Home inspection questions we’re asked most

It depends on the size, type and age of the home. See pricing, or send the address and we’ll reply with an exact price.

Usually within a day or two. If you’re inside a subject-removal window, tell us the date and we’ll plan around it.

Yes. Watch House is licensed by Consumer Protection BC (licence #90625), a member of the Home Inspectors Association BC, and carries errors and omissions and general liability insurance.

Yes. See condo and townhouse inspections, including what to look for in the strata documents.

The North Shore, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities, with Squamish and Bowen Island by arrangement. See service areas.

Two and a half to four hours for most houses, one and a half to three for condos. Older and larger homes take longer.

You’re welcome for the whole visit. At a minimum, come for the last hour, when we walk through the findings together.

We inspect in the rain. It’s often a good time to see how the drainage works. We walk the roof only when it’s safe; otherwise we view it from a ladder, from the ground, or with a camera pole, and the report says which.

Yes. Water, power and gas need to be on, and the pilot lights lit, so we can test the systems. If something is off, the report notes it as a limitation.

The roof, exterior, structure, electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing, interior, insulation and ventilation, as set out in the HIABC Scope of Inspection. Thermal imaging and moisture testing are included. See what’s inspected.

A home inspection is visual and non-invasive. We don’t open walls, move belongings, test for hazardous materials, check code compliance, or inspect wells, septic systems, pools, or systems that are shut down. Where something needs a specialist, the report says so.

We report visible conditions that could indicate them, and say when lab testing is worth doing. Only a lab can confirm either.

We look for signs of past oil heat, such as fill or vent pipes. An underground tank can only be found with a scan by a specialist, and the report says when one is worth doing.

The same day, by email. It reads well on a phone and can be shared as a link or a PDF.

Yes, for as long as you own the home. No charge.

We tell you what kind of trade each item needs. We don’t take referral fees, so we don’t steer you to particular companies.