What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an evaluation of the systems and components inside and outside a home from foundation to roof top. Home inspectors further conduct a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the home and report on functionality, wear and tear, safety and maintenance.

What are the benefits of a home inspection?

The benefit of a home inspection for a buyer is the opportunity they will have to familiarize themselves with the condition of the home; shut off valves, pump switches, heating and cooling filters, and breaker panels. Awareness of deficiencies prior to selling or buying the home allows time for corrections or negotiations regarding price. All information that will be found in a comprehensive Carleton Home Inspection.

How long does a home inspection take?

A typical on site inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. Researching and technical writing take another 2-3 hours. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to the vendor, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection.

What do you look at?

We inspect the 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.

For items that require repair or replacement, will the inspector tell me the costs of each?

There are many specialized components in a home making it difficult to provide specific cost estimates. To obtain detailed estimates or even quoted prices, the client should call licensed and qualified contractors. On this site is a link to a website which gives rough ballpark estimates on various items.

How much does it cost for a typical home inspection?

The cost of a professional home inspection starts at $450 and is based on the size and age of the home and sometimes the location. We suggest you contact Carleton Home Inspections at 613-621-9225 to request a quote based on the details of the property. We also offer a 20% discount off the second inspection when both the Pre-sale and Pre-purchase inspections are ordered by a client.

What does the fee include?

1. An unbiased assessment regarding the condition of the property!

2. A professional detailed PDF report including HD images addressing the condition of each of the major areas the foundation to the roof including all major functional components of the home.

3. A copy of the Internachi Home Maintenance Primer book to guide you in maintaining your property.

How can I schedule a home inspection?

You can schedule an inspection by clicking on the Contact us link, or by calling us at 613-621-9225.

How much notice do I need to give you?

You should call an inspector once you have determined that you wish to either purchase or sell a home. We are ready to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least 3-5 days to arrange for a home inspection.

Can I follow along?

Definitely. We encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most homebuyers. It is also a great way to get the feel for the home, while getting answers to any questions you may have.

Can I ask questions?

Absolutely! You should feel to ask questions throughout the process. If any items are not clear, simply ask for further explanation.

Can I bring my family?

We recommend that you not bring your family; this is a limited time, technical evaluation, and you should be free to focus on the inspector's comments and findings.

Do you go on the roof?

This depends on the particular house, weather conditions; a roof inspection begins from the ground with a look at the overall condition of the roof. The next step is an inspection of the shingle condition up close on a ladder from the roof edge, through dormer windows and, yes, by walking on the roof. The decision to walk on the roof is made at inspection time taking into account the roof pitch, shingle condition, weather conditions and more. Another important part of a roof inspection is done from the attic. From here, leaks are often visible as is the overall condition of the structure and roof sheathing. The condition of the roof is determined by all available information.

If it's really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house?

The purpose of a private home inspection is to “advise the client on the condition of the home.” When the building inspection process is complete, the client should have a clear understanding of the home, its components and their condition. If we discover problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will be in a position to make an informed decision. 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 of the factors in the home buying process.

Do you offer a warranty on the house?

A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information, some problems will only be discovered by living in a house - they cannot be discovered during a 3 hour 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 cannot and do not offer a warranty on the house.

Is there a difference between a home buyer's and a home seller's inspection?

No. The home inspector will conduct the same inspection regardless of whether you are a home buyer or a home seller. It is the home inspector's responsibility to report on the home's condition no matter who has requested the inspection.