Bying a Property | For Owners | About our Inspections | Rates | Why Choose Guardian | FAQS

	Resale Homes New Homes Multiple Dwellings Commercial Properties Investigating Specific Concerns
	Buying a Resale Home Buying a resale house is similar to buying a used car, as unexpected repairs may be just around the corner. The goal of the inspection is to identify conditions that typically affect a buyer's decision to buy or not buy a property, to advise the significance of these conditions and provide recommendations, including priority of repairs and cost estimates for budgeting. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Buying a New Home Buyers of new houses expect no defects or repair costs in the first few years. They believe that municipal building inspections will catch any significant problems and that the Ontario New Home Warranty Program will cover any repair costs. Buyers may not realize that the warranty excludes some of the most common complaints, such as normal shrinkage and hairline foundation cracks which have not yet leaked. Buyers of new homes can not be assured that the builder will correct any deficiencies to the buyer's satisfaction, unless details are specified in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. The deficiencies specified in Guardian's pre-purchase inspection report can greatly assist the Buyer provide a list of incomplete and deficient items for completion before the time the Buyer assumes possession. Guardian's pre-purchase inspection report can also help a Buyer identify incomplete and deficient items just prior to possession, when the Buyer is asked to inspect the new home and sign the Ontario New Home Warranty Program Certificate of Completion and Possession. Following possession, the builder can claim that common defects were the result of shrinkage, minor settlement, etc which are specifically excluded from the warranty coverage. Many builders will not repair defects such as foundation cracks until they actually leak. It is clearly to the buyer's advantage to identify all deficiencies as early as possible. Guardian's inspection is focused on defects in material and workmanship. Many of these defects relate to failure to meet building codes or standards. Guardian's inspections can not confirm compliance to all codes and standards since most completed areas have concealed components and few houses meet all of the mandatory requirements. New homes are covered by the Ontario New Home Warranty Program (ONHWP) against defects in materials and workmanship for the first year. Water penetration from the exterior and mechanical equipment such as the furnace have warranty coverage of two years from the date of possession. The house is covered for a period of seven years against major structural failure which leaves the house substantially uninhabitable. The buyer must notify both the builder and the ONHWP in writing within the warranty period. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Buying a Multiple Dwelling House or Building Buyers of multiple dwelling buildings should be concerned with mandatory retroactive standards, as well as the same issues as resale homes, as described above. All multiple dwelling properties must meet the Ontario Fire Code requirements for fire separations, exits, and smoke alarms. The specific requirements depend on the number of dwelling units, building size, etc. As the Fire Code is subject to interpretation by the local Fire Department, Guardian's inspections can only identify the general compliance issues, rather than provide a substitutue for a certificate of compliance from the Fire Department. Multiple dwelling buildings are also subject to rental standards, generally enforced by the municipality. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Buying a Commercial Property Commercial properties are subject to similar issues as resale houses. The goal of our inspection is to identify conditions that typically affect a buyer's decision to buy or not buy a property, to advise the significance of these conditions and provide recommendations, including priority of repairs and cost estimates for budgeting. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Investigating Specific Concerns Buyers and Owners frequently need a second opinion on the causes of a problem and what options are available for repair. In some cases, repair contractors will recommend what is best for the contractor rather than the owner. Guardian does not benefit by the repair decision and will often discover a less expensive repair option. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)    Back to top

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Bying a Property | For Owners | About our Inspections | Rates | Why Choose Guardian | FAQS

	Inspector's credentials Scheduling an Inspection Fees What items are inspected Other issues
	Inspector's credentials Who performs the inspections? All inspections are performed by Terry Carson, the owner of Guardian Home Inspectors® Inc. What are your qualifications Terry is a Registered Home Inspector (RHI) of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors, a qualified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and a Certified Technician with the Ontario Association of Certified Technicians and Technologists. He also has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario. Terry has been instrumental in development of standards, education and examinations for home inspectors. He served as Chair of the Exam Committee of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Board of Examiners and developed the insurance qualification exam for Canadian Association of Home Inspectors. He continues to serve on the board of directors and technical committees of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. How long have you been performing inspections? Terry has inspected full time since 1984, built and renovated houses, coordinated construction projects, developed courses, curriculum and examinations for Canadian and US home inspectors. Terry currently teaches home inspectors as well as real estate agents as a Continuing Education Instructor for the Ontario Real Estate Association. Few home inspectors have his level of knowledge and experience. Are you an engineer? Terry is not a professional engineer, but is a Certified Technician with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists in the Applied Building Sciences Division. Terry has performed numerous inspections for clients who are engineers. They understand that an experienced generalist is better equipped to detect problems in a number of different building systems than an engineer who only works in one specialized area. Terry does not hesitate to refer problems requiring specialized evaluation and design to appropriate specialists. In the early 1980Ős Terry was part of various engineering project teams with the Shell Canada Head Office Purchasing Contracts and Engineered Equipment Department. Are you a member of the OAHI, CAHI and ASHI? Yes. Terry was in fact the founding President of the OAHI in 1986, spearheaded passage of the OAHI Act in 1994 (North America's first professional self- regulation legislation), and continues to serve on the OAHI board of directors and technical committees. He belongs to CAHI, through the OAHI and authored the CAHI insurance qualification exam. Terry qualified with ASHI as a member in 1987, won the ASHI Member of the Year award in 1989, and chaired the ASHI membership qualification exam in 1994.   Back to top   Scheduling an Inspection What happens during the inspection? The inspection starts with an initial briefing in which we outline the scope and limitations of the inspection and the client outlines any concerns or provides background information.The inspection process starts with the exterior elements, progressing to the roof, then the basement, to examine the structure, water tightness and the mechanical systems. The inspection then proceeds through the interior areas, finishing at the attic spaces. At the conclusion, the findings are documented, the report printed, discussed and presented. The inspection time is roughly divided into quarter segments for the exterior/ roof, basement/ mechanical systems, interior areas and reporting. We will gladly answer questions after the inspection has ended. How long does an inspection last? A typical inspection lasts 2.5 -3 hours.The amount of time depends on a number of factors including: size of the property, number of furnaces and other mechanical equipment, property conditions (well maintained properties require less time), and the number of questions you ask. We generally find that at least one hour is required for every 1000 square feet of the building floor area inspected, but that a complicated small house can take more time than a large house in good condition. We can never predict at the beginning how much time will be required. Who should attend the inspection? We prefer that the client and others critical to decision or transaction attend.. As the inspection will take several hours, the client should if possible make no other commitments for this time, to devote full attention to the inspection. In cases where the seller, tenants or unrelated parties are present, we make a point to politely restrict information to the client. When can an inspection be scheduled? Inspections are generally performed between 9:00-12:00 noon, 1:00 -4:00 pm and 4:30- 7:30 pm during the week. We try to be flexible to meet your schedule. Weekend appointments may be available subject to our family commitments. Can tentative bookings be scheduled? Regrettably, we can not hold tentative bookings if others are prepared to commit to the same time. We suggest that you call before you submit an offer, so we can advise how much lead time should be allowed for completing the inspection.   Back to top   Fees How much does the inspection cost? Our fees are based on time. We charge $325 ($347.75 with 7% GST - No PST) for inspections up to 2.5 hours. A $50 (plus GST) surcharge applies for each additional half hour. A travel premium applies for properties located north of Richmond Hill, east of Ajax and west of Mississauga. (Fee in effect Sept/2000). Fees (plus 7% GST) are adjusted for small properties such as condominium apartments or when less time is required, as follows: Up to 1/2 hour $100 +GST 0.5-1.0 hour $175 +GST 1.0 -1.5 hours $225 +GST 1.5 -2.0 hours $275 +GST 2.0 -3.0 hours  $325 +GST Can the inspection be done cheaper? Do you do quick overviews and verbal reports to save the client money? Unfortunately there are no shortcuts in property inspection, or for that matter any other field where careful work is required . A careful inspection requires looking at the entire building. Investigating the roof condition as an example requires checking the roof surface, attic and all areas under the roof for evidence of leaks. We only provide one level of care and can not discount the quality of work we provide. We do however try to accommodate situations where inspection of specific building systems is not required. How long is a previous report valid? Can the report be transferred or purchased. We do not trust our old inspection reports since the report may not reflect current conditions. If the report was prepared for another client, it may not address your specific concerns. We do not resell reports prepared for others, nor do we suggest buying any second hand inspection report. We will completely reinspect a property, provided the previous client is no longer interested in buying the same property. When is payment due? Payment is due at the end of the inspection. We accept cheques, bank drafts and cash, but not credit cards.   Back to top   What items are inspected? What items are inspected? The inspection includes the major building systems, as outlined below in accordance with the standards of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors and the American Society of Home Inspectors. a. Stractural Components - We check foundations, walls, floors, roof supports and other structural components for damage, deterioration, improper alteration, significant structural weakness and distress. b. Basement Leaks and Dampness - We check basements and crawl spaces for leaks and dampness and the exterior for factors which typically cause leaks. c. Exterior - We check the exterior building envelope ( wall surfaces, windows, doors, etc.) and other exterior areas for deterioration and hazards. d. Roof - We checks for leaks, worn roof coverings, defective roof drainage, deteriorated chimneys and similar roof level conditions. e. Electrical - We check for problems with system capacity, distribution wiring, grounding and connections that affect the safe use of the electrical system. f. Plumbing - We check the supply and drainage systems including plumbing fixtures for operation, capacity, durability and leaks. g. Heating and Central Air Conditioning - We check these systems for proper installation, operation, serviceability, and sufficient heat and cooling outlets. h. Interior Areas and Finishes - We check for deterioration and hazards that affect the use, durability and serviceability of interior finsishes and areas. i. Insulation - We check for deterioration and hazards related to building insulation and air leakage. j. Ventilation - We check for deterioration and hazards related to equipment such as furnaces, fireplaces and exhaust fans, and inadequate ventilation. Other issues Who gets a copy of the report? We only provide a copy of the report to the client or their representative. We do not provide copies to any other parties as the information is provided on a confidential basis to the client only. We will however clarify any report comments provided to other parties, should they call, if it appears that the information conveyed from our report has been misunderstood or misrepresented. We are also professionally obliged to report any life threatening hazard to the occupants and appropriate public authority. When is the inspection report delivered? The report is provided at the end of the Inspection. Who should pay for repairs for conditions discovered during the inspection? Our inspection reports describe the conditions and make recommendations for repair. We find that clients generally understand that no property is perfect, and that the client should be prepared to pay for conditions that were obvious, or of which they were advised before the inspection. Clients are however often upset by conditions they did not expect, and may request an adjustment. In most cases we suggest that repairs be conducted by the client to ensure the work is performed to their standard, rather than a quick fix provided by some vendors. The exception is where there is a safety or deteriorating condition that needs immediate repair, or where the work requires an inspection permit, such as an electrical service and the client can be assured that the work was properly completed and inspected. Does the inspection cover building code compliance? We can not confirm code compliance, which would attest that proper materials, installation and other referenced manufacturer's requirements were met, unless we are present at the time of construction. Issues related to compliance should be discussed with the public official from the authority having jurisdiction. In our experience, most buildings fail to meet all required code and other complinace requirements. We however strive to judge existing and new buildings based on the implied performanceobjectives of the various codes. In general, old buildings need not be upgraded to current standards, except where retroactive requirements apply or there is renovation. Will the inspector climb on the roof? We strive to view roofs to confirm general roof conditions, and access the roof when conditions are safe and the roof is not clearly visible from the ground. Do you inspect for termites, UFFI and other concealed conditions? These conditions are generally concealed and may not be detected. For this reason they are excluded from the scope of the inspection. We do not want the client to believe that such conditions do not exist because we have not found them. We suggest that properties in known termite areas have a separate termite inspection and the vendor and neighbours be asked if they area aware of termites or other concealed conditions such as UFFI. In the case of UFFI, we can provide a separate inspection for UFFI, including making holes in wall and ceiling cavities, but require that the client accept the risk that it might not be found. UFFI was typically installed between 1976 and 1981. It was frequently installed in only a small portion of the building. Only a person who owned or was familiar with a property from this time can provide a warranty that UFFI is not present. What if I have questions after the inspection? Call us. What happens if the inspector misses problems? In cases where conditions become know after the inspection, we would be pleased to reattend the property and recommend solutions to help the client resolve the problem cost effectively. We have often seen cases where the client calls a repair contractor who suggests a $5,000 waterproofing repair, and we discover a downspout that became disconnected after the inspection. Clients often become upset that all problems can not be discovered during the inspection and blame the inspector. In most cases, conditions beyond the control of the client and inspector change after the inspection. We suggest that the client revisit the property just before closing of the transaction and if an unusual problem is discovered, just call us. Is the inspector insured? We carry Errors and omissions coverage as required by the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors to cover situations where an error on our part results in death, injury or significant damage to the building. (Fortunately this has never happened) It does not protect the client against common risks such as leaks, furnace replacement, hidden damage or other unforseen events, nor if we miss a problem, as can happen due to limited access, furnishings, recent finishes and erroneous information provided by the vendor. What is your relationship with real estate agents? We work completely at arms length from real estate agents and others who may have an interest in the real estate transaction or property. We do receive many agent referrals, but do not offer nor receive any form of incentive or benefit from referrals. It simply is not ethical, nor in the client's best interest. We are fortunate to work with a group of dedicated real estate professionals, with whom we share similar high standards of client care and ethical performance. We bend over backwards to help agents meet schedule deadlines. We are however not afraid to report conditions as they are, be the messenger of bad news, or occasionally be blamed for blowing the deal. We know that our loyal referring real estate agents are grateful when we find significant problems, but they also trust our judgement, honesty and service to their clients. Contact us We may be reached by telephone at 416-440-0062 between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Mailing Address: 568 Castlefield Ave. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5N 1L8. E-mail: info@guardianhomeinspectors.com  Back to top

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Bying a Property | For Owners | About our Inspections | Rates | Why Choose Guardian | FAQS

	Condition Surveys Repair and Renovation Advice / Forecasting Repairs and Costs Dispute Resolution and Expert Testimony Preparing to Sell Ontario New Home Warranty Program
	Condition Surveys Condition surveys help an owner understand the current property conditions, needed repairs, options and costs. In many cases we catch small cost problems before they become expensive unplanned repair costs. The format is similar to pre-purchase inspections, but addresses specific concerns of the owner. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Repair and Renovation Advice / Forecasting Repairs and Costs Most building replacement costs are predictable, yet few owners choose cost effective maintenance or plan ahead for replacement. Guardian can help determine the condition of building components and plan for repair and replacement costs. In many cases we catch small cost problems before they become expensive unplanned repair costs. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Dispute Resolution and Expert Testimony Guardian helps parties to property disputes establish the state of repair of the property and the needed costs. The true measure of our success, is that most of these disputes are resolved without going to court. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Preparing to Sell Condition surveys are often performed prior to listing a property for sale. A condition survey can verify technical details for the vendor's disclosure form and provide the seller advance notice of the concerns that may be raised by a prospective buyer. Condition survey inspections generally follow the format of pre-purchase inspections. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)   Back to top   Ontario New Home Warranty Program Buyers of new homes are covered by the Ontario New Home Warranty Program (ONHWP) against defects in materials and workmanship for the first year. Water penetration from the exterior and mechanical equipment such as the furnace have warranty coverage of two years from the date of possession. The house is covered for a period of 7 years against major structural failure which leaves the house substantially uninhabitable. The buyer must notify both the builder and the ONHWP in writing within the warranty period. Guardian's inspection before the end of the warranty period helps identify and document incomplete and deficient construction issues. Often these issues relate to failure to meet the various installation requirements. It should however be noted that most houses will in some way fail to meet the required installation requirements and codes. >>(click here for more details about our inspections)    Back to top