HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS

SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA

A Termite Inspection (also referred to as a Wood Destroying Inspection or Wood Destroying Organism Inspection) includes a visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the home for evidence of wood-destroying insect activity such as termites, or carpenter ants or the visible damage caused by infestations.

Water testing services include taking a water sample following accepted protocols with analysis of samples performed by a certified lab. General options include a basic water Potability test for Coliform (bacteria) and other elements such as Nitrate/Nitrite, Hardness, Acidity (pH). Expanded testing options may include volatile organic compounds (fuels), heavy metals (lead, etc.) or other elements required or recommended by local authorities or common practice such as when a property is located in close proximity to agricultural land, mining, dry cleaning establishments, gas stations, industrial facilities, landfills, or other known or suspected local hazards exist.

What we inspect:  Inspection includes the visible (above water) pool and or spa elements including assessment of the physical condition of accessible decking, coping , walkways, and other surfaces. exposed electric and plumbing components, the filter and heater, if applicable. Watch us in action!

What we inspect: water flow of the interior drain system and the surface area over the concealed drainage field, observing for any surface bleed out. Determine whether the water flows freely into the system from the house and readily apparent defects. Does not include inspection of buried or concealed components, soil testing, excavation of system components or opening or pumping of the tank.

A private on-site water supply (well) system inspection involves an inspection of visible interior pumps, piping, pressure and/or storage tanks and an assessment of the water flow (volume/pressure) from representative fixtures based on a representative water draw from plumbing fixtures. A well inspection does not include inspection of any buried or concealed components, determination of the water supply/source adequacy (yield or well capacity) or water quality.

Inspections include: draw inspection (verification of installed elements for lender release of funds); phase inspections (conducted at several stages of the construction process); and inspections of new homes ready for occupancy and assessment of the condition of installed components to supplement code compliance inspection provided by local authorities.

Inspections include: inspection of the visible and readily accessible areas of the roof, structure, mechanical and electric components of the public areas of a building, as well as all or representative individual dwelling or office/store units, as requested by the client.

This inspection involves: a review of the condition of the exterior and interior components of a home and the systems. Includes review of the roof, flashings, insulation issues, heating and air conditioning units, grading, the proper function of appliances and plumbing, electric components, smoke alarms for deferred maintenance and recommended action. 

A WETT inspection is an inspection of solid-fuel-burning fireplaces, stoves and other appliances conducted by an inspector trained and certified through programs conducted by the Wood Energy Technology Transfer, Inc. Includes inspection of all readily visible components of wood-burning fireplaces and appliances and connected chimneys to determine whether code compliant, installed correctly, properly maintained and safe. WETT inspections are often required in Canada in order to obtain homeowner insurance.

Thermal imaging services make use of an infrared imaging camera that can detect the thermal energy (heat) emitted from an object. Thermal imaging measurements indicate temperature differentials that may help diagnose a myriad of potential concerns in a home or building such as heat loss or gain and waste leakage.

Sewer inspection services can help give both homebuyers and homeowners piece of mind regarding this critical but otherwise unobservable component of a home. With the aging of the housing market, there is an increasing number of homes with sewer lines that are subject to blockage or collapse from tree roots, soil settlement/erosion and other factors. The only way to adequately assess these potential concerns short of excavation is by inspecting a sewer using video camera equipment.

An increasing number of home inspectors are using, or considering the use of a drone (technically a small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)) in conjunction with their home inspections, and possibly other type services. Having the option to use a drone for inspection of an otherwise inaccessible roofs might be the most obvious benefit, but there are other elements such as high chimneys, siding, windows, and eave areas where the use of a drone might prove helpful.