Home Inspection
Have questions about home inspections? You're not alone. We've put together answers to the most common questions we hear from homebuyers across Canada. If you don't see your question here, don't hesitate to reach out to your local Atta-Boy inspector directly.
General Questions
A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property's major systems and components conducted by a certified professional. This includes the roof, structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. The goal is to give buyers a clear, accurate picture of the property's condition before they finalize a purchase.
A home inspection is not legally required in most Canadian provinces, however it is strongly recommended by real estate professionals, lenders, and consumer protection advocates. Skipping a home inspection can leave you exposed to costly surprises after you take possession.
Atta-Boy has certified home inspectors serving communities across Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. Visit our locations page to find your nearest inspector and book online.
In Canada, home inspector qualifications vary by province. Look for inspectors who are members of recognized professional associations, hold relevant certifications, and carry errors and omissions insurance. All Atta-Boy inspectors are certified professionals with real trade backgrounds.
Before the Inspection
Book your home inspection as soon as your offer is accepted and your contract includes an inspection condition. Most inspection conditions give you 5 to 7 business days; book as early as possible to give yourself time to review the report and negotiate if needed.
As a buyer, you don't need to do much to prepare. Make sure the seller has provided access to all areas of the home including the attic, basement, crawl space, and electrical panel. Confirm all utilities are turned on so the inspector can test all systems.
Absolutely. We strongly encourage buyers to attend. Being present allows you to see issues firsthand, ask questions, and get a much better understanding of the home than a written report alone can provide. Plan for 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the size of the home.
Yes. New builds can and do have deficiencies. A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before you take possession is your opportunity to document any issues and have the builder address them under warranty. Don't assume a new home is problem-free.
During the Inspection
Most home inspections take between 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Larger homes, older properties, and acreages typically take longer. We never rush an inspection.
Our inspectors assess all visible and accessible components of the property including the roof, attic, insulation, foundation, basement, structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling, windows, doors, and exterior. We look for deficiencies, safety concerns, and items requiring maintenance or repair.
Inspectors assess all visible and accessible areas. Some areas may be inaccessible due to personal belongings, finished walls, or locked areas. Any inaccessible areas will be noted in the report.
Our inspectors assess the roof from the ground using binoculars and where safe and accessible, from the roof surface itself. Roof condition is always documented in the inspection report.
After the Inspection
Your detailed digital inspection report is delivered the same day as your inspection, typically within a few hours of completion. The report includes photos, findings, and clear explanations of every item assessed.
Every home has issues; even brand new builds. Finding problems during an inspection is normal and expected. Some findings may be minor maintenance items, others may be negotiating points, and in rare cases some may be deal breakers. Your Atta-Boy inspector will help you understand the significance of every finding.
Yes; inspection findings are commonly used to negotiate repairs, credits, or price reductions before closing. Your real estate agent can advise you on the best negotiation strategy based on the inspection findings.
If major issues are found you have several options depending on your contract conditions; you can request the seller complete repairs before closing, negotiate a price reduction to cover repair costs, or in some cases walk away from the purchase entirely. Your inspector will help you understand what you're dealing with and your real estate agent can advise on next steps.
Pricing & Booking
Atta-Boy home inspection pricing starts at $550 for homes up to 1,500 sq ft and varies based on square footage and property type. Condo and apartment inspections start at $400. Acreage inspections start at $900. Visit our rates page for full pricing details.
Visit our locations page to find your nearest Atta-Boy inspector and book online directly through their booking system. You can also call our national line at 1-888-539-0378.
Subject to availability; contact your local Atta-Boy inspector directly to check availability for urgent bookings.
Payment methods vary by location. Contact your local Atta-Boy inspector directly for payment options.
Specialized Services
We offer a range of specialized add-on services including WETT inspections, sewer camera inspections, well water testing, mold and asbestos testing, air quality testing, and septic and cistern pressure system inspections. These can be added to any standard home inspection booking.
If the home has a wood-burning fireplace, stove, insert, or chimney, a WETT inspection is highly recommended and often required by insurance companies and mortgage lenders before coverage or financing can be arranged.
We strongly recommend a sewer camera inspection for any home over 20 years old or any property with large mature trees near the foundation. Sewer line issues are invisible during a standard inspection and can be extremely costly to repair.
Acreage inspections cover everything in a standard home inspection plus additional systems unique to rural properties including private well and cistern systems, septic systems, outbuildings, barns, shops, and agricultural structures. Visit our acreage inspection page for full details.
Still have questions?
Find your local Atta-Boy inspector and get in touch directly; we're happy to help you figure out exactly what inspection services are right for your property.
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