Our one year home warranty is about to expire soon, and based on all the many problems we have had with our builder, I'm thinking that a home inspection might be a wise idea. I have used a firm on a previous occasion, but was not impressed with the scope of checks that were performed. I would appreciate any recommendations that you can offer for an good inspector in the Ottawa area.
Answer:
I introduced the independant pre-purchase home inspection service to Ottawa and area some 22 years ago and I'm doing now, what I did then. I go through the house and I want my client there because I need a signature confirming that you know that this is going to be a visual inspection and I will not comment on appliances, landscaping or other items outside structure, electrical and mechanical things. If there is anyone but the client present I don't say anything but after the inspection is complete I sit down with my cleint and we go through my notes. Then I get paid and I come back to the office to put it all on the computer. If you have a fax or e address, you probably have a copy of my report that evening. Whether you do or not, there is a signed, hard copy in the mail to you next day. Telephone and e mail information remains free and I archive a copy of the report should you need to follow-up but I discuss it with nobody else without your expressed permission. Of course my recommendation is that you hire someone with these principless and as many years in the inspection field as possible.
