Finding the right house is a process. You look at a number of options and choose the one that’s best for you, but it doesn’t stop there. Due to the potential for unseen problems, it’s important to schedule a home inspection to make sure the home really is the best option for you, which means hiring a home inspector.

But you shouldn’t hire anyone. You have to hire the best one for the job. Here is how you can do it:

Prepare for the inspection by asking your Calgary home inspector these questions.

How Long Have You Been a Home Inspector in Calgary?

Experience is key when it comes to inspecting homes. Not only should inspectors have experience examining homes, but they should also be familiar with local conditions which can affect the life expectancy of building components. Get the most out of your inspection by working with a Calgary home inspector who has operating in the area for a number of years and is fully licensed and certified.

What Will You Inspect?

A home inspection should include a full view of the property, from foundation to roof. Specific requirements vary by area, but at a minimum your home inspector should check the following:

Structural elements
The electrical and plumbing systems
Exterior elements
The heating and cooling system

What Won’t You Inspect?

Follow up the above question by finding out what is not covered during home inspections. Understanding what won’t be checked gives you the opportunity to learn about common issues that you can check out yourself. Sometimes you may want to schedule a specialized inspection to cover certain areas that aren’t included under a regular home inspection.

What Problems are Red Flags?

Many of the issues marked by a Calgary home inspector aren’t deal breakers, but find out what sort of things you should be concerned about. If any of these problem areas show up during your inspection, ask the home inspector for more information.

Integra Inspections is a Home Inspection Company in Calgary that provides unbeatable service for home inspections. With over 15 years of experience and the latest technologies such as thermal imaging, you can count on Integra Home Inspections to get you the facts and have you ready for your next home!

You expect a home inspection to go without a hitch, and often they do. But all homes have problems. How do you determine whether the results of an inspection reveal minor issues or major problems? Here are some possible deal breakers that a Calgary townhouse inspection might uncover.

3 Deal Breakers During Your Calgary Townhouse Inspection

1) Foundation Problems

Occasionally, problems with the foundation are minor and just need a simple fix. Most of the time though, these are big problems that require major repairs. If a home inspection reveals foundation problems, it’s usually best to walk away.

2) Faulty Electrical Uncovered

Old wiring is a safety issue and a potential deal breaker if discovered during a Calgary home inspection. Aluminum wiring in particular is concerning because it’s less safe than copper wiring.

3) Mould Found

Most mould isn’t a big problem and is relatively easy to remove. Some, however, are deadly. If a home inspection documents mould without identifying it, have a specialist assess whether it’s dangerous.

A Calgary home inspection reveals a lot of information about a townhouse. If any of the above show up during your inspection, consider walking away from the house. On the other hand, these don’t necessarily need to break the deal. You may negotiate an agreement where the seller completes the necessary repairs or get a price reduction to perform the repairs once you own the property.

Completing a home inspection is an important part of buying a home, whether you’re buying an existing home or a new one. But what’s included? Keep reading to learn more about home inspection services.

An On-Site Home Inspection in Calgary

A Calgary home inspection occurs at the property. The home inspector takes two or three hours to carefully examine various parts of the house. It’s best to plan to be at the property during the inspection process so that you can learn more about the home and ask questions as the home inspector works through the house.

Answers during a Home Inspection

Home inspectors are knowledgeable about the basic systems of a home, and they are generally happy to share that knowledge with you. Attending the home inspection gives you the opportunity to see the house from a technical standpoint. Be prepared with any questions you might have about the condition of the home so you can make the most of this valuable time. Some home inspectors can even offer maintenance tips or show you what to do in an emergency.

A Home Inspection Report

The final part of home inspection services is a written report. This is typically completed back at the inspection company’s office. It should cover the condition of the following:

Heating and cooling systems
Interior plumbing
Electrical systems
The roof, attic, and visible insulation
The foundation and basement
Ceilings, walls, floors, windows, and doors
Structural components

A Calgary home inspection is a valuable tool for you as a home buyer.

Condos are a great option for buyers looking for more amenities with less maintenance. As a condo buyer, however, you must be just as careful as detached home buyer. This includes completing a professional inspection before finalizing the sale.

Here Are Five Reasons To Get A Condo Inspection In Calgary

1. A Condo Inspection Looks Beyond the Facade
Buyers may feel like a condo inspection is a waste of money if the unit appears to be in good condition. However, even new construction can harbour costly problems that aren’t visible. You might find problems within the condo, such as asbestos or other dangers. A Calgary home inspector is trained to spot these issues.

2. Save Money With An Inspection
Of course, you’ll have to pay for a condo inspection, but it can actually help you save money. With an inspection, you’ll avoid the unpleasant situation of buying a condo only to discover it needs to be completely rewired or needs other major repairs after you move in.

3. A Home Inspector Helps You Negotiate
The information you obtain from a Calgary home inspector can help you negotiate a lower price for a condo. You get valuable bargaining power from a condo inspection.

4. Stipulate Seller’s Repairs
You may also be able to include seller’s repairs clauses in the contract. The seller should make the necessary repairs or take the price for the repairs off the total. A Calgary home inspector helps you determine exactly what repairs need to be done and what they’ll cost.

5. Know What You’re Buying
Buying a condo is a big purchase, one that you should research thoroughly. Information for buying homes and getting an inspection is vital. A Calgary condo inspection is part of the research process and provides valuable information about exactly what you are buying.

If you’re thinking about buying a condo, get a condo inspection before completing the sale.

Contact us: (403) 703-4474 | [email protected] | www.integra-inspections.com

Integra Inspections is pleased to announce it has formed a partnership with Habitat For Humanity Southern Alberta. We are proud to have established this partnership going forward in a bid to help Habitat For Humanity Southern Alberta with all their housing projects with our Calgary home inspection services.

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