FAQs
Here are a few of the most common questions we get asked.
A home inspection is a professional consulting service that determines the present condition of the home’s major systems, based on a visual inspection of accessible features. It focuses on the performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues. Inspections are often performed during a real estate transaction but may be done anytime.
A home inspection is:
- An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in time
- Primarily a visual examination
- Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life
- Documented in a written report
A home inspection is not:
- An insurance policy, guarantee or warranty on the home
- An invasive or destructive exercise
- Intended to identify concealed defects
- A code or design review
- Intended to predict future performance or life expectancy
- An environmental review or energy audit
Components included:
- Roof
- Structure
- Exterior
- Electrical system
- Heating and Air Conditioning system
- Plumbing system
- Insulation and Air/Vapour Barriers
- Interior
- Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems
What’s excluded:
- Cosmetics
- Code, bylaw and building regulation issues
- Outbuildings
- Swimming pools and spas
- Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems
Since 1978. We are Canada’s oldest and largest home inspection company.
We have 16 experienced, professional home inspectors with a strong management and support network.
- All of our inspectors are highly trained through the Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Training Program with 10 post-secondary level courses
- Our inspectors also go through rigorous field training as part of our six-month training program
- Some are graduate engineers
- Some are professional engineers
- Some are Registered Home Inspectors (RHI — Ontario Association of Home Inspectors designation)
Absolutely. We encourage clients to attend. The inspection is a personalized course in homeownership.
No, we provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. We understand that the condition of the home is one of many critical pieces of the puzzle when buying a property.
An average sized, straightforward home takes two hours plus or minus 30 minutes. Older, larger and more complex homes take longer.
The report writing process is typically about the same length of time as the inspection. Reports are sent to you the same day as the inspection.
Our clear, easy-to-read report includes photos and colour illustrations and is delivered electronically the same day of the inspection.
We cover Toronto and the surrounding areas.
Go to the following pages to see what is included in your inspection.