Bert Bruinsma, RHI Home Inspector Homealyze

What does your inspection cover?

It is designed to produce a report that includes a visual assessment of the house as a system including the foundation, structure, exterior, heating system, ventilation, plumbing, electrical system, interior, insulation, roof and other components that are found in homes.

How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

I have been inspecting homes for many years. I purchased my Home-Alyze franchise in 2001 and chose Home-Alyze because they have been inspecting homes since 1978, and have an excellent reporting system. I personally have inspected more than 3000 homes in the past 10 years. 

How long will the inspection take?

An inspection typically takes about 3 hours, but it could be longer depending on the age, size and features of the house.

Will I be able to attend the inspection?

You can and should plan to be present for the inspection and feel free to ask any questions that may come to mind along the way. We enjoy our work and love to share what we know.

Also, be sure to allow time for your inspector go through the inspection report with you at the conclusion of the inspection. This provides another opportunity for you to ask questions and to clarify any concerns, adding significant value to the inspection process for you.

Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association? If not is your industry going to become a licensed industry where home inspectors must maintain it with education requirements?

I have the following professional credentials, all of which require annual proof of continuing education:

• Registered Home inspector (RHI) with the Canadian Association of Home and Properly Inspections. (CAHPI)
• Certified Inspector with the American society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
• National accreditation through National Certification Authority. (NCA)

In Alberta, there is currently no licensing for home inspectors. So anyone can become a home inspector. It is therefore important to ask about credentials when you are hiring a home inspector. Also, your realtor may be able to help you with the names of home inspectors they have worked with in the past.

What kinds of qualifications should someone be looking for in a home inspector

Your home inspector should have several years of construction and/or technical experience. At Home-Alyze, we view a home as a system with many components in it that need to work together. We attend regular technical meetings and/or courses through Association Membership.

Why Get A Home Inspection?

A home is one of the most important investments we all make, and home inspections help us to maintain and protect that investment while at the same time ensuring that the home environment is safe and secure.

Should a Home Inspection be performed on a newly constructed house?

Inspection of a new home (while the new home warranty is still available) can sometimes help to identify things that still need to be completed that the homeowner might miss. It is more important to use a professional Home Inspector just before your “primary” warranty period expires so you can notify both the Warranty Company and the Builder of apparent deficiencies that may still be covered by the warranty.

What are some common things found wrong with a property?

Every house is unique, but the following are often found during the inspection process:

• Leaks (roof, flashings, basements, plumbing).
• Unprofessional electrical work
• Cracked heat exchangers
• Deficiencies around ceramic tile that lead to mould and rot behind the walls.

How can such things be prevented?

As part of the inspection process, we provide our customers with a schedule for when maintenance and repairs need to be done.  Doing these things before problems occur and on a regular basis where necessary will help to prevent unexpected costs as well as promote efficiency and safety. Also as part of our service to our clients, and since we have a file on their house, they’re free to call us with questions anytime as long as they own the house. Without re-inspecting the home, we will answer questions for them, even if they are developing the basement or adding an addition.

Any words of advice for sellers so that a property inspection goes smoothly?

Consider a ‘pre-listing’ inspection’ of your home. It has many benefits and can often give you better leverage on the price of your home. It will give you a good idea of what the purchaser may find, avoiding surprises and allowing you to make any necessary repairs before listing your home. Sellers are provided with signs to let potential buyers know that their home has been pre-inspected.

When a buyer chooses to have a home inspection, the seller can make the process smoother by ensuring that:

• There is no clutter, boxes, clothing, etc. on the floor impeding access to areas that need to be inspected.
• There is access to all areas of the home and garage.
• Any hazards such as loose wiring, wet floors, etc. are eliminated or if that is not possible, that the inspector is aware of the hazard prior to the inspection
• The inspector is aware if you have pets that are free in the house and not allowed outside.
• There is clear access to the attic access panels. If the attic panel is in a closet, remove any stored items that may impede access.
• All electrical panels are unobstructed and easily accessible.
• All utilities are turned on (water, gas, electrical) if the property is vacant, so that those systems can be properly inspected.
• The inspector is aware of any special considerations or concerns that require extra care during the inspection process.

Any words of advice for a buyer so that a property inspection goes smoothly?

The more you know – The easier and better the process will be for you:

• Gather as much information as possible about the process of buying a home and about the home you are considering.
• Attend seminars and ask questions if this is the purchase of your first home.
• Make the sale conditional, subject to a Home Inspection.
• Hire an experienced and qualified home inspection expert.
• Plan to attend the inspection if at all possible, and be sure to have plenty of time to review the inspection report and to ask questions after it has been completed.