- Home Inspection for Structural Problems
A compression type crack may be a warning indicator of a major structural failure within the wall. - After the Inspection, Buyer Follow-up
A home inspector plays a crucial role in the home buying process by thoroughly assessing the condition of a property. While the initial inspection provides valuable insights, follow-up questions to … - Rodent Infestation
Prelude to a Big Bang In May 2023 we were inspecting a property on Bowen Island. When we removed the cover plate on the electrical panel, the bottom of the … - Log Home Buyer’s Guide
Madeira Park View Lot In May 2023, we completed an inspection of a craftsman-built log home. The skillful fit and finish of the logs was one of the best examples … - Is a Grow Op a Deal Breaker?
Is a suspected grow op house a fatal flaw to you home search? We discuss the signs and action to take. - Inspection Report, So What?
OK so you’ve spent good money on that home inspector and their inspection report. You know what to expect from the house. You discussed the report’s findings with the seller … - Trees Close to House
Landscaping Issues As property inspectors, we look for items that can affect the house or the safety of the occupants. In particular, the landscaping can present hazards. Two of the … - Wet Basements
Major Red Flag We are always on the lookout for a wet basement floor or wall. This issues aways requires further investigation after the initial inspection. What’s the Cause? Wet … - Stop My Inspection!
Should the Buyer stop the inspection when a major issue is identified? It all depends on your budget, risk tolerance and future use. - How Serious Are Water Leaks?
West Vancouver Rental Suite in Distress Ceiling Drip Wet Light Wall Drip Floor Stains In January 2022 we received an inquiry from a tenant about water leaks into their suite … - Better Use of Home Inspections
So Much Potential The primary purpose of a home inspection is to inform Buyers of the condition of the property they are purchasing. The secondary use of the inspection report … - Choosing a Home Inspector
Decision Making In 2022 how do I choose a good inspector? A very good question. There are many inspection services and you have a limited amount of time to find … - Inspection Approach to Competitive Bids
Competitive Bids and Home Inspections Eliminate the Home Inspection In December 2021 we had a client inquiry about doing a home inspection on Sunday Boxing Day. Obviously we were not … - Newly Constructed Home Inspection
Occupancy Certificate Issued In the normal course of events leading up to listing a newly constructed house for sale, the Builder will have completed all the progress permiting requirements by … - Home Inspection Mentoring
For November and December, our inspector will be accompanied by student and or new inspectors. Our clients will benefit from extended hours on weekends and an additional level of scrutiny … - West Vancouver Condo Inspection Expertise
A condominium in West Vancouver can easily cost as much as a single family home. Avoid entering into a condo real estate purchase without evaluating the entire financial risk of … - Cliff Face | Gibsons
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector note on foundations built on a bluff. Rampart Foundations A rampart means a barrier and in this case the foundation wall certainly fit that description. When … - Mountain Goat | Keats Island
Abstract – Keats Island Home Inspector note on the need to perform a safety check prior to starting an inspection. Never Ignore Body Signals – Toes Tingle In order to … - Not Cool | West Vancouver
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on wine storage cabinets. New Home Perfection… Almost A must have feature in many West Vancouver new homes is a wine storage closet or … - Building Envelope Distress | West Vancouver
Photo: Stucco blister that when pressed, squeazed out water. Never a good sign to have water behind an exterior surface. Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector notes on a building envelope … - Polybutylene Plumbing Cautions | Halfmoon Bay
Abstract: Halfmoon Bay home inspector note on polybutylene piping, a product that has been discontinued from use. If you have it, your insurance company needs to know about it and … - Particle Board as Litmus Paper | Halfmoon Bay
Abstract: Halfmoon Bay Home Inspector note on water water stains. Are they serious or not? Photo: Note the water stain on the particle board to the left side of the … - Not Enviro Friendly Green Roof | Bowen Island
Abstract: Bowen Island Home Inspector notes on an unintentional green roof, that is, the moss growth was never designed for or anticipated. It’s certainly interesting but is it safe? Photo: … - Red Flag with Kitec Plumbing | West Vancouver
Abstract: West Vancouver home inspector notes on Kitec plumbing, its troubled history, how to identify it and what to do about it if you have it in your house. Photo: … - Damaged Structural Wall | Sechelt
Abstract: Sechelt Home Inspector notes on how to identify when a structural wall has been damaged without adequate support. Serious deflection consequences may result. Photo: The 2×6 exterior wall studs … - Freeze Protected Pipes | Sechelt
Abstract: Sechelt Home Inspector notes on winterizing exposed exterior water lines on a house using a product commonly referred to as heat tape. Tips on how it works and how … - Inaccessible Main Water Shut-off Valve | Gibsons
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector notes on how the BC Plumbing Code is poorly worded and applied to the main water shut-off valve, and its accessibility in case of emergency. Photo: …Inaccessible Main Water Shut-off Valve | Gibsons Read More »
- Defeat ‘Subject to Inspection’ Clause | West Vancouver
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector notes on how home buyers should make best use of the home inspection report prior to subjects removal date. The report has actionable items that …Defeat ‘Subject to Inspection’ Clause | West Vancouver Read More »
- Action Unsafe Condition | Madeira Park
Abstract: Madeira Park Home Inspector notes on a deck that, in the inspector’s opinion, could collapse at any time. Here’s what the we did about it and the real estate … - Find Roofing Contractor | Gambier Island
Abstract: Gambier Island Home Inspector notes on how to find a qualified roofing contractor during a busy season and get their commitment to do the job. Photo: Failed (leaking inside) … - Roof Transforms into Wall | Garden Bay
Abstract: Garden Bay Home Inspector notes on a unique roof design. Photo: A unique design that encompasses both roof and walls in one continuous curve. Unique Roof Design A Gothic … - 1925 Local History | Gibsons
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector notes on a vintage house and what it tells us about the history of the area and development of lower Gibsons, which was originally called Gibsons … - Decks Do Not Age Well | Davis Bay
Abstract: Davis Bay Home Inspector note on service life of wood decks. Photo: 41 year old deck… its time has come and now it needs to be gone. Signs Your … - Drywall Crack Warranty Claim | Gibsons
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector note on making a claim under the Home Warranty program. Photo: Drywall crack may be indicative of structural movement. Parkland is one of the newer subdivisions … - End of Service Life | Davis Bay
Abstract: Davis Bay Home Inspector notes on end of service life for heating and plumbing systems. Photo: Detail of a remarkable 25 year old furnace burners and heat exchanger. The … - Halfmoon Bay | 5 Costly Exterior Problems
Abstract: Halfmoon Bay Home Inspector notes on lot influences on property purchase decision. Photo: Wood siding destroyed by pests. Our inspection property was located just off Redrooffs Road, on the … - 4 Roofing Red Flags | Gambier Island
Abstract: Gambier Island Home Inspector note on indicators that a roof is in distress and approaching the end of service life. Photo: Loss of granular surface exposes the base material … - Madeira Park | Lifetime Warranty on HWT
Photo: Hot Water Tank (HWT) with lifetime tank warranty. Abstract: Madeira Park Home Inspector note on a brand of hot water tank with a much superior warranty, compared to conventional … - 8 Green Build Features We Love | Roberts Creek
Abstract: Roberts Creek Home Inspector notes on what features distinguish environmentally friendly homes from conventionally built houses. Be prepared to pay a premium for green technology, but it’s worth it. … - 1960’s House Reno or Tear-down | Roberts Creek
Abstract: Roberts Creek Home Inspector notes on a 1960’s house and whether it’s worth spending the extra effort to renovate it to modern standards. Photo: Roberts Creek has many dated … - 7 Fixes for Trip Hazard | Sechelt
Abstract: Sechelt Home Inspector notes on how to reduce a fall or trip hazard in a house. Photo Above: Note that the step down is just beyond the door swing. … - Wood Cracks OK or Not? | Sechelt
Abstract: Sechelt Home Inspector note on how to evaluate the condition of a wooden post or column with a split (>2 cm) in its surface. Photo: Note the spiral log … - Quality Build Markers for Buyers | Gambier Island
Abstract: Gambier Island Home Inspection notes on how to identify a quality build. We discuss how savvy buyers can spot a superior development by more than just asking price. We …Quality Build Markers for Buyers | Gambier Island Read More »
- Condo Buyers Monthly Fees | Gibsons
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector note to first time condo buyers, what to review and how far their liability extends. First Time Buyers Learning Curve We really appreciate having the opportunity … - In Praise of Old Condos | West Vancouver
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on an older condo and its location. There are many gems in West Vancouver to be found in older condos. Many have been owned … - Home Inspections in the Time of Covid 19
Abstract: North Shore and Sunshine Coast Home Inspector notes on safety precautions taken in the time of a pandemic. Change is Constant No questions our business practices have changed. Some … - Log House Appeal | Halfmoon Bay
Photo: 50 year old rough cut logs used on exterior wall. Beautiful aged patina complete with log splits, cracked chinking, weather damage. Authentic, warm and cozy. Abstract: Halfmoon Bay Home … - Know Your Load Bearing Walls | Gibsons
A home inspection on a renovated home should identify if any walls have been removed or altered. If, so it is important to determine if they were load bearning structural elements. - New Developments Nearing Completion
New Developments Nearing Completion Best Time to Finish We have several projects on the go right now with late Winter or Spring 2020 completion dates. From my experience, the change … - Strata Ownership Shared Costs | Davis Bay
Abstract: Davis Bay Home Inspection notes on what are the financial implications for strata owners. Financial obligations extend well beyond the walls of the unit. Photo: Common roof for complex. … - Steep Slop Lot Worries | Bowen Island
Abstract: Bowen Island Home Inspector notes on a steep waterfront property. We review important building issues and occupancy concerns that should be considered when the home is situated on a … - Open Floor Plan Renovation | West Vancouver
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on cautions about renovations that have incorporated the open floor plan. Open Floor Plan | Fads and Fades Where did it come from? Some … - 14 Features for Lot Buyers | Sunshine Coast
Evaluating Raw Land 14 Issues to Consider Thinking about a land purchase? Here are some of the top issues for consideration. These are our concerns. Use this as a template … - Retaining Wall Cracks | Sunshine Coast
Abstract: Sunshine Coast Home Inspector notes on what causes retaining walls to crack and when it is a serious condition. Top photo: There is a crack in the retaining wall. … - Rock Walls Stability | North Shore
Abstract: North Shore and Sunshine Coast Home Inspector note how to assess condition of retaining walls made of large rocks or boulders. Not Just A Pretty Face Rock retaining walls … - Plumbing Leak Rots Wall | West Vancouver
Abstract: West Vancouver Home Inspector note on plumbing leak and consequential damage and extensive repairs. Photo: Water damage to sheeting and the stud walls looks like this. The wood can … - How to find a Contractor
Photo: Chimney cap with cracks and mortar separation. Can lead to water penetration and damage to house interior structure. In need of replacement. House Keys You’ve had your home inspection … - Realtor Speak Good Bones | Sunshine Coast
Abstract: North Shore and Sunshine Coast Inspector note on what it means when the house is described in its MLS listing as having ‘good bones’. This should be a red … - West Vancouver | Underground Storage Tank
Photo: In the photograph above, the UST in the centre of the frame. It has been crushed and rolled up, ready for transport to a metal recycler. Behind the UST, … - Vaulted Ceiling Original or Reno | Gibsons
Abstract: Gibsons Home Inspector notes on vaulted ceilings. If this feature is not original but a modification to the house, then be sure to confirm that it was built properly. …