What is Involved & not involved in a Home Inspection within British Columbia

Exterior Evaluation: Includes the examination of landscaping, grading, driveways, fences, sidewalks, fascias, trim, doors, windows, and exterior receptacles.

Roof and Attic: Inspection of roof coverings, drainage systems, skylights, vents, and insulation.

Plumbing: Checking all pipes, drains, water heaters, and water pressure.

Systems and Components: Heating, air conditioning, ductwork, chimney, fireplace, and sprinklers.

Electrical: Main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans, and light fixtures.

Appliances: Checking major appliances like dishwashers, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal, and smoke detectors.

Interior: Checking for signs of water penetration, condition of flooring, wall and ceiling materials, and the integrity of windows and doors.

3. Duration of the Inspection

The duration of a home inspection typically ranges between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property.

4. Home Inspection Report

After the inspection, the inspector provides a detailed report that outlines the condition of each component inspected. The report includes descriptions of any defects found and may include recommendations for repairs or further evaluations.

5. Post-Inspection

Buyers can use the information from the inspection report to make informed decisions about proceeding with the purchase, negotiating repair terms with the seller, or possibly withdrawing their offer if significant issues are discovered.

6. Additional Inspections

Depending on the initial findings or specific concerns, additional inspections such as radon, mold, or pest inspections may be recommended.

7. Legal and Financial Considerations

In BC, the findings from a home inspection can be used to negotiate repairs or a price reduction. Buyers should consult with their realtor or legal advisor on how to proceed based on the inspection report.

When scheduling a home inspection in BC, it’s critical to ensure that it’s done as part of the conditional period outlined in your real estate purchase contract. This allows the potential buyer a chance to back out of the purchase if significant problems are discovered.

However, there are several aspects and potential issues that are not typically included in a standard home inspection. Here are some key exclusions:

1. Invasive or Destructive Testing Home inspections are non-invasive, meaning inspectors do not tear apart or dismantle any part of the home to view what's behind walls or under floors. They only inspect what is readily accessible and visible.

2. Hidden or Latent Defects Inspectors cannot report on defects that are not visible, such as issues hidden behind walls, under insulation, or buried underground (e.g., foundations or sewer lines).

3. Cosmetic Issues Minor cosmetic flaws, such as scratches, nicks in walls or floors, and other aesthetic issues, are generally not covered.

4. Life Expectancy of Systems and Appliances While inspectors can report on the current condition of appliances and systems, they do not typically provide an estimate of the remaining lifespan of these items.

5. Code or Zoning Compliance Home inspectors do not determine if a building is in compliance with current building codes or zoning regulations. For this, a more specialized inspection or review might be necessary.

6. Specialty Inspections Certain areas requiring specialized knowledge, such as pests, radon, mold, asbestos, and lead-based paint, are not covered under standard home inspections. Special certifications are required to conduct these types of inspections.

7. Environmental Hazards Home inspections do not include the identification of environmental hazards like radon gas, mold, asbestos, or lead unless the inspector is specifically qualified to do so.

8. Internal Systems Detailed inspection of internal components of systems like boilers, furnaces, and sealed air conditioning units are not typically part of a standard home inspection.

9. Personal Property Items that are not considered fixtures of the home, such as portable appliances, furniture, and other personal property, are not inspected.

10. Future Conditions Inspections are concerned with the condition of the property at the time of the inspection only. They do not predict future conditions or failures that might occur after the inspection date.

11. System Adequacy or Efficiency Inspectors generally do not evaluate the adequacy or efficiency of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other systems, but rather their general condition and operation at the time of inspection.

Understanding these limitations helps set realistic expectations about what can be discovered during a home inspection and highlights the importance of potentially seeking specialized inspections for certain concerns. If specific issues are a concern, such as structural integrity or environmental hazards, hiring specialists in those areas may be advisable.