Frequently Asked Questions

The gamut of questions regarding having your home inspected goes far beyond what a simple website can answer. But here we've set out to ask some of the more common questions we hear from people on a day to day basis. If you still have questions and can't find the answers here, then CONTACT US and we'll do our best to straighten out what is on your mind!

Q. How about a friend in the construction business - can he do it?

A. Building or designing a home is an entirely different situation, and requires someone with a different skill set. In fact, we often inspect homes for many architects, engineers, and builders.

Q. I just bought a NEW home. Do I really need to have it inspected?

A. Municipal or Provincial inspectors often have very little time available on each building site and therefore can't always be as thorough as is desirable. As well, they are not concerned with many issues of workmanship or finish quality - nor do they address discrepancies between your specifications and what the contractor has provided. Frequently there are disputes of misunderstandings between a contractor and a purchaser (or between an individual acting as his/her own general contractor and the sub-trades). An independent series of inspections and reports will greatly contribute toward addressing these problems and smoothing the way.

Q. How would I go about arranging a home inspection?

A. The first step, when purchasing a home, is to make your formal written offer to purchase "subject to" the satisfactory results of an inspection by House Doctor Home Inspection. Your Real estate agent or lawyer can counsel you on the specifics of this procedure. After your offer is accepted, then contact our office to arrange an appointment.

House Doctor Home Inspection will complete a series of shorter inspections during the various phases of construction - followed by a overall inspection just before releasing final funds prior to occupancy. Another option is to have us do one overall inspection just before releasing funds prior to occupancy.

Q. Who performs the actual inspection(s)?

A. Each of our inspectors is chosen with an extensive, well rounded background in the building professions, such as architects, engineers and professional builders. They must also have a natural ability to convey information clearly and in layman's term to our clients. They will make sure all your questions are answered and understood.

Q. How long does the average inspection take?

A. Generally the main inspection will take 3 to 4 hours. An additional 30 to 60 minutes will be required so that we can walk you, step by step, through the house room by room, and the actual report page by page.

Q. What makes a House Doctor Home Inspection inspector special?

A. Our inspectors set out to exceed the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics set out by our Provincial Association. Our attention to detail is second to none, and you can rest assured we will give you the best inspection possible, and we guarantee it!

Q. How long will I have to wait for your inspector to show up?

A. Often we can provide service on the same day you call.  But we recommend you give yourself 7 days to allow for removal of your inspection clause. This will also allow the inspection to occour at a convenient time for all parties.

Q. How can I contact you?
A. CLICK HERE for all our contact info