FAQs

A home inspection is a thorough, visual examination of a home’s accessible systems and components to identify safety issues, deficiencies, or maintenance concerns.

A home inspection helps you make an informed decision about the property by uncovering hidden defects, anticipating future repairs, and ensuring the home is safe and functional.

Typically 2-3 hours for condos and townhomes, and 3-5 hours for detached homes. Variables such as square footage, age, number of rooms and additional structures (such as garages), affect the amount of time needed for an inspection.

We examine roofing, foundation, structure, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, insulation, ventilation, exteriors, interiors, and more.

We do not test for full operation or long-term performance. Freestanding or personal appliances are excluded from the HIABC scope. 

However, we do offer a complimentary Recall-CHEK service, where the serial numbers of the major appliances are run against a database to cross-check for safety recalls. 

Yes, we inspect a wide range of residential property types, including detached homes, townhouses, condominiums, and duplexes.

Our inspection focuses on the interior unit and systems that fall under owner responsibility, such as electrical, plumbing, heating, and structure (where visible).

Common areas, recreational facilities, exterior components, and common strata managed services (such as central HVAC machinery, boilers, rooftop solar panels, elevators, etc.) are typically the responsibility of the strata and are not included.

Absolutely. Even brand-new homes can have issues. A pre-possession inspection checks whether the home is built according to best construction practices, identifies deficiencies before your warranty starts, or while the developer or builder can address an issue before it becomes too late or costly to repair after completion.

Our reports include detailed findings organized by system, with photos, clear descriptions, implications, and recommended actions and timelines—all delivered within 24 hours.

We recommend booking your inspection immediately after an accepted offer, during the subject removal period or due diligence window. Use our “Online Booking”  tool to schedule us anytime!

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage you to ask questions. It’s a great opportunity to learn about your home, gain maintenance tips, and better understand any issues we may uncover.

We typically encourage clients to walk through the home with the inspector towards the end of the inspection. This gives us the opportunity to show you any deficiencies found, for you to ask us questions, and learn more about the property.

You can book directly via the “Online Booking” tab at the top of this page.

Alternatively, you can call, text or Whatapp us at 778-881-3993, or send us an email at info@spectrahome.ca

You’ll receive your digital report by email within 24 hours of the inspection, often the same day.

Yes. We review the findings with you either onsite during our post-inspection walk-through. We can also schedule video calls (via Zoom or Google Meet) after the inspection, if you cannot walk-through the property with us, and review the final report then. This ensures you fully understand the implications and recommendations.

Yes, we offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends to accommodate buyers, sellers, and agents.

Our “Online Booking” scheduler provides available dates/times. However, if you wish to book an inspection outside the hours provided, please feel free to call or email, and we will do our best to accommodate.

No, just yourself and any questions you may have. We bring all the necessary tools and equipment to complete the inspection. 

We kindly recommend discussing with your realtor before inviting any tradespersons or contractors to the property for renovation or remodeling consultations, as their presence may cause disruptions. 

Yes. We can revisit the home to verify that requested repairs have been properly completed. Please note that we bill an hourly rate for follow-up inspections.

Payment is typically due on the day of the inspection.

We accept payment via:

• E-transfer
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Pre-authorized Debit
• Google Pay
• Apple Pay
• WeChat Pay
• Alipay

Yes. We use thermal cameras and moisture meters as part of our standard process to detect issues not visible to the naked eye, such as hidden moisture, insulation voids, or overheating electrical components. This tool enhances—but does not replace—the visual inspection.

Our inspectors are Licensed Level 1 Thermographers. 

We visually inspect for signs of moisture, mold, asbestos and pests, and we can recommend certified environmental testing services for further analysis and remediation. 

Yes, as long as they’re safely accessible. These areas often reveal critical issues with insulation, ventilation, pests, or moisture.

Yes, we inspect in all weather conditions. However, inclement weather may limit access or visibility, especially on roofing, exterior cladding, and site grading. Any such limitations will be documented in the report.

Aside from the primary garage on the property, these structures are not included in a standard inspection under HIABC guidelines. However, we can inspect additional detached garages, workshops, coach houses, and laneway homes if requested in advance and agreed upon in writing, for an additional fee. 

Yes. Our inspections follow provincial consumer protection standards of practice, ensuring consistency, thoroughness, and objectivity.

We conduct a limited, non-invasive, visual examination of all readily accessible, visibly installed systems and components, including exterior, roofing, structural, plumbing, electrical, interior, HVAC, fireplaces, insulation, attics, crawlspaces and basements

No. We do not inspect for code or bylaw compliance — the HIABC scope focuses solely on current, visible deficiencies, not regulatory conformity

No. We provide observations based on current conditions only. We do not predict remaining life, guarantee performance, or offer warranties

No. We inspect only those areas that are readily accessible and visible. For example, we don’t enter crawlspaces, basements or attics under risk, lift up flooring or remove walls, move personal items, or damage the home to gain access to an area. 

No. The scope excludes underground systems or abandoned components such as septic, buried tanks, or irrigation lines .

Detached garages, sheds, and other outbuildings are not included unless specifically requested and agreed upon in writing. We do not inspect landscaping, fencing, retaining walls, pools, or hot tubs, as these are beyond the standard scope. If you have specific concerns about additional structures, please let us know in advance so we can discuss options.

No. We do not verify permit status or inspect for bylaw compliance. You should contact the local municipality to confirm whether work was completed under the proper permits.

Yes, provided they are legally accessible at the time of inspection. We inspect secondary suites as part of the home, but we do not verify zoning, code compliance, or legality under municipal bylaws. 

Yes. We are licensed by Consumer Protection BC, carry Errors & Omissions and General Liability insurance, and undergo mandatory criminal record checks

Yes. We adhere to HIABC’s Scope of Inspection, Code of Ethics, and CPBC’s licensing requirements, ensuring impartiality and client-first service.

HIABC requires ongoing education, but CPBC no longer mandates it post‑2016. We voluntarily maintain our qualifications through continuing education and training.