FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property including major mechanical and electrical systems performed by a trained professional in accordance with industry standards. Some of the items typically inspected are: plumbing, electrical, grading, roofing, siding, windows and doors, HVAC systems, the foundation and much more. Building Insights provides a comprehensive computer generated report detailing the current condition of the property. The report includes digital pictures of significant findings

Why do I need an Inspection?

A inspection provides you with an unbiased, objective written assessment of the property you are about to sell or purchase, including safety concerns. This puts you in the best position to make a decision regarding your investment. If you’re a seller, a pre-listing inspection gives you a blueprint to maintenance items you might want to repair prior to sale. Showing perspective buyers the inspection, and what items were fixed, gives them added confidence in the quality and care you’ve taken in your home. Home buyers use a home inspection to gather additional information about the property to make a well informed decision. Understanding the condition of a property can provide peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. If a substantial problem is identified this gives the buyer an opportunity to either withdraw their offer or to renegotiate the offer to purchase.

What items are inspected during a Home Inspection?

Exterior components -Roof, Flashings & Valley’s -Exterior Cladding & Trim -Chimney’s -Gutters and Down spouts -Grading and Drainage of the lots and grounds -Driveways & Patio’s -Deck’s & Porches -Windows & Doors. Interior components -Heating & Air Conditioning -Plumbing -Electrical -Walls, Floors, Ceilings & Windows -Attic Spaces -Crawl Spaces -Basement -Structural. Building Insights provides comprehensive easy to read computer generated reports with narrative descriptions of items needing service. This report is available in either a printed or an electronic format.

Does the inspector issue a pass or fail?

No. A home inspection is an unbiased report which outlines the overall condition of a home at the time of the inspection. A home is not deemed to pass or fail, problems can be repaired. The inspection and the subsequent report provide the purchaser with the information needed to make an educated decision on one of the largest investments of their lives.

What is the cost of an inspection?

Cost of a property inspection is dependent on a variety of factors, including: square footage, time on site, age of the home, number of heating and air conditioning units and location. An average home of less than 2500 sq. ft. would cost $425.00. Commercial properties are quoted on an individual basis as these types of properties vary greatly. Please contact us for an individual quotation.

What is a Commercial Inspection?

A commercial inspection is a visual assessment of a property to help determine current condition and safety. We work with each client individually to determine the scope needed. Some of the items typically inspected are: plumbing, electrical, grading, roofing, siding, windows and doors, landscaping, the parking lot, HVAC systems, the foundation and much more. A comprehensive computer generated report detailing the current condition of the property is provided. The report includes digital pictures of significant findings.

What is our service area?

Building Insights provides home inspections in the cities of Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, St. Jacobs, Elora, and beyond. View our service area map for a more detailed look.