At InspecTech Outaouais, we aim to reveal the actual state of the residence to be inspected, identify any irregularities visually apparent due to regular wear and tear or sometimes caused by faulty construction.  It also provides for a detailed list of items to be repaired prior to the sale or purchase of the property.  Our inspections are directed by Mr. David Carle, Building Inspector and Expert, recognized for his professionalism and dedication.  The inspector will perform a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.  The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process. The advised client can then proceed with an informed decision regarding the said property.  A detailed report with supporting photos is remitted to the client  within 48 hours after the physical inspection of the building  has been conducted by the Certified Inspector. 

 

Every inspection is performed according to the standards and policy practices of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) and consists in a visual examination of the physical state of all systems and its composites:

 

• Roof: the roof-covering materials; the gutters; the downspouts; the vents; flashing; skylights; chimney and other roof penetrations and general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

• Attic: insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; and mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.

• Exterior: the exterior wall-covering materials, flashing and trim, all exterior doors, adjacent walkways and driveways, stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps, porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports, railings, guards and handrails, the eaves, soffits and fascia, a representative number of windows  including  vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion. 

• Doors, Windows & Interior: a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them; floors, walls and ceilings; stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps; railings, guards and handrails; and garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls.

• Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure:  the foundation, the basement, the crawlspace  and structural components.

• Plumbing: the main water supply shut-off valve; the main fuel supply shut-off valve; the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing; interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water; all toilets for proper operation by flushing; all sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage; the drain, waste and vent system; and drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.

• Electricity: the service drop; the overhead service conductors and attachment point; the service head, gooseneck and drip loops; the service mast, service conduit and raceway; the electric meter and base; service-entrance conductors; the main service disconnect; panel boards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses); service grounding and bonding; a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible; all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible;

• Fireplace: readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys; lintels above the fireplace openings; damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and cleanout doors and frames.

• Major Systems using the normal operating controls: the heating system, the cooling system,  central air conditioning, water heater, ventilation system etc.,

• Security Features: smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and stairs.