Home Inspection

A home inspection is a professional opinion based on a visual inspection of the readily accessible features of the property. The focus is to determine the present condition of the home's major systems and components from a performance standpoint rather than cosmetic, code, or design issues. Home inspections are common practice during real estate transactions, but may be performed at any time for various reasons.

A Home Inspection is

• An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible systems of a home at a specific point in time

• Mainly a visual evaluation and not technically exhaustive

• Intended to find major systems/components that are notably deficient, unsafe, or at/near the end of their life

• Documented with a written report

A home Inspection is not

• An insurance policy, warranty, or guarantee on the home

• An invasive or destructive investigation

• Intended to find concealed issues or defects

• An environmental evaluation or energy audit

Included Components

• Roof

• Exterior

• Structure

• Electrical system

• Heating and Cooling system

• Plumbing system

• Insulation and vapour barriers

• Interior

• Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems

• Appliances

For more detail on the scope of a home inspection, please contact us for any questions you may have.

What is Exluded

• Cosmetics and decorative features

• Outbuildings

• Swimming pools and spas/hot tubs

• Low voltage/specialty systems such as telephone, cable, TV, alarm systems, irrigation systems, etc.

As part of our mission to help homebuyers make informed decisions. We have expanded our services to include thermal imaging with our state of the art thermal imaging camera. Normally inspections are limited in scope by what is clearly visible to the inspector. With the use of a thermal-imaging camera we can see the thermal variations in walls and attics to help identify areas that may be exposed to excessive moisture or areas where insulation may be missing. For example: leaks around a window sill that's hidden in the wall.

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Sewer Lateral Inspection

A sewer lateral is the pipe connecting a home's plumbing to the city’s sanitary sewer system. These pipes typically run underneath the house property before connecting with a larger pipe, called a sewer main, under the street or other nearby area.

Wastewater from the home combines with waste from neighboring properties and travels through the main to eventually reach a wastewater treatment facility. Because sewer laterals are owned by the property owner and some uncertainty exists surrounding who enforces maintenance, these pipes are oftentimes neglected, which can lead to serious complications. The most common issues being assessed during lateral inspections are defects, including cracks, sags, blockages and signs of deterioration. The cost to repair or replace a damaged lateral can be over $10,000 and should be inspected as part of a real estate transaction. 

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Septic Inspections

This is a visual inspection that involves loading the septic system by running water from various drains and flushing toilets in the home. If the inspector finds evidence of a draining problem with the tank and/or drain field, the septic system will be manually loaded with water for visual confirmation of the deficiency. We are also looking at the condition of the septic tank (signs of deterioration, cracks and effluent levels). The visual inspection also includes looking for septic leakage to the top of the drain field area. We also check for sewage odors in the area of the septic tank and the leach field.

Afterwards, a report will be produced describing identified deficiencies and the septic systems performance at the time of the inspection. Included in the report will be images and/or video's to support the inspectors findings.

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Radon Testing

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present outdoors and within every building. It is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and kills 3200 people every year. The problem arises when too much radon accumulates inside a building and becomes an indoor air quality issue and health hazard. You cannot see, smell or taste radon and as a result, elevated levels could be present inside a building and you would never know without testing for it.

For Real Estate Transactions

Our Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) certified inspectors deliver professional radon testing services for due diligence and occupant health and safety. We know during a realestate transaction, time is of the essence. That's why we'll come out and conduct a short-term 4 day test to the home in question. We will then produce a report, discuss the results and decide on a more appropriate time to conduct a long-term test (min. 91 days) for conclusive results.

For Home Owners

Our Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) certified inspectors will come out to your home and install testing devices for a long-term test (min. 91 days). We will then produce a report and discuss whether mitigation is necessary.

Nova Scotia Radon Risk Map.pdf

Is Radon In Your Home For Health Professionals.pdf

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