What to expect from a Calgary home inspection

Buying a house is an overwhelming process; you are choosing your new home for a long period of time, and you are also making a huge investment, so it only makes sense that you feel nervous about such a big decision and want to feel sure before making the final choice. You can be more self-assured about purchasing a home by getting it inspected for any hazardous risks or security issues that you’ll want to know about beforehand.

Find out why a Calgary home inspection is a must-have service for any potential home you are looking at.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a process of evaluating your potential house, including any structural and mechanical components, including the windows, roof, floors, and any important structural element. The main purpose is to uncover any major problems with the house that may be unknown to the seller and could either make or break the deal or allow negotiating a better price. Calgary home inspection is an investment because think the disaster it would become if you thought you found your dream property only to find out that it has major foundation problems that will cost you a lot of money. Home inspectors are independent workers, their job is to provide you with a detailed report on the house findings so that you can make the best choice regarding the purchase.

Hiring a reliable home inspector requires some research to ensure you find a professional with your best interest in mind, ask friends or family for recommendations and find out about their certifications and training before selecting one.

What Happens During an Inspection?

Home inspectors take several hours to perform a complete inspection, they will take pictures of everything, take some notes or even use modern equipment such as drones or mould machines to detect major issues. The main purpose of an inspector will be to identify any problems in the house, including the structural ones that may represent a large expense for the buyer, suggest ways to fix the problems and provide a detailed report.

The main elements they will look at are the structural systems such as the foundation and drainage and the attic to find out the insulation and any signs of water damage, check the roof for damaged or loose shingles and the gutters, and A Calgary home inspection also includes the HAVC system, windows, electrical systems, and exterior areas. Remember that there are some things your home inspection does not cover, such as swimming pools, conditions behind walls, and septic systems; you will need to get a specialized inspection for that.

The Detailed inspection report

This report contains a summary of all the findings, including pictures, notes, and the estimated cost to repair things. They will also indicate the lifespan of the equipment and structural elements, such as the roof and windows. It also includes recommendations on things you should replace. Depending on the report’s findings, you can negotiate a better price or ask the seller to perform the repairs before buying the property, or maybe it will give you the extra confidence you need to make a choice and get the house of your dreams.

Integra Inspection Services is the leading provider of home inspection services throughout Calgary. Our commitment to our clients is evident by our honest and thorough Calgary home inspections. Our service is available for residential buildings, including homes, townhouses, and condos. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or a realtor, we conduct complete home inspections to determine if your property has any structural flaws and to prevent future costly repairs. Our Calgary home inspections include infrared thermal imagine on every inspection for an accurate, detailed inspection. For all of your home inspection or commercial property assessment needs, we can help. Schedule your inspection with Integra Inspection Services.

Calgary home inspection: Safe radon levels

Radon is a radioactive gas that begins to formate when radium, uranium, or thorium–all radioactive metals–breaks down within groundwater, rocks, or soil. Anyone can be exposed to radon as it can be breathed in when it permeates through gaps in the home. Because we can be exposed to low levels of radon in the air, its typical concentration is minimal enough that there is no need for concern. When radon enters a more enclosed area, like any home, levels of concern should rise as your radon intake also begins to rise. This should churn out a fundamental and persistent question: what is a safe radon level?

Let’s examine what is deemed a safe level of radon in the home and when you should contact Calgary home inspection to secure and protect your household.

The threat of radon

Results of a Health Canada survey determined that as many as 7% of Canadian households are exposed to radon levels that are above the current guidelines, with the additional conclusion that no Canadian areas are rendered completely radon free. The frequency of Canadian homes that are exposed to high levels of radon is concerning as radon is known for its ability to erode health without households even knowing. Radon has no distinct smell and is invisible to the naked eye, so Canadian families can be exposed to it without even knowing. Long-term exposure can result in a greater risk of lung cancer, which can only be further accelerated if you are a smoker or burn wood and coal within your home.

Safe and dangerous levels of radon

The Canadian guideline states that no indoor area should exceed 200 becquerels per cubic square (or 200 Bq/m3). If an indoor area is above this recommended level, you should take action as soon as possible and schedule a home inspection. Upon taking action to combat the exposure in your home, radon levels should be minimized as low as possible. Health Canada further recommends getting your radon levels tested annually in your resident dwelling to ensure it is at a safe level to avoid the risk of developing an illness.

A crawl space that could potentially have levels of radon within

Why you could have elevated levels

High radon levels can crop up due to some problems with a home’s structure. A lot of radon gas is found within the soil, so if your home has a crawl space that consists of mounds of dirt, you could potentially be exposed to maximum levels of radon. Further, radon can permeate the home through the cracks in the home foundation and walls. If holes are created in the foundation for pipes and utility lines, this can lead to high levels of radon seeping into the home. These structural issues that can cause radon to get into the house should be repaired to reduce your risk of exposure.

Conclusion

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, right below cigarette smoking, showcasing that exposure to this radioactive gas can be incredibly hazardous to anyone’s health. To reduce your risk of high-level exposure in your own home, get your home tested by Calgary home inspection professionals, where devices can be used to test the current levels in your home.

Home Inspection Calgary: Pre-listing inspection cost

If you are thinking about putting your home on the market, you should begin to inquire about pre-listing inspections and how they can ultimately aid you in selling your house. By getting a pre-listing inspection conducted, you and your realtor can begin to gauge the condition of your property and if any underlying concerns should be tended to. This inspection can lead to invaluable improvements you can make to your home to increase its market value and appeal to potential buyers. Though a pre-listing inspection is not required to sell your home, it will prove incredibly helpful in identifying any elements that could derail the selling of your home.

Find out the benefits of a pre-listing inspection, what this venture entails, and the total cost of this pre-listing home inspection Calgary.

Why get an inspection

Before you list your home, hire a professional home inspector to examine your property to seek out any explicit and underlying issues where repairs are needed that can help you in the long run. Any repairs and problems in your home will eventually crop up, and obtaining a pre-listing inspection is a worthy investment to avoid any unwanted surprises in the future.

Of course, this inspection is sometimes not needed. If your home is relatively new, or if you were a crucial part of its building process, problems within the structure and property are unlikely to be found. But if you have moved into an older home, getting a pre-listing home inspection is highly recommended by relator professionals.

A professional performing a pre-listing inspection on a home

What a pre-listing inspection covers

Ultimately, the homeowner is the one that decides how extensive a pre-listing inspection needs to be. If you only want a professional appraisal to focus on the cracks in your roof, that is the only area they will look at. But a pre-listing inspection can cover the estimated lifespan of a roof, the water quality on the property, identify hazardous materials such as asbestos and mould, look at the state of the windows and doors, and the quality of the foundation.

Benefits

The benefits of getting a pre-listing inspection completed are vast when you’re trying to sell your home. When getting a pre-listing inspection, you can expect to attract more buyers, mainly if your inspection report is fair and the home’s condition is proven to be excellent. Because professionals have inspected the condition of your home, this will also speed up the selling process of your home. Once you have finished doing the necessary repairs to the home to be in prime condition, the rate at which your home will sell will accelerate. This inspection will ultimately save you time from doing future repairs and will make your home much more valuable.

Cost

While the price of the pre-listing inspection will depend on the location and size of your home, the average cost will amount to about $340. Of course, there are other elements to factor in that will affect the price of your pre-listing inspection. For instance, if you are only getting your roof or foundation looked at, expect a much lower cost than if you were to get the entire home and property inspected.

To gather more crucial information on pre-listing inspection matters, contact a home inspection Calgary professional to schedule an inspection at the home you wish to place on the market.

Integra Inspection Services is the leading provider of home inspection services throughout Calgary. Our commitment to our clients is evident by our honest and thorough Calgary home inspections. Our service is available for residential buildings, including homes, townhouses, and condos. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or a realtor, we conduct complete home inspections to determine if your property has any structural flaws and to prevent future costly repairs. Our Calgary home inspections include infrared thermal images on every inspection for an accurate, detailed inspection. For all of your home inspection or commercial property assessment needs, we can help. Schedule your inspection with Integra Inspection Services.

Asbestos exposure can cause serious and lingering health issues that vary in severity. Although it was once commonly used in constructing buildings as insulation and is still present in older homes today, this substance is no longer used due to its hazardous nature. Consulting both a doctor and scheduling a home inspection in Calgary if you think asbestos exposure is present in your place of residence can help reduce your chances of developing chronic health issues.

Because of the threat of lung scarring conditions caused by asbestos, knowing what steps you should take in case of asbestos exposure is important.

Consult healthcare professionals

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos, you should consult your healthcare provider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-time or brief exposure to asbestos is usually nothing to worry about. If you feel any effects from short-term exposure, they should subside after a short period of time. Consult a doctor to get examined where medical experts can determine your risks of developing asbestos-related health issues to relieve any worry. Having been exposed to asbestos, even only briefly, you should wash your body and your clothes to further eliminate any threat.

Unknowingly being exposed to asbestos for long periods of time can be more cause for concern. While lung issues typically won’t materialize for 5-10 years after long-term exposure, you should still seek a doctor to monitor your symptoms.

Home Inspection

Since asbestos exposure can often occur in your own home, you should get your home inspected by professionals. Home inspection professionals will assess the asbestos condition in your home, advise you on what action you need to undertake, and will contain the exposure for you. It is highly advisable to let professionals handle this substance to minimize your exposure.

Symptoms

Asbestos exposure can eventually manifest into lung conditions where symptoms are often shortness of breath, chest pain, and a perpetual cough. Coughing up blood and weight loss can be linked to asbestos-related diseases that can become quite severe, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you have any lung-related symptoms, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Treatment

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to reverse any damage done by asbestos exposure. While there are no known cures to eradicate lung scarring caused by asbestos, treatments are available to reduce symptoms and minimize any potential disease from progressing. Treatments like oxygen therapy can help you breathe more easily, and hazardous habits that can worsen your lung health, like cigarette smoking or vaping, should be stopped immediately.

Radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy will be recommended for severe lung conditions.

Have you done radon testing recently? If not, you should contact a home inspector in Calgary who can help you perform the test. They own the expensive equipment and charge a flat rate for the test. It is convenient, accessible and affordable.

The cost associated with Calgary home inspectors who do radon testing varies depending on several different factors. These factors include experience, the company performing the work and the results of the test, among others. Let’s take a look at these factors and see how they influence the cost.

Calgary Home Inspector Cost Factors

Experience

The experience of the professionals you work with is also important. Using long-term trackers means that you can get reliable information about the current radon levels in your home. This process takes between three and twelve months.

Senior Black Man Construction Manager Inspection

Home Inspection Company

The home inspection company in Calgary you choose to complete the radon testing will influence the cost. Though there is a general price range associated with the service, some companies will be more or less costly.

The Results

The reality of radon testing is that it is an important part of regular home maintenance. With the help of a Calgary home inspector, most people find nothing out of the ordinary and can breathe a sigh of relief. For those who do find high levels of radon, however, it is a different story. They will have to pay to remove the radon, which is relatively simple but does influence the cost.

The Cost of Radon Testing in Calgary

Our Calgary home inspectors say the cost of radon testing is $65 including delivery. This is a great deal as you don’t have to purchase the equipment outright and you get an experienced eye checking the results. Get started by contacting Integra Inspections today!

Integra Inspections is a Home Inspection Company in Calgary that provides unbeatable service for home inspections. With over 15 years of experience and the latest technologies such as thermal imaging, you can count on Integra Home Inspections to get you the facts and have you ready for your next home!

Buying or selling a home can mean a lot of considerations. Whether it is finding a great home for your family or ensuring a great deal on your long-term home, you may have to consider a large set of data.

This includes considerations for the safety of the property. Of course, foundational and structural components should be checked in accordance with Calgary home inspection requirements. But, as we’ve discussed in the past, other concerns also exist, such as the presence of Radon.

Today we look at what Radon is, how to test for it, and most importantly, what causes Radon to actually enter our homes.

What is Radon?

Radon is an invisible gas that forms in the Earth’s crust. It rises from the ground and can get trapped in structures, such as homes and commercial buildings. It is also responsible for causing some forms of lung cancer, especially with excessive exposure.

The danger of radon gas - concept image with periodic table of the elements and magnifying lens

How to Test for Radon

Testing for Radon is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in conjunction with a Calgary home inspection. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon, “Radon testing is easy.” You can test the levels yourself with the right equipment or the professional services of a home inspector.

What Causes Radon to Enter Our Homes

Radon is a naturally-occurring gas that rises into the atmosphere from the Earth’s crust. If it becomes trapped during this process, such as by a ceiling or building interior, it will sit and become “stale” air. This may be harmful to our lung health due to the radiation it gives off, but it could also cause us to have trouble breathing in high concentrations.

The world of a Calgary home inspector involves many different decisions and actions. Whether or not to include a minor fault is a key consideration, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout the average workday, a home inspector will find themselves making judgement calls, tough choices and more.

Therefore, in establishing what Calgary home inspectors can do, it is equally important to determine what they cannot do. Below we look at some of the activities that home inspectors will not do and why.

Activities that Calgary Home Inspectors DON’T Do

Issue a Passing or Failing Mark

Perhaps the biggest misconception about home inspectors is that their job is to allow the sale or occupancy of a house. This is not the case. Instead, home inspectors are trained to identify potential problems in the construction of the house, record them and submit their findings for review.

Telling people that they should or shouldn’t buy a house is not part of a home inspector’s responsibility. This prevents potential conflicts of interest and protects home inspectors from opening themselves up to potential liability. Additionally, it prevents purchasers from making decisions based on incomplete information or opinions.

Perform Destructive Testing

During an inspection, there are several methods of determining the acceptability or rejectability of a particular area. Take corrosion, for example. A metallic support with visual rust typically indicates some amount of corrosion or degradation in the material. It does not determine the exact amount of corrosion, however. This would require physical inspection and testing.

Home inspectors do not participate in this level of destructive testing. They are there to perform visual assessments and referrals to specialized services when required. Performing destructive testing could lead to rework or repair that do not involve a home inspector’s services.

Determine a Home’s Value

Home inspectors in Calgary and other areas are not required to determine a home’s value. Nor should they, in many circumstances. The reason for not performing this activity is similar to the previous examples.

It is simply not the responsibility or duty of the home inspector to provide their opinion on this information. Realtors and real estate agents work in the housing industry to offer this information, along with municipal governments and other relevant professionals.

You’ve chosen a home, made the offer to purchase, and now comes the home inspection; a vital cog in the process of you owning a home.

Without undertaking a home inspection in Calgary, you run the risk of problems arising, leading to expensive repairs or replacements, that can significantly devalue your home, or cost you more than expected.

But having a qualified Calgary home inspector can ensure that you all defects are caught and dealt with sooner rather than later.

What a Calgary Home Inspector Must Have

Make sure you look for a Calgary home inspector that has the following attributes:

Has experience in the industry and knowledge when inspecting homes
Highly qualified with certifications from major associations
Knowledge of building codes
Referrals (from people you know), ratings (from online) and references (from the inspector themselves)

Once you have hired a professional, schedule a time that works for all parties. At the inspection, your professional will look at the following in the home:

Attic (to check proper ventilation)
Basement (to inspect if there is a solid foundation and no water damage)
Bathrooms & Kitchens (ensure that there are issues with plumbing, and for the kitchen, if the appliances are functioning)
Ceilings (look for uneven levels, stains or cracks)
Electrical systems (ensuring that you have up-to-code circuit breakers, functional outlets and smoke detectors)
Exterior surfaces (to check for damage to siding or stucco)
HVAC (inspecting the condition of the air conditioner and furnace)
Plumbing (to look for damaged or leaking pipes and proper hot water temperature)
Roof (to check for damaged or loose shingles and functional gutters)
Windows & Doors (to check for damage, proper alignment and ventilation)

Overall, the entire process will take between two to three hours to complete.

What Happens if the Inspection Fails?

After the review, the inspector will provide you with a report on all the defects within your property. If there is significant damage and the home inspection is classified as a failure, it’s best if you reconsider purchasing the home unless some concessions are made, saving you on expensive costs and labour.

You can make an agreement where if the seller completes the repairs, you purchase the home. Or, you can also consider renegotiating the purchase price to cover repair costs. Speak with your real estate agent about the process going forward.

It seems like there is always another risk to humans on the horizon. As we regulate personal transportation emissions, we discover trapped greenhouse gases in our soil. We switch to paper or plastic-less parcels and find straws as the seventh most common item on beaches. It feels like our very existence is at constant risk.

But what else is new? Humans have always had to fight, band together and innovate to grow and fend off our wildest predators and most dangerous environments. Comparatively speaking, standing a couple of extra feet away from the microwave (when in use) seems less invasive than keeping a well-lit fire to stave off wolves at the light’s edge. Still, though, caution must be observed.

Calgary home inspection is just one of the ways our society maintains its diligence and ensures our dwellings are safe for residency. However, only so much can be done at a home inspection, and living in the house will present different challenges as time goes on. One of these challenges is Radon, and we look at this dangerous gas in detail below.

The Basics of Radon

What is Radon?

Radon is “a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless.” This information comes from the Government of Canada, who further explains that the process of diffusion removes the danger of Radon from our natural environment. Inside our homes, though, this gas may cause long-term problems to our health.

In particular, the government publication continues to state that Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It gets into our home through fractured bedrock, groundwater evaporation and small openings in the structure of our buildings. So, how do we protect against this unseen danger?

How Calgary Home Inspection Identifies Radon

While every Canadian home will have some amount of Radon present at all times, the most effective way to ensure it is not hazardous is to test the area. The Canadian Government sets out a guideline for amounts not exceeding 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3), which can be tested with either a do-it-yourself kit or with the help of a radon measurement professional.

For more information on Calgary home inspections or to learn where you can meet a radon measurement professional, contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you.

There are many parts to a Calgary home inspection, but knowing which ones are the most essential will help you become better informed. Please inspect the list below to glean this knowledge:

Essential Components for Calgary Home Inspection

1. Foundation

The foundation of your home is one of the essential components of a home inspection. Ensuring cracks and crevices have not grown, or substantial portions of debris are not present, is a part of the inspection process.

2. Roof Drainage Systems

Another component of home inspections is the inspection of roof drainage systems. Here it is essential to look for kinks or pieces that have broken off. Improving these sections before the examination will yield better results.

3. Water Heating Equipment

Water heating equipment is another part of regular inspections. Ensuring the right system, tank or tankless, is installed, and there is sufficient power/ storage for the needs of the home are part of the inspection. Additionally, inspectors must check the adequacy of combustion air components.

4. Overcurrent Protection Devices

Overcurrent protection devices will have a part in your home inspection as well. These devices prevent power surges and are an essential safety component for all homes. Along with these devices, the power supply will also receive an inspection.

5. Vent Systems, Flues, Chimneys

Another essential component of your home inspection is the vent systems, flues, and any chimneys present. Ensuring there is no substantial build-up of burnt material or smoke is necessary, as is the verification of structural integrity.

6. Central Cooling Systems

Central cooling systems are also a necessary component of inspection during your home inspection. This would include air conditioners, for instance. However, electric air cleaning and sanitizing devices are not part of this type of review.

7. Walls, Ceilings, Floors

Walls, ceilings, and floors are part of the standard home inspection, especially for the interior. For these items, though, paints, wallpapers, and finishes are not included in the inspection.

Get the Most Value for Your Home Inspection

When it is time for your Calgary home inspection, there are many choices you have to make. However, the easiest option is the company you choose to work with, and that makes the rest of the options even easier!