Barrie Home Inspector – The Right Choice

Buying a home can be a very stressful event for most people.  In the heat of the moment it can be very easy to forget or not realize how important a home inspection is when buying any property.  In the fast paced Barrie Real Estate market arranging a home inspection can be very trying as time is sometimes of the essence.

Most home buyers are not aware that buying a home does not come with any guarantees.  Caveat Emptor, Let the buyer beware,  is not just a saying when it comes to buying a house, it is the law of the land.  That is why having a professional inspect your home is so important.

Although some Realtor’s may place down the importance of choosing the right home inspector, when it comes time to explain why there is a problem with your new home, you will most likely be referred back to your home inspector.  In my ten years experience as a home inspector I have had this happen countless times,  clients calling with concerns with issues not disclosed by sellers or problems that have occurred since the inspection.  This is when the value of choosing a professional home inspector becomes so important.

WETT Certified – Most insurance companies now require any wood burning appliance
to be inspected by a WETT certified technician.  The Barrie Home Inspector offers a WETT inspection for $50.00 as part of home inspection package.  The Site Basic inspection consists of visually check your chimney, appliance, damper, firebox, hearth, and clearances required from unit to any combustible materials. 

FREE Thermal Imaging –  The Barrie Home Inspector was the first home inspector in Simcoe County to offer Thermal Imaging as part of home inspection.  We now offer this service Free as part of home inspection package.  Thermal imaging can help find hidden moisture and water leaks,  missing insulation, areas of heat loss and electrical hot spots.

Experience  – My personal experience starts at being a Registered Building with HUDAC, which were the original Home Warranty Program for Ontario.  I then followed that up with 7 years in charge of Project Reviews for Fire Department where I was responsible for reviewing plans and drawings and making site visits to ensure compliance with the National Building Code.  I was during this time with the DND that I obtained by Certified Building Code Official designation from the Ontario Building Officials Association.  Currently I have performed over 5,000 home inspections over the past ten years.

Training –  My training related  to the home inspection field:

Master Inspector Qualification

Graduate Carson Dunlop Home Inspector Course

Member of Nachi

Former Registered Builder with HUDAC – Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada – was new home warranty program from 1971 to 1973 when it was replaced by TARION

Over 26 years of combined Building and Inspection Experience

Residential and Commercial Inspections

WETT Certified – Over 6 years

Woodburning Systems – WETT recertification course

Mould Testing – Pro Labs level one mould course

Commercial Cooking Equipment Maintenance and Installation

Basic Sprinkler Inspection – CASA

Ontario Building Officials Association and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Courses – all 40 hours and taught in Toronto at OBOA

Part 9 -The House – Health & Safety

–deals with plan examination and inspection of the health and safety-related aspects of the house. This course includes: an introduction to the Ontario Building Code; the house – general; fire safety and protection; chimneys; fireplaces; inserts and solid-fuel-burning appliances; stairs; guards; insulation; health and comfort requirements; party walls; final interior inspections; and final exterior inspections.

Part 9 -The House – Building Envelope

–deals with basic part 9 house structural requirements and inspections, including the study of the building envelope. It includes: an introduction to the Ontario Building Code: difficulties confronting building inspectors; reading plans; the building permit application; the house – general; site plans; footings; foundation walls; concrete slabs on ground; roof and ceiling construction; floor construction; wall construction; and brick veneer and structural components.

Part 9 – Buildings – Structural Requirements

–deals with the more complicated aspects of the structural requirements and limitations of part 9 buildings in general. This course does not deal specifically with the design of structural elements. The course addresses: getting started; the law; excavation inspection; footing and foundation inspections I; footing and foundation inspections II; structural framing inspections I; and structural framing inspections II.

Part 3 – Large Buildings – Health & Safety

–includes the following topics: separation of occupancies; spatial separation and exposure protection; exits; lighting and emergency power; flame spread rating and interior finishes; service spaces and rooms; egress and exiting from mezzanines; health requirements; and fire alarm and detection systems.

Part 3 – Large Buildings – Classification & Construction-2006

-deals with the elements of a structure which are important when dealing with larger buildings. This is considered an introduction to part 3 buildings and includes the following: building classification; separation of major occupancies; building area and height; streets; building size and construction; occupant load; fire separation/fire-resistance ratings; firewalls; closures – Ontario Building Code requirements; firestopping; provision for fire fighting; and mezzanines and interconnected floor spaces.

Part 3 – Large Buildings

–It is largely based on the Large Building Syllabus – 2006 published by the Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and deals with relevant portions of Division A – Parts 1, 2 and 3; Division B – Part 3, and those points of interest as found in Division B – Parts 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12. Additionally, parts of Supplementary Standards SB-2, SB-3, and SB-8 are reviewed. Some areas covered by this course include: – Occupancy, Construction Types, Fire-Resistance and Occupant Loads – Building Fire Safety – Safety within Floor Areas – Exits – Vertical Transportation – Health Requirements – Barrier-Free Design – Portable Classrooms and Self-Service Storage Buildings – Public Pools and Spas – Rapid Transit Stations – Tents and Air-Supported Structures, Signs and Shelf/Rack Storage Systems – Change of Use and Renovations – Environmental Separation – Structural Design, HVAC, Plumbing – Resource Conservation

Part 10/11 Renovations & Change of Use

-training inspectors to be able to properly identify that a building’s use and occupancy is appropriate and the construction requirements due to a change-of-use in an existing building. This course covers the following areas: requirements for permits; applicability of parts 10 and 11; code terminology for evaluating renovation projects; building systems; occupant load; change in major occupancy; fire separations; basic renovations; example projects; site generated challenges; and change-of-use without construction.

House – areas covered are: Basics of Structural Requirements Design of Areas and Spaces Doors Windows and Skylights Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards Means of Egress Fire Protection Sound Control Excavation Dampproofing, Waterproofing and Soil Gas Control Drainage Footings and Foundations Floors-on-Ground Columns Crawl Spaces Attic and Roof Spaces Above Grade Masonry Chimneys Fireplaces Wood Frame Construction Sheet Steel Stud Wall Framing Heat Transfer, Air Leakage, Condensation Control and Part 12 Roofing Cladding Stucco Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes Flooring Plumbing Electrical Facilities Garages and Carports Cottages Log Construction Park Model Trailers

General Legal/Process

–this course deals with the Building Code Act, responsibilities of Governments, Municipalities, Building Departments, Inspectors, Designers and Architects.

Fire Protection

– deals with provision of the Building Code that relates to fire suppression, fire detection, firefighting and fire safety and covers Occupancy Classification & Construction Requirements ·Provisions for Firefighting ·Automatic Sprinkler Systems ·Fire Separations, Closures, Fire Stopping & Firewalls, Safety Within Floor Areas, Exits, Chutes ·Fire Performance Ratings, Fire and Sound Resistance of Building Assemblies ·Fire Alarm and Detection Systems ·Standpipe and Hose Cabinet Systems ·Emergency Power, Lighting and Protection of Electrical Conductors ·Ventilation ·High Building Requirements ·Special Protection for Interconnected Floor Space ·Part 9 Buildings ·Renovations ·Rapid Transit Stations, Tents and Air Supported Structures, Portable Classrooms, Self-Storage Buildings

Nachi Courses

Note: These are online courses and are open to all NACHI members.

Green Buildings

Online Roofing Course

Commercial Inspection Prerequisite Course

Inspecting Foundation Walls and Piers

Although finding a professional home inspector can seem very daunting with new inspectors appearing every day,  take your time and interview 2 or 3 inspectors to verify their experience before making a decision.  You will be glad you did if the house your thinking about buying has issues you should know about.

Call the Barrie Home Inspector anytime to discuss your requirements or just for information.  Cell  705-795-8255  or Toll Free  888-818-8608

Purchasing Your Home

Purchasing Your Home – Tips for Buyers

Why you need a Home Inspection! Your new home purchase will most likely be the biggest investment that most families will make.  Prior to committing to spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the new home, be sure you know what you are getting into.  Hire a competent home inspector to review the house and ensure there will be nasty surprises in your future home.

Why Choose Barrie Home Inspections

Barrie Home Inspection Services

Your new home will be inspected by a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association who has inspected over 8,000 homes.  A Free Thermal Imaging scan of home is included with every home inspection.  This can help find Missing Insulation, Hidden Moisture and Electrical Hot Spots.  As a Certified Master Inspector Roger has the Knowledge and Experience to provide his clients with Peace of Mind when purchasing a new home.

Call Roger today to discuss the different Types of Home Inspections and what will work best for you and your family.

Professional inspections are a thorough visual inspection of the house and property, taking as many as three hours. Inspectors come from an unbiased, third party organization which means that you can trust them to give their honest assessment of a home. It’s very important that you contact an inspector right away once a offer to purchase is accepted.  Most Realtor’s include a “five day home inspection clause” which allows time for the home owner to arrange an inspection prior to signing “home inspection waiver”.

Many real estate experts will advise new home buyers to find their own home inspector.  This allows you to discuss your inspection expectations prior to attending the home inspection.  Although Realtor’s will typically refer a “Home Inspector”, you never really know what that relationship entails, and in this “dog eat dog” mentality to close the deal that some Realtor’s have,   you might not be fairly represented.

Your Home Inspection report should be both comprehensive and detailed.  Every deficiency in your home should be documented and a detailed explanation of required remediation if required.  The “Barrie Home Inspector” includes from 80 to 120 pictures of most home inspections.  Your report will have an “Overview of area” and a picture which depicts the deficiency.  The detailed Summary at the end of the report gives the Home Owner a detailed list of items that require maintenance, repair or replacement.

The “Barrie Home Inspector” always recommends that you personally attend the Home Inspection and follow him around the entire house.  This enables you to see the context of the deficiency in relationship to that particular houses systems and discuss the required action to correct.  At the end of the inspection you will review all pictures of deficiencies  and either discuss the action required or return to the site of the deficiency to review your options for correction.  You will then be given access to an online report with a PDF copy of your report  for your files.

Remember, an educated consumer is a smart consumer.

By Roger Frost

Barrie Home Inspections

Inspecting Your Home Inspector

Inspecting Your Home Inspector

Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will make.  Most people get a home inspection done as part of the buying process to help protect that investment.  Buying a home is typically the largest financial investment a person or family will make.  Ensure your Home Inspector has the Inspection Knowledge & Experience to protect your investment.  The Barrie Home Inspector is the Right Choice for you. If you are living in Ontario and are planning on buying a home, here are some tips for you:

What Should You Expect from a Home Inspection

You  have to communicate with your home inspector prior to having your home inspected.  Ask questions about what is inspected and even more importantly what is not inspected.  For example most people think, and even some home inspectors, that a well and septic tank inspection will be included as part of the home inspection.   There are licensed professionals who perform both of these inspections and they are usually hired separately to perform their inspections.

A home inspection is a visual inspection of your home and its major systems.  Not everything is visible to the naked eye so home owners should be aware that there maybe hidden problems that may show up at a later date.  An example of this is a property inspected in Collingwood.  Seller had a flood in basement and did not disclose to Realtor or buyer.  Nothing was visible during home inspection as pictures taken showed.  When taking possession of house client found visible mould on insulation and when mould experts were brought in, it was also found under linoleum.  It is almost impossible to protect yourself from this type of dishonesty which is very disheartening for the majority of honest people out there.

Every professional home inspector has a Standard of Practice which dictates what and what is not inspected.   Most home inspectors have this readily available on their website and it is highly recommended that you discuss in detail any concerns or issues prior to hiring one.  If your potential new home has some issues that concern you, call your home inspector and discuss them before the home inspection to ensure that they will be addressed to your satisfaction.

Inspecting Your Home Inspector

Professional Home Inspectors typically belong to an organization that certifies them.  Research the organizations website for courses and types of qualifications that they require prior to certifying members. Is there a background check and minimum amount of inspections required prior to certification.   As a Certified Master Inspector you require both a background check and must have performed over 1,000 paid inspections.  The Barrie Home Inspector has performed over 8,000 paid inspections and is a Certified Master Inspector.  Many home inspectors also have certifications from other professional organizations that are related to the home inspection field.   Roger Frost is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association which indicates he is certified for both Part 9 and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code.  Knowledge and experience are the key prerequisites for a professional home inspection.

After interviewing your potential home inspectors ask for some past referrals or check on a creditable site such as Home Stars or Angie’s List.  Visit your home inspector’s website and view a sample home inspection report.  Note the detail and observations, are they what you would expect when you receive your report?

When booking your inspection, does your Home Inspector have lots of available time available,  that in itself should be a red flag.  Most professional home inspectors with experience are usually pretty busy and to hire a good one you will have to compromise on dates and times to book an inspection that suits all parties.

The Home Inspection

The big day has arrived for the Home Inspection.  A savvy buyer will come prepared with a list of questions and notepad for any items of interest that may require further evaluation.  Unfortunately most buyers quickly become bored with the time and detail needed to inspect a house and usually end up chatting with the Realtor.  I would highly recommend that the home buyers stick to their home inspector and ensure that they are aware of significance of any deficiencies or controls that he or she may point out.  At the end of the inspection you will get a detailed overview of the complete home inspection, including pictures of any items or interest or deficiencies.  This is the time to go with your home inspector and ensure you understand the significance or potential cost for items identified.  Failing to address item at inspection still leaves the option of addressing issue when your read your home inspection report.  Most inspectors will cheerfully review your home inspection report with you if you have any questions.

If a deficiency is found by the inspector the consumer should obtain three quotes for the repairs from a reputable and insured contractor. The inspector will not provide estimates nor should they recommend companies to use.

Pre-Inspection for Sellers

Many home sellers end up receiving less from the sale of their home than they expected due to a major deficiency that was uncovered during the home inspection.  This could easily been avoided if they had opted for a pre-home inspection.  Even if no major deficiency is found, just the fact that the laundry list of little items that require doing can be eliminated from the buyers home inspection report can make it very worthwhile.   Buyers could become nervous while listening to their home inspector drone on about missing caulking,  cracks in asphalt pavement, exposed wood that requires painting,  doors that need adjusting,  holes in screens,  loose boards on deck and the list can go on and on.   These types of deficiencies are common but also very easy to repair or replace.  When you go to a car lot, the cars are freshly washed and shiny,  your home should be presented that way also, invest in a pre-inspection and make your sale go smoother and get the best price possible.