A home inspection service will not only highlight current issues in your house but also point out problems that may become a threat in the future. However, while trying to find the right service to address concerns, clients often have a ton of questions about home inspection, but often find answers difficult to come by. To ensure you have all your doubts cleared, Lighthouse Inspections - Toronto Centre has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about home inspection.
1. How long does it take to perform an inspection? On an average, it takes two-and-a-half to three hours to inspect a house and one-and-a-half to two hours for a condo. It depends on many factors: primarily the size of the house, its age and its condition. During the inspection, we examine all elements of the house including, but not limited, to the roof, exterior, basement and visible parts of the foundations, HVAC equipment, plumbing system, interior, appliances, and attic.
2. What shall I do during the inspection? We recommend that the client accompany the inspector during the different stages of the inspection and pay attention to what the inspector is showing or explaining: e.g., furnace filter replacements, water meter location, etc. The client doesn’t need to take notes as everything is going to be listed in the inspection report, but they are welcome to ask any questions during and after the inspection. They should not stand in the way of the inspector as he goes through the property.
3. How can I determine whether my roof is old and needs replacement? Roofs in need of replacement will curl, appear discolored, have broken or missing pieces, include moss growth or will be leaking. In the summer, look for wet areas. All the water should run off the roof after a storm. If the roof is holding water or puddles exist, it needs to be checked and worked on immediately.
4. I have knob-and-tube wiring in my house. What shall I do? Knob-and-tube wiring is safe, provided competently, licensed professionals maintain it. Some insurance companies deem this older style of wiring to be unsafe and a fire hazard. However, according to the Electrical Safety Authority, knob and tube wiring can be safe and functional. Also, consider the following: a. There is no ground wire in a knob & tube wiring circuit, which may be an issue for today’s lifestyle, high electricity usage, and technology.
b. Knob and tube wiring are only rated for 15 Amps and should be protected by a 15 Amp fuse or circuit breaker. Devices rated for more than 15 Amps cannot be used with knob and tube wiring.
c. If three pin devices are to be used on a knob and tube outlet, then it is recommended to install a GFI.
d. Also, there are potential fire hazards with the breakdown of the insulation around the knob and tube wiring that comes with age, and if the black and white wires make contact.
If you purchase a home in the Toronto area where knob and tube wiring is still part of the electrical circuit, ask your realtor and your insurance company for advice on securing insurance before the deal firms up.
5. What are the equipment and instruments that you use during the home inspection? We use the best and latest technology in the field in every inspection including thermal imaging (infrared camera), carbon monoxide (CO) detector, a moisture detector, and receptacle tester.
6. How do I deal with the issues and recommendations mentioned in the inspection report? If you are purchasing a house with issues, we recommend that you discuss these issues with your real estate agent and determine how to proceed. If these issues are significant (roof, HVAC equipment, foundations, and windows), you might be able to negotiate the price with the seller while a minor problem can be fixed after the purchase.
7. What kind of report will I receive and how long does it take to be issued? The digital report will describe the different elements of the property as well as list out the issues, deficiencies and recommendations including pictures. The report is usually issued within twenty-four hours of the inspection and often on the same day.
8. Are you available to perform a home inspection tomorrow? At Lighthouse Inspections - Toronto Centre, we are available seven days a week, on holidays, and often within twenty-four hours’ notice for those last minute emergency inspections. With over ten inspectors in Ontario, we can be there wherever and whenever requested. We are a 100% Canadian company, working in your area with local knowledge.
If you have any more questions about home inspection, get in touch with the professionals at Lighthouse Inspections - Toronto Centre. As InterNACHI Certified home inspectors in Toronto with over thirty years of experience in construction, renovation, and project management, we are committed to helping clients make informed and accurate decisions.