FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. HOW DO I SELECT AN INSPECTOR?

It is very important that you are totally comfortable with the inspector you choose.

An inspector need not be an engineer or an architect but he/she must have a good background in building construction matters and be current on the process of inspections and in reporting his/her observations and interpretations to you. Regardless of being an engineer or architect, he/she can be a R.H.I. "Registered Home Inspector" OAHI® Member, who has passed all the Educational,Technical, and Experiencial requirements demanded of an R.H.I. Certified Member of OAHI®. Ask for his/her membership card for proof of qualifications.

Ensure you get a written report, with maintenance and building science information.

Make sure the firm has been in business for some years. Inspections firms come and go every month.

Call Brian Callaghan of Alert Inspection Services Ltd. A "Registered Home Inspector" R.H.I. OAHI® member.

Q. DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?

It's a good idea, we certainly recommend you be present for the inspection, By following us around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about the home and get some tips on maintenance in general. This will also make it easier for you to understand the written report once you receive it. It could be the most beneficial 2 to 3 hours you have spent in this important transaction.

If the inspector does not allow you to be present during the inspection. It's time to choose another inspector!

Q. CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a "Registered Home Inspector" who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands of homes in his/her career and who has passed the stringent tests set by OAHI® to become a R.H.I. Certified OAHI® Member. Most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want and this may lead to poor assessment.

Q. WHAT WILL IT COST?

Costs should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. The quality of the inspection should be. Choose a "Registered Home Inspector R.H.I. certified OAHI® member. Choose Brian Callaghan of Alert Inspection Services Ltd.

Our typical fee for a Pre-Purchase inspection is $ 350.00 Plus GST for most homes. However, some factors (eg. Age,size and location) will affect the fee. A small price to pay to be a better informed buyer.

We suspect the house you are buying is not the cheapest house, but rather a house that you feel represents good value. We urge you to choose your home inspector the same way.

Q. CAN A HOUSE "FAIL" AN INSPECTION?

No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home, but remember, it is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code Inspection. It is not a guarantee.

Because of that, a home inspector will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future major repair or replacement for your knowledge and information.

Q. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?

If we find faults in a home it does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate and approximate costs. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours, but it is the inspection and associated report that provides you with the information to make that choice.

Q. IF THE REPORT IS GOOD, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind knowing about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You may also have learned a few things about your new home from our report and will want to keep that information for future reference. Our report will serve as a maintenance manual for you. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well informed purchase decision.

Inspectors from Alert Inspection Services Ltd. abide by the OAHI® Code of Ethics and will not reveal information contained in the report without your permission.

Call Brian Callaghan of Alert Inspection Services Ltd. At: Phone (613) 860-6155 8:00 am to 8:00 PM 7 days a week ( voice/E-mail 24 hours) E-Mail: alert@travel-net.com

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