Vancouver House Inspections

We check the design

Some houses are more prone to leak than others. One of the most significant design features is the absence of adequate roof overhangs to protect the walls from rain. Obviously the less rain that hits the building the less likely it is to leak. Deck and balcony design are important. Decks and balconies which rely on small drains which are prone to plug, decks over living areas, "solid" railing designs, balconies which slope toward the building are more likely to result in leaks. Open walkways and stairwells are vulnerable to leakage and rot damage. Earth-filled planters in contact with the walls are potential problem areas.

We look for previous repairs

Is there visual evidence of exterior wall patching? Has caulking been installed in some areas and not in others? We check the wall penetrations on the walls most exposed to the weather. If the building has a stucco covered exterior have any water resistant coatings been applied subsequent to the original construction? The presence of any of these items will raise a red flag.

We find out the warranty details

For new homes we examine what items are covered and for how long. Is there a warranty against water penetration? How long does it last? What assurance is there that the builder will still be around to make the repairs? If the building is not new, what time, if any, is left on the warranty? If repairs have been carried out are they covered by a warranty?

We only use professional home inspectors

Make your offer to purchase subject to a professional home inspection. We are members of the British Columbia Intitute of Property Inspectors (BCIPI) and the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA). The process should take 4 to 5 hours and will include a detailed written report and digital photos on disk. Be aware that a home inspection is a visual inspection and does not involve drilling holes and using instruments to check moisture levels. We will go through a building and give an opinion on the probability of problems based on the design features present and may also identify previous repairs but leaks may go undetected if there are no visible signs present. We'll make recommendations as necessary.

Inspection Types

Pre-Purchase House Inspection

A home inspection prior to purchasing gives you some of the most important information needed to protect you and your family. Not understanding the true condition of your potential purchase can cost you thousands of dollars, not to mention countless hours of your time. Regardless of weather an inspection can uncover a major defect or regular needed repairs or maintenance. It makes sense to have an independent review done on your behalf so you have a clear picture.

Pre-Listing House Inspection

Pre-Listing inspections make your home easier and faster to sell. An inspection can prevent surprises from cropping up at closing time and provide prospective buyers with an atmosphere of good faith and confidence. By knowing about problems in advance, you can then decide if you wish to fix the problem or disclose it to the buyer.

"Open House" Inspection

With today's competitive market, we realize your need to make immediate buying decisions. To accomodate this, we will accompany you through an open house showing.

During and after the "Open House" Inspection, Mainland Home Inspections will discuss the findings, and advise on the quality of the home.

Note: the "Open House" Inspection is not as thorough as a regular inspection, but does focus on critical components which may affect your purchase decision.

New House Inspection

Most homeowners can easily identify the cosmetic deficiencies. It takes a professional who is familiar with all codes to find the rest. By having a new home inspected the opportunity exists to learn as much as you can about the house and how to look after it, before you buy it. The inspector can point out known problem areas and suggest maintenance practices which will reduce or eliminate most problems before they can start.