A Home Inspection is a visible, non-invasive inspection of a home. What this means is that we go through the house, inspecting the various components of a house without damaging any finishes or moving large furniture or wall coverings. We search for dangerous situations, structural concerns and anything that may affect the value of the house. Home inspections are performed according the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice.

At Fortified we use modern home inspection software to report on the observations and details that are revealed during the inspection. This ensures that the information is presented in an easy to understand manner, using terms that are understandable to the average homeowner. Our report also includes suggestions on items that are not concerns at the time of the inspection but may become an issue over time.

We encourage our clients to be at the inspection and follow us through the home so that you are there to ask any questions that arise. This is the best chance you have to gain a greater understanding as to how your house functions. We encourage questions and are eager to share our knowledge with you. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to making a decision on buying a house.

During a home inspection, and in the report, we will give general home maintenance suggestions that can help to prolong the life of your home. This information is very valuable, especially to the first time home buyer, as they may not be aware of the little things that can be done that significantly affect the longevity of the home.

Thermal Imaging Scan

Thermal imaging is a tool that can reveal moisture and insulation concerns that are hidden to the eye. Drywall can appear and feel dry, but there can be moisture below the surface. This could be from plumbing leaks, roof leaks or foundation leaks. Every home inspection performed by Fortified includes a thorough thermal scan from foundation to roof. Any identified issues are recorded in the inspection report along with pictures.

Drone Inspection

All home inspections are covered with Fortified’s drone inspection service (weather dependent). Crystal clear video and images from our Mavic drones ensure your inspector can look, in detail, at the condition of your roof.

Water Testing

If you are purchasing an acreage with a well, we are able to have the water tested for coliforms. A sample is taken during the inspection and delivered to a laboratory for testing. Results are normally available within a couple days and will be emailed to you.

Septic Systems

When purchasing an acreage, having the septic system inspected is important as a faulty septic system can become a significant expense down the road. AS septic systems are specially designed systems, we recommend having them inspected by an authorized member of the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association.

If you would like to have a septic inspector perform an inspection of the septic system at the same time as your Home Inspection, we would be happy to accomodate that.

Cisterns are not inspected as we cannot risk removing the lid of a cistern and having contaminants (dirt, grass, ice) fall into the home’s drinking water supply.

Free Follow Up Inspection

Unfortunately it’s not always possible to inspect every item in a home due to furniture placement and storage and in the winter, snow prevents a proper inspection of the roof and grade. That’s why we’ll come back after you’ve taken possession of your home to inspect those items that we were unable to inspect during the inspection.

10% Next Home Inspection

It would be great if the first house were always the one we end up with, and while that is often the case, it isn’t always. That’s why if you don’t complete your offer on a house that we inspect, and continue your search, we’ll offer you 10% off subsequent inspections until you get the house you want!