EXPERIENCE
"Experienced Inspector"
As an experienced home renovation expert, Randy has made flipping houses a breeze.
Randy has successfully strata titled multiple units with complete upgrades and sold them to happy buyers.
He has spent many a day in the hot sun installing roof coverings. Water proof is the answer here.
Owning a landscaping company in his past is useful in identifying and solving drainage issues.
Randy has overseen numerous industrial projects and understands commitment to detail.
Randy started home renovations in 1983 and has seen many miner's shacks transformed into solid homes.
Ask the folks that have enjoyed years in their kitchens and bathrooms; the town knows his work ethic.
He has three children and one grandchild and understands the need for a safe space.
From every kind of home renovation, to new home construction,
Randy’s knowledge is extensive in home maintenance and improvements.
“There are no silly questions,
I am here to educate you about your new home.”
“Randy Nilsen has received his equivalency to carpentry with I.T.A.,
signing off carpentry apprentices training under him.”
"Testimonials"
"I have been very happy with the inspections you have done both on my previous house and my current condo. You are thorough and your summary document is helpful. In your house inspection you found several issues that had not been identified in a previous inspection. You were also available within a few days of being contacted which was very helpful."
Take care, Janet
"Randy was so good, we used him twice!! Very knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and honest. The kind of guy you know you can trust, the minute you meet him. And he provides a very detailed inspection report that is super helpful."
Taylor & Tara
"I needed a home inspection and quickly. Randy provided a thorough inspection with photographs in no time. The property wasn't easy as it is rural and had had the same owners for decades. The inspection gave me all the information I needed to make my decision based on facts."
Cheers, Gillian
"We were in Rossland doing business with our real estate agent. Being new to the area we asked our agent which home inspector would she recommend. She recommended as Nilsen Home Inspections as being a good choice. Although in a sense we didn't need a home inspector, we wanted to just have that extra piece of mind. We called up Randy Nilsen and set up a time to come and look at our home purchase. He communicated very well back and forth and when he did the inspection he did a few extra things for us. Our report was very detailed as to what may need our attention and things that are there that won't need immediate care but were small things. It was all nicely arranged in a binder for us to keep. We were very pleased to do business with Randy Nilsen of Nilsen Home Inspections, and would recommend him."
All the best, Danny and Wendy
Randy was friendly, helpful, and returned my phone calls promptly. He did a detailed inspection of the home and the report was easy to follow and very specific. Thanks for making it easy, Randy!
Thanks again and take care,
Emily
We were very pleased to do business with Randy Nilsen of Nilsen Home Inspections, and would recommend him." Randy was friendly, helpful, and returned my phone calls promptly. He did a detailed inspection of the home and the report was easy to follow and very specific. Thanks for making it easy, Randy!
Maintenance Advice:
Upon Taking Ownership of Your New Home
After taking possession of a new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues that should be addressed immediately. The following checklist should help you undertake these improvements:
- Change the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security.
- Check that all windows and doors are secure. Improve window hardware as necessary. Security rods can be added to sliding windows and doors. Consideration could also be given to a security system.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home. If possible, ensure that there is a smoke/carbon monoxide detector inside and outside all sleeping areas, on each level of the home (including the basement), and one near the kitchen. Replace batteries on any existing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and test them. Make a note to replace batteries again in one year.
- Create a plan of action in the event of a fire in your home. Ensure that there is an operable window or door in every room of the house. Consult with your local fire department regarding fire safety issues and what to do in the event of fire.
- Examine driveways and walkways for trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
- Examine the interior of the home for trip hazards. Loose or torn carpeting and flooring should be corrected.
- Undertake improvements to all stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is a risk of falling or stumbling.
- Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation. Address these areas as required. Consider hiring a home inspector to perform a home maintenance inspection as part of your routine home maintenance plan.
- Install rain caps, spark and vermin screens on all chimney flues, as necessary.
- Investigate the location of the main shut-offs for the plumbing, gas heating and electrical systems. If you attended the home inspection, these items would have been pointed out to you.
- Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
- Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary.
- Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
- Check AFCI and GFCI breakers and outlets for proper operation; replace any that don't "trip" when tested.
- If the house has hot water heating, bleed radiator valves.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are secure, and that the discharge of the downspouts is appropriate.
- Remove debris from window wells.
- Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk.
- Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during showering.
- Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
- Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads.
- Secure loose toilets and replace the wax ring, or correct flush mechanisms, that become troublesome.
- Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
- Clean gutters and remove debris from roof coverings.
- Treat roof, as a preventative measure, against moss growth (do not pressure wash!).
- Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage, condensation, mold (discoloration of roof sheathing) or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house.
- Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
- Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
- Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions.
- Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation, if practical.
- Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
- Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary.
- Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair window sills and frames as necessary.
- Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers and outlets; testing monthly is typically advised by manufacturers.
- Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated, and install exterior faucet bib covers if snow is a concern. Look at installing frost proof hose bibs.
- Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve on water heaters.
- Inspect for evidence of wood boring insect activity. Eliminate any wood/soil contact around the perimeter of the home. Check for damage to exterior trim and siding. Never bury wood as it attracts insects as it decomposes.
- Test the overhead garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
- Replace or clean kitchen exhaust hood filters.
- Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Replace any extension cords that have become brittle or worn.
- Check water supply hoses on washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators for cracks and bubbles; consider installing stainless steel braided supply lines.
- Replace smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries.
- Have all heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
- Have chimneys and pertinent appliances inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps, spark and vermin screens are secure.
- Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not sticky.
- If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed).
- If your home is in an area prone to wood-destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases. Look for piles of frass (e.g., similar to sawdust) which may indicate wood destroying insects.
- Clean the dryer vent ducting.
- Check your crawl space for water intrusion.
- Look into your attic for mold growth on roof sheathing.
- Check exterior caulking details; re-caulk where failed.
- Check water heater for any signs of leaks.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST APPROACH:
Although we’ve heard it many times, nothing could be truer than the old cliche,"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house at fair market value, when the time comes.
Please feel free to contact our office should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your home.
Enjoy your new home!
Standards followed by Nilsen and Company:
Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
ConsumerBC #78651