James Dobney InspectionsFAQ
There can be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about what exactly a home inspection is and what home inspectors do. To help you better understand the industry and learn more about home inspectors’ qualifications and duties, we have complied a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If the question you have isn’t answered below, please feel free to email us or call our office – info@jamesdobney.com or 604.942.8272.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
A: Home inspection companies are easy to start but difficult to maintain. We have seen many come and go. James Dobney Inspections has been in business since 1986. We are one of the oldest and largest independent home inspection companies in Western Canada.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR INSPECTORS’ QUALIFICATIONS?
A: We select our inspectors for their technical knowledge and experience and then we provide them with the best training that the industry has to offer. They have all successfully completed the Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Home Inspection Training Program which has over 500 hours of course work. Following that, they complete our extensive in-house field training program with our experienced inspection staff. We’re confident that we have the best-trained inspection staff in the industry.
All of our inspectors are members of the Home Inspectors Association BC (HIABC). Only members of the HIABC can use the designation Accredited Home Inspector (AHI) in British Columbia. James Dobney was the founding president of HIABC (formerly CAHPI BC®), the first member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) in British Columbia and has served on the Boards of Directors of HIABC (formerly CAHPI BC®) and ASHI®. For more information about HIABC, visit their website at www.hiabc.ca.
Q: CAN I FOLLOW ALONG AT THE INSPECTION?
A: Yes, we want you there! It’s is a valuable learning experience for most home buyers. It is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions about the condition of the home. Also, when defects are identified, the inspector can discuss these so that you understand what repairs are required. If a company discourages you from attending the full inspection, don’t use them.
Q: WILL YOU PERFORM REPAIRS OR RECOMMEND CONTRACTORS?
A: No. We specialize in building inspections. We offer an unbiased opinion on the condition of the home. We consider it a conflict of interest for a home inspector to perform repairs or recommend a specific contractor. We accept no referral fees from anyone.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES AN INSPECTION COST?
A: Our average fee is in the $400 – 700 range. It is based on the size, age and complexity of the home. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the most important factor. We suspect the house you are buying is not the least expensive house, but rather the one that you feel represents the best value. We urge you to choose your home inspector the same way.
Q: HOW LONG DOES AN INSPECTION TAKE?
A: A typical home inspection takes between 2-1/2 and 4 hours. Some older and/or larger homes may take longer. We’ll spend as much time as it takes to do our job properly. As a courtesy to the vendor, they should be informed of the time involved once the inspection is arranged.
Q: DO YOU PROVIDE A WRITTEN REPORT?
A: Yes. We use a comprehensive report writing system, The Home Reference Book, that our clients have found to be essential in assisting them in their decision to purchase. It is typically given to you at the end of the inspection. It is also a valuable reference source during your ownership of the property. It includes a one page summary of the condition of the home and nine sections reporting on the condition of the major systems as well as 400 pages of reference material corresponding to our recommendations. We can also provide you with an electronic version of this detailed report that can be viewed online and downloaded. This report is usually sent to you within a few hours of the completion of the inspection. Click here to learn more about both types of reports.
Q: CAN WE ASK YOU QUESTIONS AFTER THE INSPECTION?
A: Certainly. We would be glad to answer any questions you might have after the inspection or even after you move into your new home for as long as you own it.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT?
A: We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the roof, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, cooling, plumbing, insulation and interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical purchaser’s buying decision. We will add significantly to your knowledge of the home, but we can’t predict the future nor can we see through walls. Home inspections are visual and no destructive testing is performed. Our inspection and report will put you in a much better position to make your decision.
Q: CAN YOU PROVIDE ME WITH REFERENCES?
A: Certainly. Please visit our testimonials section of this website for some of the recent feedback we have received from clients. If you wish to visit our office we can show you hundreds of questionnaires.
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