Home inspection services
Calgary & surrounding areas
If you're buying a house or apartment - or planning to sell and don't want any surprises - I can help give you the peace of mind you want with a thorough inspection backed by over 40 years experience.
I'll guide you through the pros and cons of the property in a friendly manner that helps you fully understand it. I'll review with you how to deal with any issues and, perhaps, opportunities you might consider.
So if the property is in Calgary or anywhere within an hour's drive or so I can help you at this very important time.
To find out more or discuss scheduling an inspection call me on 587 805 0937 or email [email protected]
About me
I'm Graeme Brooks, a certified home and mould inspector.
My background is in renovating houses which I started doing over 40 years ago.
In 2015 I decided to use this knowledge and expertise to become a home inspector.
When you've done almost every job involved in constructing homes you know what to look for and understand what it takes to resolve any issues you find.
My clients have also enjoyed my input, where appropriate, on plans of their own to renovate or improve their purchase.
Inspecting every property as if I'm buying it for myself I always think, "What would I like to know if I was buying this home?"
As a result, I've developed a strong reputation for being very thorough.
To find out more or discuss scheduling an inspection call me on
587 805 0937
or email
Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors
National Certificate Holder
InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector
InterNACHI Certified Mold Inspector
Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Alberta Licence Numbers 34684 & 343734
SERVICES
A Family Home Inspection
A standard home inspection is fundamentally a visual inspection of all the elements of the property both inside and out. I also utilise a thermal imaging camera, moisture meters , and other appropriate tools to be as thorough as is practical without being invasive.
Typically, my inspection of a family home (1500 to 2000 sq ft roughly) takes about 3 hours or so.
Acreages
An acreage is just, in my view, a collection of one or more buildings which get treated no differently than my 'normal' inspections. The one difference can be the sewage and water supply systems. I've always viewed these as inspections best done by specialists. Especially if a concern is discovered.
So while I undertake the main inspection of the structures I am happy to recommend companies I know and trust to cover these specialist aspects.
Clearly the time required is dependant on the number of buildings involved and their size/complexity.
Condo Apartments
A condo apartment inspection is focused on the internal elements of the unit for two reasons. One, it would be prohibitively expensive to inspect the whole building - unless you were buying the whole building! Two, you are only financially responsible for inside your unit.
Sure your condo fees contribute to the building maintenance and there is always the possibility of a special assessment for major work - but this aspect falls into the realm of the specialists who review the condo documents and report to you about the state of the reserve fund and how well the building has been run/maintained.
So my work looks at the internal structure - cracks etc., the electrics, leaks, the plumbing - shower, tub, toilets, the heating in the unit, the cooking, dishwashing and laundry appliances. Generally all the elements you'd have to spend money on to fix or upgrade,
Typically, a condo inspection takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Thermal Imaging
Just for clarity I wanted to emphasise that I use a thermal camera at all my inspections.
Now it takes no expertise to spot water dripping through a ceiling.
But look carefully at the images above. The dark blue patch in the thermal image by the first light was not visible to the naked eye in the digital photo.
A check with a moisture meter confirmed dampness in the ceiling. Above the location was a toilet which only leaked when it was flushed. Over time this would have caused a mark on the ceiling.
Roof Inspections
Every standard home inspection obviously includes an important roof inspection
If you've just had the significant expense of having your roof replaced some people like to get an independent inspection of that work. It's a lot easier to have issues addressed before you pay that final bill.
If this is you then I do specific new roof inspections. They are straightforward and inexpensive. You get a short written report complete with any appropriate photos.
To find out more or discuss scheduling an inspection call me on
587 805 0937
or email
Your Inspection Report
Emailed to you the next day - earlier, if urgent.
Opens with a summary highlighting any major defects or safety issues
Commentary on all the key aspects of the property
Detailed explanations with photos and/or thermal images of any areas of concern
To find out more or discuss scheduling an inspection call me on
587 805 0937
or email
Locations Served
If the property you are looking at is within around an hour's drive of Calgary then my fee covers this. I'm always happy to travel further to help but, generally, it's more economic to try to find a more local inspector.
So here's a list of the main locations:
Airdrie AB
Bragg Creek AB
Calgary AB
Canmore AB
Chestermere AB
Cochrane AB
Crossfield AB
Diamond Valley AB
High River AB
Langdon AB
Okotoks AB
Strathmore AB
To find out more or discuss scheduling an inspection call me on
587 805 0937
or email
