Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
A Home Inspection can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. The total time depends on the total square footage of the home, basement and/or attic to be inspected,
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in before you buy to avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home. Our Home Inspection report will also advise you of what maintenance is required to keep your home in top condition. A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property.
Why should I choose an Inspector that also uses a Thermal Camera?
A Thermal Camera (infrared technology) can reveal many hidden issues in a home that would not be visible to the naked eye. The Thermal Camera can be used to detect hidden water problems, missing or failing insulation, areas of energy loss, and much more. ARC’s Home Inspections report will provide you with the information you need to make educated decisions about the condition of your home and
Do I need to attend the inspection?
It is not necessary that you attend the inspection. However, we at ARC Home inspections strongly recommend that you or your representative attend the inspection so that you are properly informed of the investment that you are considering. Given appropriate access, our inspector can perform the inspection and generate an inspection report, which will be delivered to you. Again, it is strongly recommended that you attend because you will be able to accompany the inspector and visually learn about the condition of your house, how the various systems operate and how to properly maintain them. You will also have a better understanding of the contents of the report if you are able to see it from the home inspector’s perspective and can ask him/her questions as they arise
How long does a home inspection take?
For an average size home of 2000 sq ft in
Do I need to attend the inspection?
It is not necessary that you attend the inspection. However, we at ARC Home inspections strongly recommend that you or your representative attend the inspection so that you are properly informed of the investment that you are considering. Given appropriate access, our inspector can perform the inspection and generate an inspection report, which will be delivered to you. Again, it is strongly recommended that you attend because you will be able to accompany the inspector and visually learn about the condition of your house, how the various systems operate and how to properly maintain them. You will also have a better understanding of the contents of the report if you are able to see it from the home inspector’s perspective and can ask him/her questions as they arise
Do you carry errors and omissions insurance?
Yes, we do!
Which associations/groups do you belong to?
We belong to
What is a WETT Inspection?
A WETT inspection, which stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, includes a thorough inspection of all wood burning appliances such as stoves and open fireplaces, by a certified WETT inspector.
Given the potential threat these technologies pose to the well-being and health of those in the home, a WETT
What is included in a WETT Inspection?
A WETT specialty inspection is an inspection that must be conducted by an inspector who is WETT certified. A general home inspector must take a course to become WETT certified. The course typically consists of 4 days of training as well as 80 weeks of field experience before they receive certification.
While a typical home inspection includes a visual inspection of the fireplace, chimney and hearth, a WETT specialty inspection conducted by a certified inspector includes an inspection of all the elements of any wood burning technologies in the home to make sure that they are installed correctly and are installed with compliance to building codes and regulations. It should also include a visit to the roof to examine the chimney for any potential structural or ventilation issues.
The inspection might include an examination of a wood stove, flue pipe, chimney, and wood-burning fireplace. An inspector should look at the positioning of the system, and its distance in relation to any combustible materials. If there is a problem with the function of the technology in your home, it is important that the technician you employ is also a licensed WETT technician.
WETT specialty inspections are more than just something to offer you peace of mind, if wood-burning appliances are a part of your home’s features, it is of paramount importance that these appliances are both installed properly and inspected for your safety
Why Would I Need a WETT Specialty Inspection?
An inspection for the wood burning technologies in your home is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the safety of you and your family. With wood burning appliances, the potential for harmful pollutants to be released into your home as well as combustible materials to ignite is increased, so it is important that these appliances are regularly inspected and properly maintained. If you have a home that already includes one of these features, or you would like to purchase one and have it installed in your home, having a WETT certified inspector or technician involved is a necessity.
WETT specialty inspections are also now being required as a part of the home insuring process. In fact, many homeowners first hear about WETT specialty inspections because an insurance company asks that their appliances be examined by a WETT certified inspector. In Canada, insurance companies require homes using wood burning appliances to be thoroughly inspected by a professional and cleared/approved before the home can be insured.
If purchasing an older home that includes any of these wood-burning appliances, a WETT inspection is an absolute necessity. Cottages often include wood-burning appliances, and often the installation of these features is not in compliance with WETT standards. An inspection will be able to tell you whether or not these appliances are operating optimally, are in good structural condition, and that they burning in a way that does not compromise your health and safety.