​1) What is a home inspection and/or 'snagging'?
A home inspection/snagging is a professional consulting service that determines the present condition of the home’s major systems, based on a visual inspection of accessible features. 'Snagging' and home inspection refer to the same service, with the former being UK terminology and the latter used in North America. It focuses on the performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues. Inspections are often performed during a real estate transaction but may be done anytime.
A home inspection is:

• An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in time
• Primarily a visual examination
• Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life
• Documented in a written report

A home inspection is not:

• An insurance policy, guarantee or warranty on the home
• An invasive or destructive exercise
• Intended to identify concealed defects
• A code or design review
• Intended to predict future performance or life expectancy
• An environmental review or energy audit

Components included:

• Roof
• Structure
• Exterior
• Electrical system
• Heating and Air Conditioning system
• Plumbing system
• Insulation and Air/Vapour Barriers
• Interior
• Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems

What’s excluded:

• Cosmetics
• Code, bylaw and building regulation issues
• Outbuildings
• Swimming pools and spas
• Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems
  
  

2) Can I attend the inspection?
Absolutely. We encourage clients to attend. The inspection is a personalized course in home-ownership.

3) Do you tell us whether to buy the house?
No, we provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. We understand that the condition of the home is one of many critical pieces of the puzzle when buying a property.

4) How long does a home inspection take?
An average sized, straightforward home takes two hours plus or minus 30 minutes. Older, larger and more complex homes take longer.
The report writing process is typically about the same length of time as the inspection. Reports are sent to you the same day as the inspection.

MYTH #1: Any home worthy of purchasing will pass an inspection
Our job is to simply determine whether the interior and exterior of the home is safe at that precise moment in time. We then suggest to potential home buyers what we believe needs immediate attention, and what's worth mentioning but is not of significant concern. The home inspector is to provide the home buyer with as much information as possible, however, it is up to the home buyer to decide whether that home is worth the investment or not. 

MYTH #2: New homes do not need inspections
While this is quite a popular myth, it could not be further from the truth. The newness of a home does not equate to a lack of flaws. Unfortunately (for the average person), faults in a new building may not become evident until weeks and/or months after construction is complete. However, a home inspector may be able to spot any warning signs. 

MYTH #3: An appraisal is the same as a home inspection
Many are often thrilled about the appraised value of their potential home and believe this can circumvent the need for a home inspection. Unfortunately, the value does not indicate whether there are any faults in the home. While the appraisal focuses on the market value of the home, a home inspection will uncover any structural, mechanical  and/or maintenance issues that are not visible to the naked eye (which may impact the value in the short/long term).