YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO ASK:
What is a Home Inspection
A Home Inspection is a review and assessment of the major components of a home such as the roof, exterior, structure, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and interior. The purpose is to report on the defects and deficiencies that probably cost more than $1,000 to correct, repair or replace. A listing is made of observed minor deficiencies as well.
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
A home purchase is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. It is advisable to protect that investment by knowing more about what you are about to purchase. You would probably have a mechanic look at a used car before purchasing it.
What is A Closer Look’s Inspection Fee and What Does It Include?
Our fee is generally in the order of $350 plus GST. The fee includes the home inspection, usually lasting 2 ½ to 3 hours, the Inspection Report prepared on site, the Home Reference Book ( 400 + pages of graphics and easy to understand written explanation of a home’s components ) and Technical Phone Support for as long as you own the home.
How long does a home inspection take?
The typical home inspection lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours. That amount of time is required to adequately review all the major components of the home on the exterior and interior and complete on-site the Inspection Report.
Another Inspector Charges Less --- Why Are your fees Higher?
Like any other service or product, there is always someone cheaper. In fairness to yourself you should compare the qualifications of the inspector and his / her thoroughness. A difference in fees of $25 or $50 is a minor compared to what you receive from A Closer Look. A civil engineering degree augmented by exceptional experience and training generates a thorough inspection. Included in the fee is the Home Reference Book, $95 value included free of charge and Technical Phone Support for as long as you own the home.
Do You Provide Written Report?
Yes. The Inspection Report is prepared on-site and reviewed with you before the inspection ends. The Inspection Report includes a unique format with a Summary plus 9 report pages detailing the major components of the home.
Does A Closer Look Follow Established Standards of Practice in Inspecting a Home?
Yes. The Standards used are those developed by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
Should the buyers attend the Inspection?
Definitely Yes. Your attendance is strongly recommended. It is an opportunity for you to gain a better understanding of the home by actually viewing the home’s components and asking questions as they are viewed. An inspection is intended to be an educational experience for you. You can review and ask questions about the report on-site rather than only reading a written report that may appear to be overwhelming. Some minor deficiencies are best explained on-site.
Why Choose A Closer Look?
Value added services
- Experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive Inspection Reporting System and the extensive Home Reference Book
- Inspection Report prepared on-site report – no waiting, you can make a prompt buying decision.
- Follow-up Technical Phone Support
- Digital photos available, if requested
- Practical and inexpensive solutions offered where possible
- Available weekends and evenings
What are your qualifications as a Home Inspector?
Qualifications – Civil engineering degree, 30+ years experience in residential and commercial development, passed the qualifying exam to be a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and numerous courses taken with Carson Dunlop, a Toronto based home inspection company which has performed over 60,000 home inspections.
Do you offer a Guarantee?
No. Some problems are only evident after you have lived in the home, not during a 3 hour inspection. A basement or roof leak may only occur during specific weather conditions; the seller’s storage that may cover-up a problem and is not moved during an inspection and a shower leak may not be evident until the shower is in use. Therefore, a guarantee that all deficiencies have been found cannot be offered. The guarantee offered by a home inspection company should be read carefully, it may only cover newer appliances and equipment and only to a certain maximum amount.
Is A Closer Look a Franchise?
No. It is an independent company locally owned and operated. Our future is directly related to your satisfaction with our services and your willingness to recommend us to your friends and relatives.