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Services

Steven Walker is an accredited National Home Inspector in all property systems including Roofing, Structure, Heating/AC/Heat Pumps, Plumbing, Interior, Insulation, Exterior as well as Communication, Professionalism and Practice; each proven through industry leading training and proctored exams culminating in National Certification.

Serving the Counties of
Northumberland | Hastings | Lennox/Addington | Prince Edward | Frontenac

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What’s Included in an Inspection

The inspection is an extensive non-destructive review of all property systems taking approximately 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours for home inspections and usually significantly more for commercial properties dependent on the size and scope of the property. All accessible spaces are inspected, from walking on the roof, to crawling in the attic and getting into the crawl space. Exterior and landscaping, major internal systems including electrical systems, panels, wiring & fixtures, heating & cooling systems, plumbing, windows, doors, walls, structural components and foundational stability are all closely inspected and reported.

In addition to Single Family Homes, multiple-dwelling home inspections and commercial property inspections are available. The inspection is similar to the single family inspection, but with the added feature of additional dwelling units within the building, such as a duplex or triplex. All units are inspected as well as the building. The report will identify each home or business individually so you know exactly where any deficiencies can be found. Use the Booking Tool to get a quote and book your inspection.

The Walker Inspections Report identifies:

Alerts: Significant concerns that may require additional expertise to determine the extent of the concern and the appropriate course of action. For example structural issues requiring engineering consultation.
Hazards: Observations that indicate a potential or current hazard to human safety if not corrected
Repairs: Items that are not functioning at all or not functioning as designed and needs to be replaced, repaired or in some way remediated. These items usually should be corrected by a qualified professional.
Minor Repairs: Items that require repair or replacement but may be simple and/or relatively inexpensive and/or quick to repair. These items may not require a professional depending on your comfort level with making these repairs. For example a broken light switch cover, a missing electrical box cover, an ineffective door latch, a missing or inoperative GFCI outlet
Monitor: Items that may appear to be functioning as designed at the time of the inspection but may be suspect and should be monitored on regular basis (weekly/monthly or annually), especially during certain events to asses if correction may be needed in the future.
Disclosures: Recommendations to request disclosure with another parties. Examples include, information about a possible buried oil tank, an unused well or hot water tank rental agreement.
Maintenance: These are repair items that should be considered “routine home ownership items,” such as servicing the furnace, cleaning the gutters, changing the air filters in the furnace or re-staining the deck.
Future Expense: A repair that may be deferred for some time but should be on the radar for repair or replacement in the near future.
Improvements: Items that are functioning as designed but which could or should be brought up to current standards to improve safety, efficiency, or reliability. For example, a balcony guardrail that was built in 1890 does not meet today’s height standard, but may be functioning as per standards during the time of construction.
Efficiencies: Denotes observations that are needed to make the home more energy efficient as well as to bring the home up to modern insulation standards. This category typically includes windows and insulation. Other items, such as lighting and appliances, are not inspected for their energy status.
Quick Snapshot: In the summary section will be a list of materials used (water pipes, insulation etc.) and ages of key components (furnace, water heater etc.) so you can get a quick, one page view of the currency of the building.
Home for sale

Pre-purchase Inspection

As a prospective buyer, it is wise to assess just how much trust you can place in the seller’s transparency regarding all relevant details about the property. Attaining an impartial and unbiased evaluation of the property’s condition is the best way to be informed before making one of the biggest decisions of your life. My primary objective is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the condition of the home, and its major systems, in order to help you make that decision. Our allegiance rests solely with your interests, completely independent of any affiliations with agents or contractors.

A pre-purchase inspection offers numerous benefits for prospective buyers. Firstly, it provides invaluable insights into the overall condition of the property before making a substantial investment. Walker Inspections will thoroughly assesses the structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, and other essential components of the house. This detailed examination helps buyers identify any potential issues or hidden defects that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. Armed with this knowledge, purchasers can make informed decisions, negotiate better deals, and budget for any necessary repairs or renovations, saving them from unexpected expenses down the road.

Secondly, a pre-purchase inspection contributes to peace of mind for the buyer. Knowing that an independent professional has thoroughly inspected the property instills confidence and reduces anxiety about potential surprises after moving in. It allows buyers to enter the transaction with a clear understanding of the property’s strengths and weaknesses, empowering them to negotiate repairs or request the seller to address any major concerns. Ultimately, a pre-purchase inspection serves as a proactive measure to ensure that the homebuying process is smooth, transparent, and rewarding, offering buyers the confidence and assurance they need to make the right decision.

Inspected by Walker Home Inspection sign

Pre-listing Inspection

Opting for a pre-listing inspection offers numerous advantages for sellers looking to put their property on the market. First off, it provides you with a clear understanding of your property’s condition, allowing you to address any potential issues before they become stumbling blocks during negotiations. Armed with this information, you can choose to fix certain problems, ensuring your property is presented in the best possible light and potentially boosting its appeal to potential buyers.

A pre-listing inspection streamlines the selling process. By proactively identifying and rectifying any concerns, you can avoid last-minute surprises that might cause delays or even lead to a deal falling through. This upfront transparency can foster trust between you and potential buyers, making negotiations smoother and instilling confidence that you’re dealing in good faith.

Ultimately, a pre-listing inspection empowers you to set a fair asking price based on your property’s actual condition, making for a more efficient and successful selling experience.

House with sold sign

Post-Purchase Inspection

Getting a post-purchase inspection is a savvy move for any property owner. It’s like a second opinion that ensures you’re aware of the true condition of your new property. Even if everything seemed fine during the initial purchase, hidden issues might pop up later. A post-purchase inspection gives you peace of mind, helping you catch any surprises before they turn into major problems. It’s an investment in your home’s long-term well-being and your own financial security.

If a property inspection was completed within the previous 2 years by Walker Inspections, a Post-Purchase inspection of the same property is charged at a discounted rate.

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