Why home inspections in Calgary are required

When you’re preparing to buy a home, you may begin to contemplate whether or not you should get a home inspection done. While such an inspection may seem like a time-consuming venture, it is imperative you get one completed before you begin the process of becoming a homeowner. The alternative to getting a home inspection is ultimately relying on the homeowner to tell you about every fault in the home, but this can prove difficult if the homeowner isn’t aware or just neglects to disclose to you every detail that is often deemed a necessity. Because of this, home inspections in Calgary that are executed by an unbiased professional will give you a detailed report on the home you want to buy. 

Find out the main reasons why a home inspection is necessary and why you should get one when you’re about to buy a home. 

Undetected issues

You may see a home and immediately feel compelled to it based on if the floor plan is to your liking, the kitchen is sizeable for you, and the floors sound solid, without much consideration of the other housing elements involved besides aesthetics. Because there could be issues with the home that can’t be detected by the naked eye, a home inspection is vital to have completed. A home inspector will check areas where problems are most likely to be present, like in the basement or attic. A home inspector will have the tools and resources to ensure the inside of your home is safe enough to live in or if there are undetected issues that need to be tackled. 

Structural problems 

Veiled housing problems don’t just exist inside a home you’re looking to purchase, as structural problems often manifest without a homeowner even knowing the extent of these issues. A home inspector will identify structural issues around the foundation of a home or within the walls and will assess the damage, so you’ll know the extent of the damage involved and how much it could inevitably cost you. 

Improved safety

The most defining factor a home inspection will offer you is a sense of safety before you buy a home. A home inspection will ensure that a home is safe enough to move into and could eliminate any worry. By checking the status of the structure itself, the electrical wiring and the plumbing, you can obtain important information on whether or not a home is safe enough that you wouldn’t be able to ascertain without a thorough home inspection. 

Maintenance costs and accurate budgeting

Home inspections in Calgary will provide you information on how much it will cost to repair any damages in a home that was already lived in, which will help you calculate an accurate move-in budget. When you receive a home inspection, it will also give you an indication of whether you want to invest in a home that requires costly maintenance. 

Cost-effective

Although you may believe that a home inspection will inflate your budget, this is simply the case. Home inspections are actually affordable for any owner, with the cost ranging from $150 to $300. If you require specific inspections, like for HVAC concerns, the cost might increase, but not to an untenable amount. 

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.

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!

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.


Senior Black Man Construction Manager Inspection


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.


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!

Having an annual home inspection, performed by a Calgary home inspector, is a great way to keep your home in tiptop shape throughout the year. Similarly, spring cleaning is the best time of year to book your regular professional inspections, including furnace, air conditioning, and plumbing inspections. Therefore, spring is the best time for a home inspection.


Although this line of reasoning does hold up against the most stringent inspection, you may feel like it is a little too simple. A little too straightforward, perhaps. Of course, that feeling is totally understandable, and you shouldn’t be left hanging with so little information. As a result, please consider the following reasons that further expound upon the value of springtime home inspections.


3 Reasons For Springtime Home Inspections


1. After-Winter Effects

Aside from the rationale described above, the best reason for a visit from a Calgary home inspector is the effect winter can have on your home. Winter can cause all sorts of problems, such as home settling, leaks, lawn damage, and more. Take, for example, the likelihood of pipes bursting during the winter months. This problem is a result of freezing water combined with a rush of pressure that your pipes simply cannot withstand. Every part of your home faces similar adversity during the winter months and immediately after the winter thaw.


2. Outdoor Considerations

An area of our homes that we seldom pay enough attention to is the exterior. The areas we exclude can include the foundation, eavestroughs, roof, and more. Yes, it is understandable that you believe these areas are permanent, and that they seldom see a lot of change. However, a home inspection can find issues that you had not considered before.


Home inspector, outside, examines a residential natural gas meter.


Issues that may include foundation cracks, dry or torn roof shingles, broken eavestroughs, or compromised window seals are all possible. Performing your home inspection after the harshness of winter and before the harshness of summer will give you sufficient time to get these repairs noted and addressed, as necessary.


3. Clear Visibility

The final reason on our list can appear obvious, initially. The visibility of your home and yard is reduced in the winter months as snow covers everything in a cool and refreshing blanket. However, this blanket is a disguise for the forces of erosion and corrosion, which are still very much active underneath the top layer. 


Therefore, having a home inspection when you can inspect every area freely and without obstruction is a good plan.  


Where to Find Quality Calgary Home Inspectors


There are many places for you to find quality home inspectors, and you should consider each of them with great scrutiny. However, if you were looking for a personalized opinion on the matter, the suggestion would be to read on just a bit further. Happy inspecting!


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!

Finding the right house is a process. You look at a number of options and choose the one that’s best for you, but it doesn’t stop there. Due to the potential for unseen problems, it’s important to schedule a home inspection to make sure the home really is the best option for you, which means hiring a home inspector.

But you shouldn’t hire anyone. You have to hire the best one for the job. Here is how you can do it:

 

Prepare for the inspection by asking your Calgary home inspector these questions.

How Long Have You Been a Home Inspector in Calgary?

Experience is key when it comes to inspecting homes. Not only should inspectors have experience examining homes, but they should also be familiar with local conditions which can affect the life expectancy of building components. Get the most out of your inspection by working with a Calgary home inspector who has operating in the area for a number of years and is fully licensed and certified.

 

What Will You Inspect?

A home inspection should include a full view of the property, from foundation to roof. Specific requirements vary by area, but at a minimum your home inspector should check the following:

  • Structural elements
  • The electrical and plumbing systems
  • Exterior elements
  • The heating and cooling system

 

What Won’t You Inspect?

Follow up the above question by finding out what is not covered during home inspections. Understanding what won’t be checked gives you the opportunity to learn about common issues that you can check out yourself. Sometimes you may want to schedule a specialized inspection to cover certain areas that aren’t included under a regular home inspection.

home inspector

What Problems are Red Flags?

Many of the issues marked by a Calgary home inspector aren’t deal breakers, but find out what sort of things you should be concerned about. If any of these problem areas show up during your inspection, ask the home inspector for more information.

 

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!

Condos are a great option for buyers looking for more amenities with less maintenance. As a condo buyer, however, you must be just as careful as detached home buyer. This includes completing a professional inspection before finalizing the sale.

Here Are Five Reasons To Get A Condo Inspection In Calgary

1. A Condo Inspection Looks Beyond the Facade
Buyers may feel like a condo inspection is a waste of money if the unit appears to be in good condition. However, even new construction can harbour costly problems that aren’t visible. You might find problems within the condo, such as asbestos or other dangers. A Calgary home inspector is trained to spot these issues.

2. Save Money With An Inspection
Of course, you’ll have to pay for a condo inspection, but it can actually help you save money. With an inspection, you’ll avoid the unpleasant situation of buying a condo only to discover it needs to be completely rewired or needs other major repairs after you move in.

3. A Home Inspector Helps You Negotiate
The information you obtain from a Calgary home inspector can help you negotiate a lower price for a condo. You get valuable bargaining power from a condo inspection.

4. Stipulate Seller’s Repairs
You may also be able to include seller’s repairs clauses in the contract. The seller should make the necessary repairs or take the price for the repairs off the total. A Calgary home inspector helps you determine exactly what repairs need to be done and what they’ll cost.

5. Know What You’re Buying
Buying a condo is a big purchase, one that you should research thoroughly. Information for buying homes and getting an inspection is vital. A Calgary condo inspection is part of the research process and provides valuable information about exactly what you are buying.

If you’re thinking about buying a condo, get a condo inspection before completing the sale.

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!

Contact us: (403) 703-4474 | [email protected] | www.integra-inspections.com