You don't have to take notes during the inspection. We will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.
Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. If the inspector's comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for clarification.
You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 1 hour walking through the home with the inspector. You won't have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won't get dirty.
We recommend that you not bring your family; this is a technical evaluation, and you will be interacting with the inspector — the fewer distractions, the better.
You do receive a written report. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is delivered within 24 hours after the inspection.
No. Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating the need for potential repairs. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play. Your real estate professional can help you here.
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor. It improves your odds of good health but there is no guarantee or warranty. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house; they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house. Home warranty programs are available from others. We would be happy to help you contact a warranty company.
We currently have one full-time professional available to perform inspections. Jim has an extensive background and experience in construction and inspection, and he has also completed a thorough and comprehensive training program. Continuing education is also a part of every good home inspector’s life.
Jim is a graduate of the prominent and most highly regarded school of home inspection, Carson Dunlop, Jim also has extensive knowledge and background of electrical equipment, services and a more than thorough knowledge of plumbing supplies, equipment, installation, faucets and fixtures. Additionally, Jim is a member of the Ontario governing body of Home Inspectors, the Ontario Home Inspectors Association (O.A.H.I.) and maintains a position of continually upgrading his skills and knowledge through continuing education programs.
Yes, Jim is an active member of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors which is the only provincially recognized body of home inspectors by The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act, 1994.
The real estate world is dynamic and as a result, we always make every effort to accomodate all home inspection requests in a timely manner. However, in and ideal world, a one to two day notification would be ideal.