Our Structural Survey Package:

Home Inspection Questions and answers

Q: What is a home inspection and why do we need one?

A: A home inspection means that we put the required building structure under a vigorous inspection in a professional manner. All the major integral systems of the structure are inspected thoroughly. The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Plus the lands and drainage.

We uncover serious faults in the structural value of the building that may be expensive to repay. This will enable you to enter into negotiations with the seller/purchaser regarding the condition of the property.
Additionally, we look at safety factors.

Q. What if the report reveals problems?

A: Understand that you will find problems listed on our report regarding the condition of the building. This does not mean that you have a building which is ready to fall down, it means that we have found a fault. The fault may be a minor issue and of no consequence. If the fault is more substantial then you are forewarned of the condition and able to adjust your offer price to the vendor, while naming the existing fault. This has the tendency of giving you some leverage in the purchase of your intended home. It also gives you an opportunity to evaluate any repairs that need to be carried out at a later date. There is nothing worse than buying a house and finding out after the deal has closed that you will have to spend a further $10,000 on repairs to bring it up to standard.

Q: How much does an inspection cost and what is included?

A: The fee is dependent on the size of the home. Please see the Schedule of Fees page.

During the structural inspection we will explain any deficiencies we uncover and answer any questions you have while we go through the building.. When the structural inspection is completed we will be able to give you an oral report prior to submitting a detailed written report to you. A copy of the report is, mailed to you within 48 hours, or it may be obtained at our office after that period of time.

Q: Do you follow any standards?

A: Yes! Our inspection procedures and written reports conform to the construction requirements of the "Building Code of Ontario: Part 9" or better.

Q: Should we attend the inspection?

A: It is entirely up to you but we encourage you to attend the inspection . If you are in attendance we will be able to show you and discuss situations with you. While we try to be as complete and as clear as possible in our written reports, the conversations between us at the inspection site may offer additional insights and suggestions. Under no circumstances will we advise you not to purchase the property. What we will do is provide you with a well informed picture of the building that you intend to purchase and accordingly allow you to make up your own mind regarding and weighing all of the information and facts provided.

Q: Why should we choose The Earl Group to provide us with a home inspection?

A: Here are a few of the reasons why our home inspection services are special;:

Experience! ... 30 years of residential and commercial construction experience.

Our professional service! We provide a definitively constructed, plain-English narrative report. We provide the written report quickly within 48 hours. Although we will uncover problems and faults during our inspection of the structure, we will attempt to provide you with a possible solution to the predicaments uncovered.
Our inspections are scheduled for completion usually within a very short time of our company being retained to provide the report. Usually the whole process will take less than one work week from beginning to end.

Q. Why do I need a home inspection?

A: A home purchase is most probably the largest single investment that you will ever make during your lifetime. You should be advised as to the condition of the property and the need that may arise encompassing major repairs before you buy, so that you will not place yourself in an untenable position.

A home inspection will also demonstrate the positive aspects of a building, as well as the maintenance required for the upkeep of the property.

If you are already a home owner then a home inspection can prove to be invaluable by identifying problems before they become major inconveniences in the future. In addition, if you are selling your home you may choose to have an inspection prior to placing the home on the market. This may enforce your position with regards to your asking price. It also affords you an opportunity to effect any repairs and correct any faults that may have been uncovered during the building inspection.

Q.Can't I perform my own inspection?

A: Yes you can, but you have to remember that the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge or expertise of a professional home inspector who may have inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his career. An inspector should know every aspect of the residential construction industry. He should be able to recognise any failure in any system. If you believe that you are one of the home owners who is capable of defining all the faults in a homes' construction, then by all means carryout your own inspection. But what if you are wrong? Don't allow your feelings to interfere with your logical judgement, remember you will have to live with your mistakes.

Q. Is it possible for a building to fail an inspection?

A: Of course not. The inspection is not carried out in order to have the building pass or fail. It is carried out to provide an up to date picture of the buildings condition so that the potential owner may make an informed decision. We try to avoid the influencing of our client, in any manner, moreso we aim to provide a complete and truthful statement regarding the condition of the building and lands.

Q. When do I really need to call for an inspection?

A: Ideally you should retain our home inspection service prior to the exchange of contracts. The offer you submit on the property should contain a condition making the sale conditional on the outcome of our inspection. In this manner you will be able to walk away from any accepted offer should you decide to. Talking about conditional offers....you should also include a condition that both you and the seller/vendor of the property will not enter into or accept any offer from any third party while your offer is pending.

Q. What if I find problems after I move into my new home?

A: Undoubtedly you will have ongoing wear and tear affecting the building. Our inspection does not guarantee that you will not have arising faults in the future. We do ask that if, for any reason, we have missed a fault or condition that we should have been aware of at the time of the inspection that you make us aware of your complaint or concern. We can do nothing if you do not contact us immediately and our aim is to make sure that all problems are conciliate in the shortest possible time for the benefit of our client.

Q. If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

A: Yes and here is why. You will have a full picture of the condition of the house that you intend to live in. You will also know of any faults that may exist or may arise in the near future. It also assists you when you take you inspection report to your bank or lender and they are made aware of the buildings' condition.