FAQ’S

Question:  Why do I need an inspection?
Answer:  A home or commercial inspection provides you with an unbiased, objective written assessment of the property you are about to sell or purchase, including safety concerns. This puts you in the best position to make a decision regarding your investment. If you’re a seller, a pre-listing inspection gives you a blueprint to maintenance items you might want to repair prior to sale.

Showing perspective buyers the inspection, and what items were fixed, gives them added confidence in the quality and care you’ve taken in your home. Home buyers use a home inspection to gather additional information about the property. Understanding the condition of a property can provide peace of mind for both buyers and sellers.

Q.  What is a home inspection?
A.  A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property including major mechanical and electrical systems performed by a trained professional in accordance with industry standards. Some of the items typically inspected are: plumbing, electrical, grading, roofing, siding, windows and doors, HVAC systems, the foundation and much more. A written explanation of the current condition of the property is provided at the conclusion of the inspection.

Q.  What is a commercial inspection?
A. A commercial inspection is a visual assessment of a property to help determine current condition and safety. We work with each client to determine the scope needed. Some of the items typically inspected are: plumbing, electrical, grading, roofing, siding, windows and doors, landscaping, the parking lot, HVAC systems, the foundation and much more. Our commercial inspections are in general accordance with internationally-accepted ASTM standards for a baseline Property Condition Assessment. A written report detailing the current condition of the property is provided. The report includes digital pictures of significant findings.

Q.  How much does a property inspection cost?
A.  Cost of a property inspection depends on a variety of factors, including: square footage, time required, age of the home, number of heating and air conditioning units and location. Commercial properties sometimes undergo a bidding process depending on the time-frame available and can have multiple options in the bid. For information on the property you are interested in, call or email your home inspector in Montreal.

Q.  Do home inspectors find every problem?
A.  A home inspection is limited to a visual inspection of the home’s components and systems. Inspectors do not do damage to walls or ceilings, use invasive tools or disturb personal property. Problems that cannot be seen during the extensive walkthrough of the property are not within the scope of a standard home inspection.

Q.  How long will the inspection take?
A.  A complete home inspection generally takes between 2 and 3 hours onsite. This allows time for assessment of the home’s exterior, interior, mechanical and electrical systems. The client is welcome to attend the inspection and home inspector will work to thoroughly explain all significant findings. In commercial inspections, the client may be in another state, or another country. These may involve just a few hours or two or three days of inspection work depending on the size and scope of the inspection. The best way to determine the duration of an inspection is to call your local professional and discuss your specific needs.

Q.  When should I schedule the inspection?
A.  If you’re a buyer, you should schedule an inspection as soon as you have a signed contract in place and before closing. If you are selling a property, consider a pre-listing inspection before putting the home on the market. This will give you time to consider making any necessary repairs to boost buyer confidence and help your home rise above the nearby competition.

Q.  Do home inspectors ever “fail” a house?
A.  No. A home inspection is an unbiased report based on the condition of a home at the time of the inspection. A home cannot fail because any problem can be, and has been, repaired. It is simply an informational tool for you to use when evaluating a property.

Q.  Will the inspector recommend someone for repairs if necessary?
A.  Depending on what is found during the inspection, our professional home inspector may recommend that you have specific home components evaluated by a specialist, such as a plumber or electrician, for possible update or repair. If asked, our inspector may provide the names of three people in a given field for you to contact regarding your property. To remain objective, we never solicit bids on repairs or promote a single contractor. We suggest soliciting referrals from friends or family in the area. If that is not available, the local Better Business Bureau is a great place to find reputable contractors.

Q.  What kind of experience does my inspector have ?
A.  We follow property inspection industry standards and are constantly working to stay informed of licensure changes across the country. Eugene Mihov is Sertified Home Inspector with Diploma André Grasset College (Montreal, Quebec). He have more than 25 years of combined experience in construction and building inspection in Europe and Canada. He have more than 800 property inspections in the Greater Montreal area.