Home Inspection

[crashbing]

Tried searching, couldn't find a whole lot of anything recent.

Just wondering if anyone can provide their experiences with various home inspectors around Kelowna?

We are looking at purchasing a property soon and have been recommended to have "subject to home inspection" in the contract. There doesn't seem to be too much information out there about these guys, particularly who is good and bad.

So who have you used, how much did you pay, and were they any good?

[Carrs Landing Viking]

I think most people here will tell you to avoid a so called (home inspector) , as the majority of them have no clue in the area of house construction.

Hire a contractor or a qualified trades person. And yes ,have any home purchase subject to a home inspection.

[Hassel99]

I paid a few hundred dollars for a home inspector when I moved to the OK a few years ago, I really did not have many contacts and of course being from out of town makes it a bit harder. He was not bad and the report was detailed, but after a few years it was clear it was just a surface report.

I had some major plumbing work done this year by someone who is now my friend. With in a few minutes my plumber show me a ton of problems that did not meet code, and his comments were “I would not put my name on this work” where as the inspector said everything was fine. Don’t get me wrong, it worked fine for years. My plumber said he sees it all the time and its pretty common for him to do a plumbing “inspection” for $100 these days.

You may want to get a trades person in to supplement any home inspection, especially a plumber and an electrician. They seem to be cheaper than the inspectors.

I would caution you about ONLY brining in a plumber and electrician in instead of an inspector as they don’t look at other things such as foundation, attics, vermin etc..

It would be a logistical nightmare to bring in every trade (foundation/pest control etc) so IMO get an home inspection but supplement the major areas with an additional tradesman inspection.

For the kind of money you spend on your home, a few extra hundred dollars is sound investment.

[Lady tehMa]

I've been told Pillar to Post is a good company. Here's the website http://kelowna.pillartopost.com/

I'd recommend that whichever company you go with, you ask for the most senior available. You want someone with experience.

[MAPearce]

Our place was just bought by an " investment company " ...

They had all sorts of people through here doing inspections and I can refer you to a company if you wish .....

Even the sewer got a " rectal exam" ..

PM me if you want .

Never mind .... Lady t beat me too it .

[cate1896]

I agree with Pillar to Post and get one of the senior guys. I had a newby once and he really didn't know what he was talking about. Had them send out the boss and they did an excellent job.

[LANDM]

Ditto. Craig Hostland is the Pillar to Post owner and his background is structural engineering. He's been doing inspections for a long time and does a great job.

[ShelleyinKelowna]

We have used the services of Chris Kavolinas of Building Pro Inspections Inc.
Phone: 250-487-9382
email: [email protected]
We were very happy with his services.

[rookie314]

Here is what my home inspector missed, oh forget it. Let's just say repairs on stuff missed is over 30,000. No negative reviews allowed so good luck to you.

[Ken7]

*removed*

[John500]

*removed*

[Midnite]

I am afraid that if an inspector is too thorough he may get a bad name within the real estate community for scuttling sales. Whether we like it or not, the home inspectors have to keep the agents happy even though the purchaser is paying the bill.

[flamingfingers]

Personally speaking, I would hire tradesmen with a good construction history to evaluate a home I wanted to buy:
An electrical inspector or journeyman UTD in code.
A contractor or journeyman installer for concrete foundation work.
A plumbing inspector or journeyman UTD in code.
A roofing specialist to evaluate for attic mold and insulation plus cladding.
A carpentry journeyman UTC to evaluate construction of additions and air circulation.
A natural gas technician to inspect any gas appliances, fireplaces, and appropriate air supply.

All of these people will also give you their overlapping opinions on general construction and problems that should be identified by other of the above. Home inspectors often do not have the in depth knowledge in particular trades to offer concrete analysis.

[Captain Awesome]

I've hired Craig from Pillar to Post. Good, knowledgeable guy. And always looking even at smallest issues.

In fact, my realtor almost fainted when I told him who I'll be using for home inspection as Craig has a reputation for finding issues where other inspectors would not notice them and therefore putting their deals at risk.

[Ken7]

I am afraid that if an inspector is too thorough he may get a bad name within the real estate community for scuttling sales. Whether we like it or not, the home inspectors have to keep the agents happy even though the purchaser is paying the bill.

You are correct, however what could happen if someone came back after them for a obvious problem?? I'd rather have a report indicating some of the downfalls and then the home sale price could be considered on a more reasonable price. As far as the sales agent who recommended the inspector, I won't use her again even though she is a shirttail relative.