Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 45
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
We used Kevin Harrison in North Vancouver and he was brilliant. We used him a couple of times a few years back now and he was very trustworthy, straight-talking and he really knew his stuff. Would highly recommend and I see from checking his website, that he covers Vancouver and the tri-cities.
Harrison Home Inspections Ltd. - Home Inspectors Vancouver, Home Inspectors North Vancouver
Good luck !
Harrison Home Inspections Ltd. - Home Inspectors Vancouver, Home Inspectors North Vancouver
Good luck !
#3
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
My experiences of home inspectors have found them to be a waste of time and money. I used Pillar to Post and was very unimpressed.
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: High River AB
Posts: 571
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
I think they are like any business, good and bad.
The Inspector I had would only do the inspection with me present (don't know if this is usual or not) and we were almost 5 hrs doing it, he checked every inch of the house, very very thorough.
The Inspector I had would only do the inspection with me present (don't know if this is usual or not) and we were almost 5 hrs doing it, he checked every inch of the house, very very thorough.
#5
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
Probably saved us more than he cost, just that way.
#6
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
We have used James Dobney in the past. James Dobney Inspections | Residential and Commercial Building Inspections They are one of the bigger companies and generally have a good reputation. They were fine with us. (No financial interest!)
Like most things to do with real estate it seems, superficially, very similar to the UK but there are many differences. This is one of the reasons I always recommend that a newbie uses a local realtor. Experience is something you get just after you need it.
A building inspection here is not the same as a full structural survey in the UK. A good building inspector is value for money. They will test all the services they can, they can point out work they see that needs doing (this can help with re-negotiating the price if the work is substantial or at least mean that you make an informed decision), some will even come up with a costed repair and maintenance plan. But, they report on what they can see and touch. They are not, for example, going to open up a wall to see if the vapour barrier is intact.
Like most things to do with real estate it seems, superficially, very similar to the UK but there are many differences. This is one of the reasons I always recommend that a newbie uses a local realtor. Experience is something you get just after you need it.
A building inspection here is not the same as a full structural survey in the UK. A good building inspector is value for money. They will test all the services they can, they can point out work they see that needs doing (this can help with re-negotiating the price if the work is substantial or at least mean that you make an informed decision), some will even come up with a costed repair and maintenance plan. But, they report on what they can see and touch. They are not, for example, going to open up a wall to see if the vapour barrier is intact.
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 3,874
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
I would not buy a house now without having a building inspector first.
I think it can be especially important in BC ........... grow ops do tremendous damage to houses, and most of the building inspectors I have heard about are now making a point of examining for signs of a grow op having been in the house.
That is mould, rotting wood, etc that may be hidden from view.
Sellers are supposed by law to tell their realtor and thus future buyers if they knew that there was once a grow op. That may not always happen.
I agree .......... a reputable inspector is well worth the money for the information they can give.
I think it can be especially important in BC ........... grow ops do tremendous damage to houses, and most of the building inspectors I have heard about are now making a point of examining for signs of a grow op having been in the house.
That is mould, rotting wood, etc that may be hidden from view.
Sellers are supposed by law to tell their realtor and thus future buyers if they knew that there was once a grow op. That may not always happen.
I agree .......... a reputable inspector is well worth the money for the information they can give.
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 55
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
I can add one to the list in Richmond, although that may be outside your area. I think he works everywhere though. Just had an inspection done over the weekend, and boy was he thorough!! 5 1/2 hours, cost me $600 but worth every penny as he found an urgent but easily fixable issue that the seller is now going to put right at an estimated cost of $3500. Anyway, his name is Ron Lyons, and his website is Ron Lyons, B.C. License # 61124. Can't recommend him enough...
#10
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9
Re: Anyone know a trustworthy building inspector?
Homestars.com - Very useful website for procuring home related services!