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FAQs
At Home Advantage Property Inspections we do our best to answer all of your questions. Below you will find a list of what we believe are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, do not hesistate to contact us.
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A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
We inspect all major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.
Excluded systems include wells, pools and hot tubs. Laboratory testing of air, water or environmental concerns are referred to experts as needed.
Wood burning appliances and septic systems can be inspected for an additional fee.
Our typical fees can be found in the "Services" tab of this website, however; some factors will affect the fee. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best price.
- Complete home inspection conducted by an experienced professional home inspector, meeting or exceeding Ontario's Standards of Practice.
- Thermal imaging and use of pinless moisture meters to help detect issues.
- Comprehensive digital home inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection.
- Discounted annual home maintenance inspections.
Definitely. We encourage you to arrive 60 - 90 minutes after the start of the inspection so we can tour the home with you and explain our findings, and answer any questions you may have.
If you need time for measuring / planning, please feel free to arrive any time during the inspection.
The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most homebuyers. Our inspector will inspect the house in stages and then review each stage with you in order - giving you the chance to ask questions along the way. Please remember, the inspection day is not the best time to bring family or friends to see the home, as it may disrupt the inspection process.
You do not have to take notes during the inspection! We will document everything in your digital report. It's much better to join the inspector near the end of the inspection for a tour, listening to their comments to make sure you understand. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions about the house.
Absolutely! The home inspection is also your opportunity to learn about the systems of the home and how they function. As our inspector tours you through each section of the home, we welcome your questions!
You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes walking through the home with the inspector. You won't have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won't get dirty.
We recommend that you do not bring your family; this is a technical evaluation, and you will be interacting with the inspector — the fewer distractions, the better.
You will receive a written report by email. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is delivered within 24 hours after the inspection - usually the same day.
Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and expenses. We do not "pass or fail" a home, and we strive to help you understand the scope of defects we find.
Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play. Your real estate professional can help you here.
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's a little like getting a check-up from your doctor. It improves your odds of good health but there is no guarantee or warranty. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house; they cannot be discovered during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we do not offer a warranty on the house.
Leigh Gate started Home Advantage Inspections in 2012 and continues to run the company as both owner and sole inspector. Leigh studied the Home Inspection profession through Georgian College and the course designed by Carson Dunlop. An advocate for the industry, Leigh has been an active volunteer with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (www.oahi.com) for over seven years, including more than 2 years as President.
Increased training and experience never stops - with roughly 200 homes inspected every year along with ongoing education, Leigh keeps abreast of the latest technology and information to help the inspection process be the best it can be.
Leigh Gate studied the Home Inspection profession through Georgian College (course designed by Carson Dunlop). Leigh is a Registered Home Inspector with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors, and a Certified Master Inspector listed with the International Assocation of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Increased training and experience never stops - with roughly 200 homes inspected every year along with ongoing education, Leigh keeps abreast of the latest technology and information to help the inspection process be the best it can be.
Yes. Leigh is a member of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors - Ontario's largest, and only provincially legislated governing body in the industry.
We are ready to serve you quickly and we understand things happen fast in the world of real estate. Ideally when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least three days to arrange for a home inspection.