Terms of service

The inspection agreement

Every inspection is performed under a written inspection agreement signed before the inspection begins. That agreement, not this page, governs the service. These terms cover use of this website and set out the general basis on which we work. If the two ever conflict, the signed inspection agreement prevails.

What an inspection is

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of readily accessible systems and components of a building, performed on a specific date, and reported against a published standard of practice. It reflects the condition of the property at the time of the inspection.

What an inspection is not

It is not a warranty, a guarantee, or an insurance policy against future failure. It is not a code compliance inspection, a municipal inspection, an appraisal, or an environmental site assessment. It does not cover concealed conditions, anything requiring dismantling, or anything not accessible on the day. Unless separately contracted, it does not include sewer laterals, wells, septic systems, radon, mould, asbestos, lead, pests or air quality.

Access and conditions

We inspect what we can safely reach. Where access is restricted — by locked doors, stored belongings, snow cover, unsafe roof conditions or occupied space — the report will say so and identify what was not inspected and why. Weather may prevent certain tests, notably air conditioning below approximately 15 °C.

Pricing and payment

Prices are confirmed in writing before booking based on the property details provided. Payment is due at the time of the inspection. Prices exclude HST. If the property is substantially different from what was described, we will contact you before proceeding rather than adjusting the invoice afterwards.

Our 24-hour report commitment

We commit to delivering your report within 24 hours of the inspection. If we fail to do so, the inspection fee is waived. This does not apply where delivery is delayed by circumstances outside our control, including delays in third-party laboratory results for add-on testing, which have their own stated turnaround times.

Cancellation

Please give as much notice as possible. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, or where we attend and cannot gain access, may be subject to a call-out fee reflecting the travel and reserved time.

Limitation of liability

Our liability is set out in the signed inspection agreement. We carry professional errors and omissions insurance and general liability insurance, and certificates are available on request. If you believe we have missed something, contact us first and promptly — before undertaking repairs, so we have the opportunity to inspect the condition as found.

Website content

The guides and tools on this site are general information about buildings in the Ottawa region. They are not advice about your specific property, and they are not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Cost ranges are estimates for planning purposes, not quotations. Always confirm regulatory, warranty and insurance requirements with the relevant authority or provider, as programme details change.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein.