Frequently Asked Questions About Inspections

​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.