What questions should I ask a home inspector?

What questions should I ask a home inspector before booking?

Experience Level

Although Home Inspectors in BC are all required to meet the qualifications set by consumer protection BC, Home Inspectors all come from different backgrounds.This is why it is important to ask your home inspector what their background is. An inspector who has spent his entire working career in the trades or building/renovating houses prior to becoming an inspector, brings a whole lot more experience with them to each inspection than someone who doesnt have that background. and has only met the minimum licensing requirements set by consumer protection bc.

Tom from TRC Homes & Inspections has spent over 20 years in the residential construction industry in many roles such as carpenter, superintendent, construction manager and has built over 500 homes from the ground up with georgie award builder Foxridge Homes. 

Do you inspect the hard areas? Roof/Attics/Crawl Spaces

You may think that the obvious answer to this question is yes, however some inspectors wont inspect these areas. Countless times i have had a realtor while i am up in an attic space say "you go up there?". The roof, attic and crawl spaces (if the home has one) are areas that are often neglected by homeowners which makes these areas that much more important to be inspected. Here is some insight on how these areas are inspected and what to know

Roof

The best way to inspect the roof is by walking it. However, due to safety issues (steep slope, weather or the type of roofing material) this isn’t always practical for the inspector. You can ask the inspector how they inspect the roof. The next best thing is with drones or telescopic poles. Make sure they inspect the roof

Attic

Attics can be tricky to inspect. Often attic access is blocked by shelving, clothes and other items which it makes it impossible for the inspector to access. Ask your inspector what they need to properly inspect the attic. In most cases its just a matter of making sure the attic hatch is accessible and nothing is in the way

Crawl Spaces

Probably the most intiminating area of the house to inspect but also the most crucial. Crawl spaces give the inspector insight into the condition of the foundation, framing, insulation and mechanical systems of the house. The crawl space tells a story of the condtion of the home. Make sure your inspector inspects the crawl space and if the crawl space is included in the price as some inspectors have an additional charge for them. Again, just like attics, make sure the crawl space access is accessible for the inspector