Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an inspection?
A. An inspection is a non-invasive examination into the current condition of your property. It is a snapshot in time. It is not an appraisal, guarantee, warranty or an insurance policy.
Q. How long does an inspection take?
A. Usually 2 ½ to 3 hours but it depends on the age of your home, its condition and square footage. A thorough inspection takes time especially when attention is paid to detail.
Q. Should I be present for the home inspection?
A. Yes. Having you present, either throughout the complete inspection but at the very least, be present for a briefing at the end is greatly encouraged. There are always items in the inspection that can best be explained on-site. Keep in mind no home is perfect and it is always important to maintain realistic expectations.
Q. Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
A. Absolutely. Instead of a Pre-Delivery Inspection, we recommend the inspection be done before the end of the first year of possession; ideally in the 11th month prior to warranty expiration. By this time the house has usually been exposed to all four seasons of Canadian climate, which in most cases will reveal any settling problems.
Q. Do you inspect septic tanks?
A. No. A septic system inspection requires that the tank be pumped out and the field be tested in order to properly check its condition. Home inspectors are neither trained nor equipped to perform this function.
Q. Do you go up on the roof?
A. Yes. An inspector must climb onto the roof to do a proper evaluation, with exception when it is unsafe due to excessive slopes, ice, snow, or poor weather conditions at the time of the inspection.
Q. Do you inspect appliances?
A. Yes. We check to see if they are operational when the appliances are included in the purchase.
Q. Do you do repairs or recommend contractors?
A. No. It is a conflict of interest for a home inspector to refer a contractor to perform repairs that are recommended in the report.
Q. Can we contact you after the inspection?
A. Yes. We welcome your call with any questions or concerns regarding the inspection report.
Q. Can inspections be done on weekends?
A. Yes. Trying to accommodate the schedules of all parties involved is important to us.
Q. How far in advance should I book the inspection?
A. Try booking as far in advance as you can to get the best time that works for you. We will also try our best to accommodate appointments on short notice.
Q. Do you carry Insurance?
A. Yes. Trinuck Properties Inc. is a fully insured company.
Q. Should my realtor get a copy of the inspection?
A. You decide. There may be benefit in sharing the information with your realtor who can determine if any items in the report are significant enough to warrant re-negotiation or a change in pricing. Information about your inspection will only be shared with your permission.
Q. What if the report reveals problems?
A. All houses have problems. Most are minor and can be remedied over time. If a major problem is found you will need to consider all options in making a decision.
Q. As a home owner how do I prepare my home for an inspection?
Some things you can do to prepare your home for an inspection are:
All doors should be made accessible.
Leave the utilities (gas, water, power) connected and the pilot lights lit
Provide access to the attic, garage, electrical panel, and crawl space (if applicable).
Provide space around the electrical panel, furnace, water heater and air conditioner.
Leave keys for gates, outbuildings, electrical boxes, etc.
If you have pets, make sure they are secured or removed from the property.
If the buyer is present, prepare to be away for 3-4 hours during the inspection.
Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Yes. Payment can be made by cheque, cash, Visa or MasterCard, American express. The square reader will be used to receive payment.
Q. Do I have to use one of the inspectors on the list provided by my realtor?
A. No. Choose a qualified inspector, and not one based solely on cost when making this important decision. Make sure they are licensed to do inspections in the Province of Alberta, experience in the construction industry and insured.
Q. I am selling my home. Should I have an inspection prior to listing?
A. Yes. Knowing the condition of your home before it is placed on the market can be very helpful. An inspection would identify potential problems that can be repaired before listing which may help negotiate a better price.
A. An inspection is a non-invasive examination into the current condition of your property. It is a snapshot in time. It is not an appraisal, guarantee, warranty or an insurance policy.
Q. How long does an inspection take?
A. Usually 2 ½ to 3 hours but it depends on the age of your home, its condition and square footage. A thorough inspection takes time especially when attention is paid to detail.
Q. Should I be present for the home inspection?
A. Yes. Having you present, either throughout the complete inspection but at the very least, be present for a briefing at the end is greatly encouraged. There are always items in the inspection that can best be explained on-site. Keep in mind no home is perfect and it is always important to maintain realistic expectations.
Q. Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?
A. Absolutely. Instead of a Pre-Delivery Inspection, we recommend the inspection be done before the end of the first year of possession; ideally in the 11th month prior to warranty expiration. By this time the house has usually been exposed to all four seasons of Canadian climate, which in most cases will reveal any settling problems.
Q. Do you inspect septic tanks?
A. No. A septic system inspection requires that the tank be pumped out and the field be tested in order to properly check its condition. Home inspectors are neither trained nor equipped to perform this function.
Q. Do you go up on the roof?
A. Yes. An inspector must climb onto the roof to do a proper evaluation, with exception when it is unsafe due to excessive slopes, ice, snow, or poor weather conditions at the time of the inspection.
Q. Do you inspect appliances?
A. Yes. We check to see if they are operational when the appliances are included in the purchase.
Q. Do you do repairs or recommend contractors?
A. No. It is a conflict of interest for a home inspector to refer a contractor to perform repairs that are recommended in the report.
Q. Can we contact you after the inspection?
A. Yes. We welcome your call with any questions or concerns regarding the inspection report.
Q. Can inspections be done on weekends?
A. Yes. Trying to accommodate the schedules of all parties involved is important to us.
Q. How far in advance should I book the inspection?
A. Try booking as far in advance as you can to get the best time that works for you. We will also try our best to accommodate appointments on short notice.
Q. Do you carry Insurance?
A. Yes. Trinuck Properties Inc. is a fully insured company.
Q. Should my realtor get a copy of the inspection?
A. You decide. There may be benefit in sharing the information with your realtor who can determine if any items in the report are significant enough to warrant re-negotiation or a change in pricing. Information about your inspection will only be shared with your permission.
Q. What if the report reveals problems?
A. All houses have problems. Most are minor and can be remedied over time. If a major problem is found you will need to consider all options in making a decision.
Q. As a home owner how do I prepare my home for an inspection?
Some things you can do to prepare your home for an inspection are:
All doors should be made accessible.
Leave the utilities (gas, water, power) connected and the pilot lights lit
Provide access to the attic, garage, electrical panel, and crawl space (if applicable).
Provide space around the electrical panel, furnace, water heater and air conditioner.
Leave keys for gates, outbuildings, electrical boxes, etc.
If you have pets, make sure they are secured or removed from the property.
If the buyer is present, prepare to be away for 3-4 hours during the inspection.
Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Yes. Payment can be made by cheque, cash, Visa or MasterCard, American express. The square reader will be used to receive payment.
Q. Do I have to use one of the inspectors on the list provided by my realtor?
A. No. Choose a qualified inspector, and not one based solely on cost when making this important decision. Make sure they are licensed to do inspections in the Province of Alberta, experience in the construction industry and insured.
Q. I am selling my home. Should I have an inspection prior to listing?
A. Yes. Knowing the condition of your home before it is placed on the market can be very helpful. An inspection would identify potential problems that can be repaired before listing which may help negotiate a better price.