A visual inspection of the building and its accessible systems, carried out to the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice — and an honest statement of what could not be seen.
Every visible building system is assessed for condition, workmanship, safety and remaining service life. The scope below meets or exceeds the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice, which is a published document you are welcome to read before booking.
An inspection is visual and non-destructive. Anything concealed, inaccessible or obstructed on the day is recorded as such rather than assumed — and flagged for further evaluation if the surrounding evidence warrants it.
From first call to final report, usually within a few days.
We confirm the property, the reason for the inspection and what you need to decide, then agree scope and price before anything is booked.
A systematic walkthrough of the exterior, roof, interior and mechanical systems. Photographs and thermal imaging as conditions allow. You are welcome to attend where the property owner permits it.
Each finding written as Observation, Implication and Recommendation, graded across five severity levels, with supporting photographs.
Every issue in your report follows the same three-part structure, so you always know what was seen, why it matters and what to do about it.
Observed lifted and creased asphalt shingles across approximately six square metres of the south slope, with exposed fastener heads at the third course. Granule loss was visible in the same area.
Lifted shingles allow wind-driven water past the covering and onto the sheathing. Left in place through a winter, this typically leads to sheathing rot and staining on the ceiling below. The pattern is consistent with wind damage rather than age.
Recommend evaluation and repair by a qualified roofing contractor before the next precipitation event. If the property carries insurance covering wind damage, this finding should be documented in a claim.
Every finding is graded on the five levels above, so maintenance items are never confused with the things that actually need your money and attention.
Five levels, applied consistently, so the report tells you where to spend your attention.
Normal upkeep. Expected for the age and type of building. Not a defect.
A genuine shortcoming, but low cost and low consequence if addressed in due course.
Significant cost, or consequential damage if left. Should factor into your decision.
A condition presenting a risk to occupants. Recommended for correction without delay.
Evidence suggests a problem beyond the scope of a visual inspection. A specialist is warranted.
Where relevant we reference the National Building Code of Canada, the Canadian Electrical Code and Saskatchewan amendments — and only where they genuinely apply. Reading and applying those documents correctly is what the Architectural Building Technologist training is for.
Where it is permitted, yes — and we encourage it, because seeing a condition in person makes the written finding much easier to follow later. Access is not ours to grant, though. Some sellers and listing agents do not allow buyers on site during an inspection, and occupied or tenanted properties often have their own restrictions. Ask your agent early, since it can usually be arranged if it is raised before booking.
If attending is not possible, nothing is lost from the report: every finding is photographed and written up in full, and you are welcome to call with questions once you have read it.
A typical home takes two to three hours on site depending on size, age and access. Commercial buildings vary with the agreed scope. The report follows shortly afterwards.
It is recorded as not inspected, with the reason. Where surrounding evidence points to a problem behind the inaccessible area, it is graded Further Evaluation Required.
Architectural Building Technologist — formal training in building design, building science, construction documentation and code. And InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector, which requires passing the association's examination, completing its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice courses, 24 hours of continuing education, and re-passing the exam at 80% or better every three years. More on what each one means.
It will be professional and defensible, but written to be read. Plain language, no padding, no attempt to hide behind qualifications.
Tell us the property, the timeline and what you need to know. We will confirm scope and availability the same day during office hours.
