Services/Fees

SERVICES

"SERVING THE KOOTENAYS
and
BEYOND"

Complete Home Inspections,
Pre-Sales/Listing Inspection,
Condo/Apartment/Strata Inspections

Please read the following options and general summaries:

Complete Home Inspection:

The Home Inspection is a visual inspection of your home. The report of a Home Inspection will identify any concerns with the condition of your home at the time of the inspection. The Inspector will go through and visually examine the structural systems in your attic, basement and any other spots that are visually accessible. There will be an examination of the lot and grounds (yards) to identify for you areas of concern. Generally this has to do with drainage of rain water issues and stability of retaining walls that directly affect the home. The Inspector will examine the exterior of your home looking for areas of weakness where moisture or insects could penetrate the building envelope. The Inspector will examine exterior coverings such as paint, siding, wall boards, stucco, stone, etc. The Inspector will look at your roof and determine the coverings. The penetrations (chimneys, vents, etc.) will be inspected to ensure the roofing membranes are water tight. The inspector will examine flashing and check your eaves-troughs to make sure they are all operational. They will go through each room in your house checking the polarity at your electrical outlets; and operating switches; and operate the closets and doors looking for any signs of weakness. Then a check will be done of the entire visually observable plumbing system ensuring acceptable materials and functionality are in use. We look at your electrical system main panel looking for proper materials and workmanship. The Inspector uses a "Thermal Imaging Camera", to check for moisture intrusion, overheated wall outlets, switches and wiring throughout the home. The scanner is also very effective at looking at your panel to determine if there are any overheated circuits, and we will attach a picture in the report of your panel taken at the time of inspection, if any concerns are noted. We will look at your heating system and determine whether you require a new filter, and whether it is oriented properly. We observe the HVAC system checking for any visible problems that require correction by a certified tradesman. We determine the year of your heating system and whether it is high efficiency, and/or needs replacement. We will look at your fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances to visually inspect any defects that could be present at the time of the inspection. The Inspector will look at any insulation or vapor barriers that are visually accessible. The final inspection will be of any mechanical and natural ventilation systems that are present.

Pre-Sales/Listing Inspections:

Almost all residential home sale contracts include the condition that the sale is subject to the completion of a "satisfactory home inspection". If the buyer’s home inspector finds a problem, there could be a delay if the buyer chooses to consult with an "expert in the field" where a defect has been identified (for example an electrician, plumber or roofing contractor). This is one of the reasons realtors and home owners sometimes request a Pre-Listing Home Inspection prior to listing their homes. A professional Pre-Listing Inspection just makes good business sense, as it gives the seller the heads-up on the property’s condition and there won't be any surprises once a buyer examines the home. With a Pre-Listing Inspection report, the seller may now sell their home with confidence. It allows the seller to be proactive and gives the owner the opportunity to perform the desired repairs; and for the listing price to reflect the condition. With a Pre-Listing Inspection, you can choose to sell your home "as is", by stipulating that the current conditions are reflected in the price. The Pre-sale Home Inspection may also help inspire confidence in prospective buyers regarding the condition in the home, and reduce time spent in contract negotiations, since a possible price negotiation subject has already been removed. The inspection report can be presented to the prospective buyers showing the repairs needed have been completed, to speed up the removal of conditions.

Condo/Apartment/Strata Inspections:

The Condominium Inspection is not as inclusive an inspection as a Complete Home Inspection. The ceiling, floors and walls can indicate deeper issues with the building where the condo is located. For example, spotting on the ceilings or floor may indicate a problem with the roof or water leaking into the building. Cracked walls can indicate a problem with the foundation. If the floors slope, they may be warped or damaged, indicating that they may need to be replaced; and that there may be an underlying problem, such as water damage. The home inspector will check on the electrical system in your unit. We look at your electrical system main panel (if accessible in condo), looking for proper materials and workmanship. The Inspector uses a "Thermal Imaging Camera", to check for moisture intrusion, overheated wall outlets, switches, and wiring throughout the condo. An illegal or improper electrical system can pose possible fire hazards. The Inspector will also check for system updates and will check ground fault interrupts in the bathroom and kitchen. The HVAC system should be inspected to determine whether the heating and cooling system works properly. Plumbing problems can be expensive. An inspector checks for leaks around pipes, turns on the sinks, and flushes the toilet to determine the water pressure. Areas around the shower may show water damage. The inspector should also check to see if the water heater is up to code, if contained in the condo. Kitchens and bathrooms are commonly the most expensive rooms to renovate, so it is critical to be aware of their condition. Fixtures should be secure and in good condition. No gaps should be present in the caulking in the tub and shower area. Kitchen cabinets and drawers should be easy to pull out, and in good condition. Appliances should be clean and in good condition. Most of the exterior lots and grounds of the building are maintained by the strata or building management company, as well as the roofing and building envelope, including balconies. We will concentrate on the interior and related systems that directly affect your living space. This will include the structure of the building and checking the condition of the roof. A quick observation of the common areas will be completed to look for major defects. You will receive a report on all the above observations.

Our Reporting System:

Nilsen Home Inspectors produce comprehensive digital reports that include photographs and explanations identifying major defects and marginal conditions. The report also includes suggestions and possible solutions to most of these issues. A qualified contractor is recommended on occasion to evaluate and estimate repairs and complete a detailed examination of the issues. These suggestions can be applied to correct conditions if you are handy, or give you information that assists you in understanding the issues. Older homes always have maintenance requirements, and our report will help you understand some of the obligations you have to your home. If a professional contractor is needed, the report information can contribute to your understanding of contractor obligations. We suggest you get three quotes; then you will have an abundance of possible solutions to consider, and a fair understanding of the associated costs.

Digital reports will be emailed within hours of completion of the Report (Printed copies are available if requested.)

Thermal Imaging:

Although infrared thermal imaging scans are a far better diagnostic tool than the naked eye, they do not guarantee 100% accuracy. Only removal or destruction of components can validate findings. When possible, other tools are used to verify thermal images, but even with these considerations, we do not claim to provide certainty. Conditions may change and cause the temperature readings revealed on thermal images to be different at any given time. Thermal imaging scans are limited to an initial assessment of incongruous conditions.

Thermal Imaging Cameras read surface temperatures, and can detect:

Heating and cooling losses.
Lost seals in windows.
Air duct leaks.
Active water/moisture intrusion.
Inadequate/non-existent insulation.
Abnormal heat from an appliance or electrical system component.
Plumbing leaks.
Damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems.

Electrical panel overheated
circuit and breaker.

Hot dog

Foot prints

"Thermal Imaging Included Free in all Inspections"

INSPECTION FEE STRUCTURE:

Complete Home Inspection:

Base fee $650.00 $ 650.00
Infrared Thermal Imaging Included 0.00
Attached Garage Included 0.00
Travel (within 100 km of Rossland) Free 0.00
GST 5 % 37.50
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TOTAL FEE $ 687.50

Pre-Listing Inspection: (before listing your home, solve the issues that may prevent the sale of your home)

Base fee $650.00 $ 650.00
Infrared Thermal Imaging Included 0.00
Garage Included 0.00
Travel (within 50 km of Rossland) Free 0.00
GST 5 % 37.50
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TOTAL FEE $ 687.50

Service Areas:

With Rossland being our base, we can service from Creston to Osoyoos, and north to Revelstoke.
Our no extra charge service area is within 100 km of Rossland.
If you are further away, mileage costs may apply, if you are the only inspection in your area for that day.

"YOUR EXPERIENCE IS OUR GUARANTEE"

Text Nilsen Home Inspections (250) 368-7184 your email and book your appointment today.
Randy will send you all the information, including availability of times/dates to get your Inspection under way.

ConsumerBC #78651