Here you’ll find frequently asked questions about the home inspection process. Whether you’re curious about inspection costs, what’s included, or the benefits of an inspection, you’ll find answers here.
If you have additional inquiries or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team.
How long does a home inspection usually last?
A home inspection on a 2500 sq foot home should take approximately 3 hours. Condos take less and larger homes take longer. Older homes generally take longer to inspect if they have not been maintained.
What will my report look like?
Argos Home Inspection provides top-quality home inspection reports for their clients with high-definition photography. Our digital reports are easy to navigate and will be sent directly to your email to review on your computer or phone. These reports are easily shared with family members and agents. Click here for a sample report.
Do homes pass or fail home inspections?
Home inspectors do not give “pass” or “fail” comments to buyers. A professional home inspector does not use this kind of language in their reports. Home inspectors will describe the components and materials of the home and comment and make recommendations on any of the conditions they find in and around the home.
What if the report reveals problems?
No home is perfect. Many homes, older and new, will have issues that must be addressed. Most systems in the home wear out over time and need to be replaced. Your home inspector will help you understand which of these systems need to be repaired or replaced so that you know in advance. A seller may adjust the purchase price if major issues are found. If your budget is tight, or you do not wish to take on major repairs, this information will be extremely valuable to you.
What do you inspect?
We inspect the major systems and components of the house. This includes the roof, exterior, garage (detached or attached), attic space & crawlspace, structure, electrical system, heating and cooling, plumbing, and interior areas. Our inspector’s goal is to identify any existing major problems during a home inspection. See the HIABC scope of inspection for an in-depth look at what every client gets with a home inspection.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The typical cost of an average-sized family home (2500 sq feet) is $550 +GST. Extra costs depend on the age of the building, additional suits, or additional carports/shops/garages.
What is included in the fee?
The fee includes a full review of all major systems in and around the home and maintenance recommendations or upgrades, a digital home inspection report with high-definition photography, and technical support for any questions you may have about your home after the initial inspection and report have been delivered.
Do I need to come to the inspection?
No, buyers do not need to attend the inspection. We recommend buyers attend at the end of the inspection so the inspector can go through the summary items with the buyer. During Covid-19, we follow HIABC inspection guidelines.
Do you offer a warranty on the home?
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less than complete information. It’s kind of like seeing a picture of a golf ball and trying to decide if it was a hole-in-one. Some home issues cannot be determined during a visual inspection and will only be visible after moving into the home. Some examples would be shower drain leaks that only happen when someone is standing in the shower. Some basements and roofs only leak under specific weather conditions. Some problems will only be discovered when the seller’s furniture or contents have been moved out, or finishes have been removed. With all of this to consider, warranties are not provided during a professional home inspection.
How many day’s notice do I need to give you?
We recommend trying to have 3 days to arrange a home inspection. We also understand that sometimes the window for home sales is small, and will always try and get our inspections booked as soon as possible.
What are your inspector’s qualifications?
Kendall is a graduate of Carson Dunlops home inspection training program and was trained in the field by the Home Inspectors Association of British Columbia. Our inspector comes from the water damage and mold remediation industry and held certification as a WRT (water restoration technician) and AMRT (applied microbial remediation technician) during this time of his career. Kendall has taken part in countless water/mold/fire and smoke remediation projects and has in-depth knowledge of how water damage can affect the home and the signs of long-term water damage within and outside the home.