Serving the Lower Mainland
In Side Out Home Inspection Townhouse Inspection Services in Vancouver
Knowledge is critical to purchasing any Lower Mainland property, and especially when buying a strata townhome, there are many items to go over and questions to be asked.
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Be informed with an In Side Out Home Inspection – contact us today.
These are just a few of the hundreds of items included in our townhouse inspections:
Lot grading and drainage
Sidewalks/driveways
Stairs/handrail systems
Gutters/downspouts
Windows/doors
Garage/overhead doors/carport
Interior walls/flooring/ceilings/doors
Plumbing system/water heaters
Heating systems/fireplaces/air conditioners
Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
Retaining walls
Decks/porches/patios
Roofing/chimneys/flashings/skylights
Exterior walls/trim/soffits
Foundation/crawlspace
Structure
Electrical service/wiring type/outlets
Toilets/sinks/bathtubs/sump pumps
Cabinets and counters/kitchen/washrooms
Attic
In Side Out Home Inspection Inc. focuses on providing a wide range of services related to the inspection of condos, townhouses and houses. We are known for providing specialized services of house inspection in Vancouver to help you understand the house's condition before making this critical investment decision.
​13 Types of Home Inspection: Are You Getting the Right One?
Purchasing a new house is a big deal; it involves deciding which benefits you. Since it is a long-term investment, it is necessary to understand its importance and decide wisely. Inspection is essential to avoid future problems before purchasing a house. The most common types of inspection you can conduct include:
General home inspection: This type of inspection includes commonly inspecting your house for any visible issues without doing it thoroughly. It covers basic issues, from the roof to the basement, like minor plumbing problems, leaks or cracks, etc.
Pest control: One opts for pest control check-ups to avoid unwanted roommates. These inspections sniff out pests like termites, rodents, and cockroaches.
Radon test: This inspection checks for the presence of radon gas, an invisible gas that is harmful and risks a person's safety. It is present in soil, rocks, water, and building materials.
Mold inspection: Molds pose a health risk and can cause property damage. This inspection helps avoid this problem, keeping you and your property safe.
Asbestos inspection: If your house is significantly older, asbestos might be present. It affects a person's health and can cause severe diseases like cancer and asbestosis. Hence, this inspection is conducted to identify and avoid these serious health risks.
Lead paint check: If your house was built before 1978, lead paint might lurk. Lead paint checks help analyze the house's situation and keep your family safe.
Chimney sweep: Inspecting the chimneys of a house becomes necessary to avoid certain risks, identify minor issues, and avoid significant breakdowns if not resolved promptly. It is advised to keep your fireplace safe and efficient with a regular chimney inspection.
Septic system evaluation: If the house you buy has a septic system, it is crucial to inspect it regularly to prevent backups and environmental issues.
Water test: This test ensures you drink clean and safe water for your health.
Roof check-up: Your roofs must be checked regularly for cracks and leaks to ensure proper functionality and to prevent water from seeping into your house. This inspection identifies roof-related issues and provides a suitable and effective solution.
Electrical safety check: Ensure your home's electrical system is up to code and safe. This enhances working efficiency and prevents malfunctions and safety risks.
Plumbing inspection: Before moving into a new property, look for plumbing issues like leaks and water damage. Before moving into a new house, it is beneficial to look for plumbing issues like leaks and water damage by a thorough plumbing inspection.
Foundation check: A solid foundation is essential. This inspection helps identify any potential problems.
Remember, the proper inspections for your home depend on its age, location, and specific needs. Your real estate agent and home inspector can help you decide on the essential ones. Hence, before buying a house, you need to know what issues are lurking. Consider these inspections to avoid costly surprises. Contact Inside Out Home Inspection Inc. for top-class and specialized house inspection in Vancouver.
We Review the History
We encourage you to read the minutes of the strata council meetings, which will review the history of the building as far back as you can obtain them and highlight any areas of concern, such as water or moisture ingress, roofing concerns, plumbing situations, etc., which can be discussed during the inspection. Also, find out if there have been any engineering reports on the building and obtain a copy (your realtor should help to obtain all documents for review). We then will find out if any work was to be done, as mentioned in the reports, and if it was carried out or tabled for a later date. We will look at any past significant upgrades to the building, re-plumbing, rain screening, windows, slab or foundation membrane, roofing, etc.
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Our inspectors are highly trained in the home inspection industry and licensed by Consumer Protection BC. They are also members of Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, the British Columbia Institute of Property Inspectors, and the Better Business Bureau of BC.
FAQs
To offer you a better understanding, we have covered some of the commonly asked questions below.
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Are your inspectors qualified?Yes. Our inspectors are licensed through Consumer Protection BC, are certified home inspectors, members of Applied Science of Technologists & Technicians of BC, and British Columbia Institute of Property Inspectors, with training at British Columbia Institute of Technology. Our inspectors are fully insured with errors and omissions and general liability insurance coverage. In addition, we follow the American Society of Home Inspectors Ethics and Standard of Practice guidelines. We are also a member, in good standing, of the Better Business Bureau of BC.
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How much will the inspection service cost?The cost of the home inspection is dependent on the type of property to be inspected – single or multifamily house, townhome, condo, duplex or mobile home – and the square footage of the home for a specific price quote.
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How long does the inspection process take?The inspection takes as long as it needs to; there is no specific time allotment because it depends on the type and size of property. Also, the age and condition of the property should be considered. On average, the home inspection takes between 2½ to 4½ hours.
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When will I receive the inspection report?You will receive a comprehensive and thorough inspection report within 24 hours, and often the same day, so as not to delay the purchase of your property. Also, feel free to phone the inspector with any follow-up questions you have at any time.
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Should I attend the inspection?Yes, we encourage the client to attend the home inspection. By doing a walk around with the inspector, who will point out the locations of key components of the home and discuss any defects along with their remedies, you will gain full knowledge of the property and have the opportunity to ask questions.
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How long have you been a Home Inspector?In Side Out Home Inspection Inc. was established in 2000 by Vaughn Manley (Licence #50812), licensed owner and certified inspector, who has been in the construction industry for more than 30 years with a background in new construction, renovation, restoration and building materials sales.
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When should I schedule my home inspection?The best time to schedule your inspection is right after you have had an offer accepted by the seller. The sales contract should have a time period for the subjects to be removed, and the home inspection should be done before this time period runs out. Have the home inspection done sooner rather than later in order to have more time to deal with potential problems found during the inspection.
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The home I am buying is new – do I need a home inspection?Yes, even a new home may have defects. Gain knowledge about your investment, whether it is new or a heritage home – information is key.
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What days of the week do you inspect?We are available 7 days a week; there are no additional charges for weekend inspections. Contact us anytime to schedule your inspection.
If you have any more questions related to house inspection in Vancouver, feel free to contact us.