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.

When it comes to buying a house, there’s a lot more to your home than just four walls and a roof. Your major appliances are like organs, keeping your home habitable. And your furnace is much like the heart of your home, keeping warm air flowing through the winter months. But that’s not all there is to HVAC. Air conditioning keeps your household cool in the blistering heat, provided it’s part of the integrated HVAC system; many homeowners are making AC a new priority.

A home inspection is not HVAC maintenance, but it might be even more important. A critical part of your home inspector’s professional process ensures that your HVAC system is worth its part of the home’s purchase price that you’re bidding—before you sign on the dotted line.

What Is HVAC?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Many homes have all three systems, but homes with just a furnace and ventilation are a bit more common depending on where you live. If your home-to-be is in Calgary, the term is interchangeable with furnace. If the furnace has problems, a given home’s HVAC system might not be worth much.

What Problems Can Home Inspectors Identify Due to Poor HVAC Systems?

If you’re lucky enough to be looking at your dream home, but the HVAC system is in disrepair, the experience of living there might not be pleasant. The furnace might make a lot of noise, and it might not move air, whether cooled or heated, in an efficient manner. In extreme cases, it could pose a natural gas hazard. Repair or replacement must be done by HVAC professionals.

How Can Home Inspectors Help You Understand a Listed Home’s HVAC System?

Naturally, if an HVAC system has been poorly maintained or it’s entered the final stages of its life-cycle, the overall value of the home is less than advertised. Replacing a furnace isn’t cheap. If replacing such a critical component of an HVAC system is totally necessary, you might want to bring that point into price negotiation for the home. Calgary home inspectors can give you an unbiased opinion on its condition and the likelihood of failure in the near future.

Signs the Home Needs a New HVAC System

As mentioned above, noise and slow-moving air are signs that the motorized blower component has struggled for months, if not years. Motors need lubrication on moving parts and a clear pathway through ducting to ease the load. Dust blowing out of the vent openings on the home’s floor are signs the ducts are clogged, and the motor has been overworked. There’s more to it, but those are some of the first indicators home inspectors look for.

Calgary Home Inspectors Help You Appraise an HVAC System’s Worth

In some cases, home inspections, or even condo inspections, require a look at the HVAC system. Inspectors lend you a sharp, trained eye not just on the structure and life-supporting fixtures of the home but also on the plumbing and electrical systems.

Your HVAC system transforms natural gas and electricity into a habitable temperature, but not without sophisticated components in need of responsible care. If that’s lacking, you might need a home inspector’s professional advice to confidently negotiate on the offer you’ll be making.

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!

When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the core steps in the process for both the buyer and the seller is to get a professional home inspection from a Calgary home inspector. Home inspections in Calgary are about more than just checking off a task on your to-do list. They’re about ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the state of a property before a sale. But what exactly does a home inspection uncover?

In today’s post, we explore the main reasons why you get a home inspection in Calgary.

Benefits of Home Inspectors

To the untrained eye, Calgary home inspectors don’t do much other than walk through a home looking for problems to uncover to make sure a sale can go through. However, their work provides valuable insight for home buyers and sellers that can impact their decision-making process. Let’s take a look at why home inspections are important.

Uncover Structural Flaws

The structure of a home is one of the most important components of a home and is one of the top reasons to have a home inspection completed by a trusted Calgary home inspector when buying a home. By performing a home inspection, you can determine if there are any structural issues, and if so, whether or not you’re willing to take on the future costs of fixing those problems.

Forecast Future Expenses

Homes can be expensive to maintain, and there are always risks of stumbling upon unforeseen expenses. However, a home inspection in Calgary can help you forecast the potential for future costs. Take structural flaws as an example. Without the knowledge gained from a home inspection, you could end up buying a house that could have cracks in its walls within ten years. By performing a home inspection, you can avoid having large expenses in the future by identifying them today.

Help With Negotiations

If you’re buying a home, sending in a Calgary home inspector can even help you negotiate a lower price. If the home inspection uncovers previously unknown issues with a house, the sellers might have a tougher time finding a buyer than expected. That means you have the opportunity to leverage your willingness to buy the home as it stands to get a better deal.

Calgary Home Inspectors Bring Peace Of Mind

Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is the peace of mind you get from a home inspection. Buying a new home is expensive, and no one wants to buy a house without knowing what they’re getting into. Home inspections give you the knowledge and peace of mind that you need to enjoy your home to the fullest.

You’ve listed your home, you’ve lined up potential buyers, you’re ready to close the deal, but you still have one major step to take before closing the deal; a home inspection. A proper walkthrough with a Calgary home inspector can be a make-or-break moment when trying to convince a buyer to sign on the dotted line. To ensure the inspection process is hassle-free, painless for the inspector, and won’t turn up any unexpected surprises, we break down below how to prepare for a home inspection.

Why Prepare For A Home Inspector?

One might assume that it’s not a big deal to simply call an inspector and have them arrive at your home to inspect it as is, with no need to prepare the house and property because Calgary home inspectors have seen it all before, and they know where to look and what to look for; it’s their job right? However, home sellers need to be aware that buyers will often accompany home inspectors during the inspection, and what they see could influence their decision to buy or buy at your asking price.

Calgary Home Inspector Preparations

Cleaning

As you might expect, the most important step to take when preparing for a Calgary home inspector is to do a thorough clean of the house in the days leading up to the home inspection. A dirty home can make it difficult for an inspector to find what they are looking for, and it can leave a bad impression on potential buyers by making it seem that the house and property haven’t been properly maintained over the years.

Prep Steps

Once you’ve made sure that your house is squeaky clean, there are a few more things you need to take care of before you leave and the inspector arrives. First, you need to have a plan to leave your home for at least 3 hours while the inspection is taking place; this might be a good time to run some errands or give that new restaurant down the street a try. More prep steps include:

Leave all interior doors unlocked
Ensure all pilot lights are lit
Remove pets (or place them in their crate)

If your attic hatch is located in a closet, you should remove items and clothing from the closet because the insulation will sometimes fall from the hatch during the inspection.

Obstructed Areas

Most Calgary home inspectors know their way around a house, but you can make their life much easier by clearing any obstructions to areas in the home that you know they will be inspecting. Remove any items or furniture that may be blocking access to your:

Attic Hatch
Electrical Panel
Furnace
Main Water Line
Hot Water Tank
Air Exchanger

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!

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.

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.

Are you buying a new home or planning to sell yours? Well, a home inspection in Calgary is a must. Having an expert take a look through all the parts of a home can guarantee if it’s’ worthwhile investment or if you have to make necessary repairs before selling.

But what do home inspectors check when working?

The answer is: a lot. So we’ve narrowed it down to a few key sections that they check while inspecting your home.

What do Calgary Home Inspectors Check?

A typical home inspector checklist consists of the following:

The Soil

Home inspectors always check your grounds and soils, which might seem like a strange choice. But it’s important to know if there are any current or future water issues such as faulty grading or downspouts, that can cause foundation problems later on.

The Foundation

Home inspections always consist of a foundation check of the home. They will look at current or potential issues that can arise from the foundation, such as if the homes are aligned and if the frames are holding firm.

The Roof

Roofs are pivotal for protecting the home while providing adequate cover when needed. As such, the Calgary home inspector will look at everything related to the roof, such as shingles, flashing, soffit and fascia, loose gutters; and defects in chimneys and skylights and so forth. They will also inspect the attic and see if there are any ventilation issues.

The Exterior of the Home

The likes of siding damages and cracks, windows and doors are always inspected from the outside in. This way, the home inspector can determine if there are any issues with ventilation, as well as ensure that the siding is not rotting or decaying quickly.

The Interior of the Home

When it comes to the inside of your home, Calgary home inspectors will be looking out for leaning walls, faulty framing, stained ceilings (which means a potential leak somewhere) and adequate insulation. All these factors are going to impact your everyday living and will cost you down the line if not repaired sooner or later.

Plumbing Systems

Inspectors will evaluate pipes, drains, water heaters, and water pressure and temperature throughout your home, particularly in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry). They will look for water damage and to see how your system is holding up.

Electrical Systems

One wrong electrical connection can result in a fire, so it makes sense that the inspector will check your electricity. They will conduct tests and overlook outlets, visible wiring, electrical panels, light switches and the HVAC systems to ensure they work correctly.

This is a basic outline of what Calgary home inspectors will look when checking up on your property. Remember, that the checklist might be altered depending on the size, outlay and additional accessories that are part of your home.

A home inspection in Calgary is intended to provide you with information about the condition of a home’s systems. Depending on the report provider by the inspector, it can determine whether it is advisable for you to purchase the house or not.

While homeowners wish inspections could be quick so they can get results faster, in most cases, home inspectors take their time to ensure that the information is accurate. To understand why it takes as long as it does, it is important to know what is included in the evaluation.

What is Included in a Calgary Home Inspection?

A Calgary home inspector will conduct a visual inspection by looking at the home’s various systems and components, both indoors and outdoors.

For indoor systems, the inspector will check the electrical circuits, HVAC (heating, air conditioning, ventilation) systems, plumbing and insulation systems to see if they are functional. They will also inspect the flooring, ceiling and walls, windows and doors to see if they are safe and secure. Depending on if your home has it or not, they will look at the chimney.

For outdoor systems, the inspector will look to see if there is no damage to siding, no loose or damaged stucco, no peeling paint, if the soffit, fascia and gutters are secure, and particularly if the roof has any damage, such as if there are any damaged or loose shingles, cracks or leaks.

Finally, the Calgary home inspector will look at the attic (to ensure proper ventilation), the basement and foundations of the house to guarantee that no extensive work is required.

Can The Calgary Home Inspector Give Advice?

Typically, a home inspection does not include any quotes for repairs or appraisals. It is about providing a breakdown of the property’s value and whether it is a safe and secure property. The home inspector will not offer warranties or guarantees about the house’s condition or how well it works.

Home inspectors might provide you with information on the repairs and a range of costs involved based on experience if you ask for it. However, if there are problems beyond the inspection scope, the home inspector may recommend further evaluation.

Upon completion of the inspection, the home inspector will provide you with a written report detailing the condition of every primary system of your home.

How Long Does a Calgary Home Inspection Take?

An average-sized home that provides easy access to systems takes two hours or more to complete. Larger, and particularly older homes, take longer due to the property’s difficulties and the age of certain systems.

The report itself is usually done during the inspection with touch-ups and a final assessment being done afterwards. Reports are sent to you the same day as the inspection or generally within 24 hours.

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!