Like any home inspection company, we see many common questions directed both to us and to the home inspection industry as a whole. Here are a few of the more common questions that we encounter. Do you have a question that isn't covered below? Please contact us and we will get you that answer you are looking for!
What does a home inspection cover?
We follow the InterNACHI Standard of Practice, with a specific focus on a home's major systems (foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC). A quick summary of all areas we inspect can be found here. We have inspected homes ranging from brand new to almost 250 years old and everything in between (including plenty of mobile/mini homes and always take the time to go above and beyond these minimum standards.
How Long Does a typical Home Inspection Take?
Inspection times vary, but we typically aim for 2 to 2.5 hours on site. One thing to note is that while our home inspections are efficient, we pride ourselves at not looking at a clock during a home inspection. Our priority will always be performing a quality home inspection over meeting an artificial time constraint. A checklist and verbal summary will be provided on site with the report completed back at the office. Our reports are usually completed within 24 hours and will be delivered by the end of the next day.
are You Certified? Licensed?
Our inspector, Michael Burfitt, is a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and a Certified Radon/Mold Consultant from the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2). A CPI must meet a number of requirements to maintain this designation, including annual continuing education. For see some of our inspector's extensive education and other credentials please look here.
Nova Scotia does not presently regulate or license home inspectors, however our company is built similar to the requirements of other licensed areas in North America and will be able to seamlessly transition should our province introduce home inspection regulations in the future.
Nova Scotia does not presently regulate or license home inspectors, however our company is built similar to the requirements of other licensed areas in North America and will be able to seamlessly transition should our province introduce home inspection regulations in the future.
What is Your Service Area?
In addition to the entire Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), our service area includes most of the Annapolis Valley (Including Kentville, Wolfville & Greenwood), Bridgewater, Truro, and New Glasgow/Stellarton/Westville, all with no extra travel charges or fees.
We can also provide our services to other areas of Mainland Nova Scotia and Southeast New Brunswick, including Greater Moncton, subject to availability and travel charges. Please contact us for a quote today!
We can also provide our services to other areas of Mainland Nova Scotia and Southeast New Brunswick, including Greater Moncton, subject to availability and travel charges. Please contact us for a quote today!
Do I Need to be Present During the Inspection?
No, but it is both highly recommended and encouraged. The biggest reason for this is the wealth of information you can gain about your home: our inspections are informative, educational and occasionally fun and is your chance to learn directly from an experienced and seasoned home inspector about any issues or concerns you may have. We will take the time to show you our findings and what the next steps could be.
Will You Provide a Report? How Detailed is it?
A standard home inspection also includes a detailed, easy to understand report. Here is an example of our standard inspection report. What makes our company unique is that we do not use boilerplate language or excessive, long winded legal disclaimers and our observations are written free of industry jargon. If an issue is beyond the scope or ability of a home inspector, we also offer suggestions on who to contact and what information to provide them.
In accordance with professional standards and in compliance with privacy legislation, our reports are solely for the use of our client(s) and while we encourage you to share your report with any interested parties, findings in a report are considered to be confidential and will not be shared with any outside parties except as required by law.
In accordance with professional standards and in compliance with privacy legislation, our reports are solely for the use of our client(s) and while we encourage you to share your report with any interested parties, findings in a report are considered to be confidential and will not be shared with any outside parties except as required by law.
Do You Fail/Condemn Homes?
No.
In Nova Scotia, as with most of North America, building code enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of a Building Official, which while similar in many ways is a different occupation. Building inspectors typically work for a town or municipality and are focused on municipal code compliance (i.e. bylaw M-200 in Halifax) while home inspectors generally work directly with home buyers, sellers and owners with a more in depth, personalized service and a focus on safety and big-ticket items.
A home inspection report is not a pass/fail but a professional evaluation of a home and its many systems by a trained inspector. While some issues are more significant than others, we are merely advisors and do not engage in code or other law enforcement, nor do we report any building related issues to local authorities.
In Nova Scotia, as with most of North America, building code enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of a Building Official, which while similar in many ways is a different occupation. Building inspectors typically work for a town or municipality and are focused on municipal code compliance (i.e. bylaw M-200 in Halifax) while home inspectors generally work directly with home buyers, sellers and owners with a more in depth, personalized service and a focus on safety and big-ticket items.
A home inspection report is not a pass/fail but a professional evaluation of a home and its many systems by a trained inspector. While some issues are more significant than others, we are merely advisors and do not engage in code or other law enforcement, nor do we report any building related issues to local authorities.
Do You Offer or Estimate Repairs?
We do not offer repair or estimation services for two reasons.
- Almost all professional home inspector associations do not permit members to work on a home they have inspected for a year period after inspection, with some small exceptions.
- Building material and contractor prices and availability fluctuate wildly, especially in the past 3 years and it is impossible to provide an accurate estimation.
Are There are Specific Red Flags or Common Problems?
Each home is unique, with no two homes having same issues. However, in our experience here are a few commonly seen problems.
While a report may seem upsetting or overwhelming at first, it is important to note that we have never come across a "perfect" home and most likely never will, even in brand new construction.
- Inadequate/missing/expired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Outdated electrical systems, which are generally inadequate for modern families.
- Missing or improperly secured handrails.
- Unsafe or improperly constructed decks.
- Poor drainage and missing/damaged rain gutters.
- Inadequate ventilation and/or insulation.
- Poorly fitting doors and drafty windows.
- Inadequate DIY repairs and maintenance.
- Clogged/dirty air filters.
While a report may seem upsetting or overwhelming at first, it is important to note that we have never come across a "perfect" home and most likely never will, even in brand new construction.
What is Your Policy on Follow-Up Questions?
We love our clients and love to talk about homes! If at any time after the inspection you have questions, comments, or concerns just reach out to us directly either by phone (902-209-9921) or email your inspector ([email protected]). We would be happy to answer any questions you might have, with no time limit.
Why Should I Pick Inside Edge for a home inspection?
There are a large number of home inspection companies in Nova Scotia, particularly in the greater Halifax area. We appreciate your interest in our company and its services and hope you will trust us with all your home inspection needs.
Setting aside our inspector's extensive background and credentials, our extensive blog, and other free and accessible resources, the main reason to pick our company is that we offer the best of best worlds: we are a well-established, stable company with formal processes and procedures in place, such as our commitment to safety and privacy (go ahead and read it: it's not that boring!) yet are also a small, family run company with deep roots in our community and a passion for helping our neighbours. You will never find any robotic corporate scripts, AI chatbots who pretend to be human or long call centre wait times (funny how they are always "busier than normal", isn't it?) as you will work directly with a Certified Professional Inspector every step of the way.
We have built our company with rock solid integrity and ethics based on referrals from clients new and old alike. We are also homeowners and know the immense responsibility that is being entrusted onto our shoulders and invite you to see why we are the clear choice for a home inspector, whether you are in Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro, Kentville, Bridgewater, New Glasgow or anywhere else in Central Nova Scotia.
Setting aside our inspector's extensive background and credentials, our extensive blog, and other free and accessible resources, the main reason to pick our company is that we offer the best of best worlds: we are a well-established, stable company with formal processes and procedures in place, such as our commitment to safety and privacy (go ahead and read it: it's not that boring!) yet are also a small, family run company with deep roots in our community and a passion for helping our neighbours. You will never find any robotic corporate scripts, AI chatbots who pretend to be human or long call centre wait times (funny how they are always "busier than normal", isn't it?) as you will work directly with a Certified Professional Inspector every step of the way.
We have built our company with rock solid integrity and ethics based on referrals from clients new and old alike. We are also homeowners and know the immense responsibility that is being entrusted onto our shoulders and invite you to see why we are the clear choice for a home inspector, whether you are in Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro, Kentville, Bridgewater, New Glasgow or anywhere else in Central Nova Scotia.
How Much Does a Typical Home Inspection Cost?
We offer some of the best value in Nova Scotia, combining high quality inspection services with reasonable and affordable rates. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to cut expenses and pass the savings directly onto you, our valued clients. There are also no hidden fees or surcharges in our rates, including taxes!
For the latest pricing information, please look at our current price list. We are proud to also offer Aerial Photography, Sewer Line Inspections as well as Water, Radon and Mold Testing services. Looking for any other service you don't see listed? contact us and we can work with you to provide a solution or offer some suggestions on where to look.
For the latest pricing information, please look at our current price list. We are proud to also offer Aerial Photography, Sewer Line Inspections as well as Water, Radon and Mold Testing services. Looking for any other service you don't see listed? contact us and we can work with you to provide a solution or offer some suggestions on where to look.
How Far Ahead Do I Need To Book?
One of the biggest gripes we hear is now difficult it is to receive prompt service from any home related professional. We pride ourselves on being responsive and offering our services as efficiently as possible. While the more notice we get the easier it is to accommodate your schedule, we can often book an appointment next day if available for full home inspections.
What is a WETT Inspection?
While it may conjure images of water testing, WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) is an organization that provides training for specialized inspections often required by insurance companies for wood burning appliances. We do not offer WETT certified inspections at this time but can help point out in the right direction on what level of WETT inspection you may require.
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Inside Edge Home Inspections Ltd.
Halifax, NS 902-209-9921 [email protected] Proudly Serving the HRM & Central Nova Scotia |
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