Before paying for a home inspection, it is fair to want to know exactly what you are getting. Here, in full transparency, is what an inspection covers, what it does not, and why that distinction matters.
What the inspection covers
A pre-purchase inspection is a visual examination of the accessible components of the building. Concretely, we look at:
- Structure, foundations and basement
- Roof, flashings and surface drainage
- Exterior envelope (cladding, windows, doors)
- Visible plumbing and hot water production
- Electrical system
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Insulation and accessible attic ventilation
- Interior (floors, walls, ceilings, stairs)
You then receive a detailed report, with photos and recommendations sorted by priority. Our pre-purchase inspection service explains the process in detail.
What the inspection does not cover
This is where transparency counts. A visual inspection is not a guarantee or a specialized expertise. It does not cover, in particular:
- A hidden-defect search (a non-apparent flaw will not necessarily be detected)
- Indoor air quality
- The presence of pyrite, pyrrhotite or iron ochre
- Asbestos or vermiculite
- Inaccessible elements (behind walls, under floors, under snow)
When any of these issues is possible, we flag it and point you to the right specialist.
A visual inspection, not destructive
The inspector does not open walls, lift floors or dismantle components. They examine what is visible and accessible at the time of the visit. It is a snapshot of the building’s condition at a given moment, not a crystal ball.
When a specialized assessment is needed
Depending on the age of the property and the area, some additional tests are worth the investment: radon test, well water analysis, foundation assessment, pyrite test. Thermography can also reveal hidden anomalies such as water infiltration or insulation defects.
In short
A good inspection gives you an honest, complete picture of what is visible, and clearly tells you where its limits are. That is exactly our approach. For an inspection in the Outaouais, request a quote, we reply the same business day.