Home Inspection Process

Alliance Home Inspections in Surrey provides a thorough, detailed and professional evaluation of all major components and systems of a home in accordance with the HIA -BC Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct.

Inspections of homes in the Lower Mainland typically take two to three hours to perform. It can vary depending on the size of the home, the condition of the home and accessibility to mechanical systems. Every possible effort is made to access difficult-to-reach areas such as the attic, crawl spaces and the roof. Safety is an important factor in determining if such areas can be accessed. Often when direct accessibility is not an option (due to weather, slope or height factors), these areas can be photographed with special tools that are specific for this use.

Main home systems

Heating Inspection

Check the furnace and hot water heater
Ask about the capacity, shut-off mechanisms and the type of filtering systems installed
Review the operation of your heating system
Locate the furnace filters and ask about their care and maintenance
Ensure that heat registers are not located below a thermostat
Check the location and number of cold air returns and make sure they are unobstructed
Learn the location of any fuel lines (gas, propane or oil) and understand how to operate any shut-off devices on these lines

Mechanical Ventilation Inspection

Locate the switches for ventilation and circulation fans (normally placed near the thermostat)
Locate supplemental fans and switches in each bathroom and in the kitchen and ensure they are operating. Make sure you understand how to achieve proper ventilation in order to avoid condensation problems which may not be covered under the warranty
Refer to the Homeowner Information Package for important information on controlling moisture in your home

Electrical System Inspection

Locate the main electrical panel and review the function of each circuit breaker and fuse
Your new home must be equipped with ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI and AFCI). GFCIs protect bathroom and exterior receptacle circuits, while AFCIs protect bedroom receptacle circuits. Ask your builder how to test these devices

Plumbing System Inspection

Locate the shut-off valves for the main water supply and the location of other shut-off valves throughout your home. It is your responsibility to shut off the water supply to all exterior hose bibs to protect them from freezing in winter weather

Septic System Inspection (if applicable)

If your home has a septic system, ask your builder to provide you with information on its use and maintenance

Plumbing Fixtures Inspection

Check for chips in bathtubs, toilets and sinks
Ensure that all faucets work properly
Check that cabinets are securely fixed to the wall
Examine caulking around tub and shower enclosures and at countertop backsplashes

Basement

Check for signs of water penetration in the basement walls
Ensure that the basement floor slopes toward the floor drain
See that floor joists are made from sound lumber. Joists spanning more than 2.1 metres should have bridging and/or strapping installed unless an engineered flooring system has been used
Check for insulation and vapour barrier in the joist spaces

Doors

See that doors are well-fitted and operate as intended
Check that locks are wellinstalled and do not rattle when the door is closed
Check that the exterior doors have been sealed with weatherstripping

Windows

Operate windows to ensure they open and close properly
Make sure there are no cracked panes and that all appropriate screens are in place

Kitchen

Check for damage to countertops, cupboard doors, sinks and appliances
Ensure that cabinet doors are properly aligned
Check spaces for standard appliances unless specific measurements were given to your builder. The space allotted for your appliances should be correct
Test the range hood fan and light
Make sure there are electrical outlets above the counter

Interior Finishes

Inspect the wall finishes for uneven paint coverage
Check handrails on stairs to ensure they are securely fastened and smooth to the touch with no rough edges, chips or gouges

Closets

Make sure that doors are secure and that they open and close easily

Floors

Walk across all floors. You should hear only a minimum of squeaks and notice a minimum of spring when walking on the floor. Due to the nature of wood, a wood floor system will have a certain amount of unevenness
See that floor coverings have a relatively flat surface
Examine seams in carpets and vinyl to ensure they are tight
Inspect ceramic tiles for surface cracks. Joints between ceramic tiles should be well-filled with grout
Inspect flooring for damage
Examine carpeting for stains or shade variations

Upgrades and options

Make sure that all pre-selected upgrades and options have been installed

According to the law, the completion of your new home includes final grading, landscaping (laying sod, etc.), and the installation of driveways, patios and walkways.

Grading

The grounds should be graded with a gentle slope away from the house to direct rain and melted snow toward the municipal drainage system. The grading is approved by the municipality and cannot be altered by the homeowner. Questions with respect to grading should be directed to the municipality or your builder

Swales

Some lots require shallow runoff trenches (swales) to help collect and drain water. Ensure that they are even and of a uniform slope

Caulking

Make sure all windows and doors are caulked around their frames where the frame meets the walls of the house

Exterior Trim

Check that trim is securely fixed

Brickwork

Make sure that vertical and horizontal mortar joints between the bricks are completely filled
Check that weep holes at the bottom of the brick and above windows and doors are unobstructed. Weep holes are designed to allow moisture to escape from the brick wall

Roof Ventilation

Make sure that there are sufficient air vents for adequate, unobstructed roof ventilation