What to Expect on Inspection Day in Calgary?
So you've booked your home inspection — congratulations! Whether this is your first time or you've been through the process before, knowing what to expect on inspection day can help you get the most out of the experience. Here's a complete walkthrough of what happens from start to finish.
Before the Inspection
Confirm Your Appointment
You will receive a confirmation from House to Home Inspections with the time, date and address of your inspection. Make sure your real estate agent has arranged access to the property and that all utilities are turned on, including gas, electricity and water. The inspection cannot be completed properly if any of these are off.
Plan to Be There
We strongly encourage all of our clients to attend their home inspection in person. This is your opportunity to walk through the property with an experienced inspector, ask questions as they come up, and gain a real understanding of the home you are purchasing. You will learn far more by being there than by simply reading the report afterward.
Set Aside Enough Time
A thorough home inspection takes time. Depending on the size and age of the property, you should plan for anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Larger homes, acreages and heritage properties may take longer. We never rush an inspection and we encourage you not to either.
During the Inspection
The Inspector Arrives and Does a Walkthrough
Ryan will arrive at the property and begin with an overall assessment before diving into the details. He will work systematically through the home from top to bottom, inside and out.
What Gets Inspected
A standard House to Home inspection covers every major system and component of the property, including:
Roof including shingles, flashing, gutters and downspouts
Exterior including siding, grading, drainage and walkways
Foundation and structure including basement walls, crawl spaces and visible framing
Attic including insulation, ventilation and visible roof structure
Electrical system including the panel, wiring, outlets and fixtures
Plumbing including water supply, drains, water heater and visible pipes
Heating and cooling systems including the furnace, air conditioner and ductwork
Insulation and ventilation throughout the home
Windows and doors including seals, operation and condition
Interior including walls, ceilings, floors and stairs
Garage including structure, doors and electrical
Appliances that are included with the home
Thermal Imaging
Every House to Home inspection includes FREE thermal imaging using a professional FLIR infrared camera. This allows us to detect issues that are completely invisible to the naked eye, including hidden moisture, heat loss, electrical hot spots and missing insulation. This is an incredibly valuable tool and is included at no additional cost.
Drone Roof Inspection
We also include a FREE drone roof inspection with every home inspection. Our professional drone captures high resolution aerial imagery of your roof and exterior, allowing us to safely inspect areas that are difficult or dangerous to access. You will receive these images as part of your report.
Ask Questions
As we move through the home, please ask questions. This is your inspection and your investment. Ryan will explain what he is looking at, what he is finding, and what it means for you. No question is too small and no concern is too minor. We want you to walk away feeling informed and confident.
After the On-Site Inspection
Your Report Is Delivered Within 24 Hours
Within 24-36 hours of the inspection, you will receive a detailed digital report that includes:
A full summary of findings
Photographs of every issue noted
Thermal imaging images where applicable
Drone aerial imagery of the roof and exterior
Explanations of each finding in plain language
Recommendations for repairs or further evaluation
Maintenance tips to help you care for your new home
The report is clear, thorough and easy to understand. It is designed to give you and your real estate agent everything you need to make an informed decision about your purchase.
Review Your Report With Your Agent
Once you receive your report, go through it carefully with your real estate agent. Your agent can help you determine which items are significant enough to negotiate with the seller and which are normal maintenance items to budget for down the road.
Follow Up With Us Any Time
Our commitment to you doesn't end when the report is delivered. Ryan is always available to answer questions about your inspection, clarify anything in the report, or discuss any concerns that come up after you take possession of your new home. We stand behind our work and our clients long after inspection day is over.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Inspection
Attend in person so you can see issues firsthand and ask questions as they come up
Bring a notepad to jot down anything you want to remember or follow up on
Don't be alarmed by a long report. Every home has deficiencies and a detailed report is a sign of a thorough inspector, not a bad home
Focus on the big items such as structural issues, electrical concerns, plumbing problems and roof condition
Ask about maintenance so you know what to expect as a new homeowner
Read the full report before making any decisions about the purchase
Ready to Book Your Calgary Home Inspection?
At House to Home Inspections, Ryan Davidson is a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) with over 25 years of hands-on construction experience. We are committed to making inspection day an informative, thorough and stress free experience for every one of our clients.
FREE thermal imaging and FREE drone roof inspection are included with every inspection, at no additional cost.
Book your inspection today and get the peace of mind you deserve.
House to Home Inspections serves Calgary and surrounding areas including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, and more. Contact Ryan at ryan@housetohomeyyc.com or 403.998.6749.
