A home inspection is a professional, objective visual examination of the condition of a home.
Home buyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies before the sale goes through so that there will be no unpleasant surprises or insurmountable financial burdens later on.

Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any non visible defects in a home. Most minor or
cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent without the aid of a professional.

The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, or a guarantee of any kind,
but a tool to aid you, the purchaser, to be better prepared and knowledgeable.

Q.  WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make.  You should know exactly what to expect both indoors and out in terms of repair and maintenance.

A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems.

Water marks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem or may simply be the result of a single incident.

The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his/her professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards.

Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.

After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are about to purchace.

Q.  WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?

A complete home inspection includes a visual examination of the house from top to bottom in accordance with the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI& and the Canadian Association of Home and property Inspectors,

The inspector examines the heating system, the interior visible plumbing and electrical systems, the exterior of the roof, the attic and visible insulation, walls, ceiling, floors, windows, doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure, exterior cladding and garage if applicable.

The associated report should also include maintenance and building science information and information that will be a help to you, the home owner, in the future.

A report must be in writing and should include photographs of some of the areas of the home that may require attention for added  illustration and understanding.

But more important the report must give you an idea as to the expected cost you may experience for repair to deficient work or for upgrading the premises if needed. An inspection performed and report prepared by Madsen Technical Services Inc. provides all of that and more. It exceeds the Standards of Practice of ASHI& CAHPI.

Q.  CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands of homes in his/her career and who has passed the stringent tests set by ASHI& CAHPI to become a truly Certified Member.

Most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want and this may lead to poor assessment.

Q.  WHAT WILL IT COST?

Costs should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. The quality of the inspection should be. Choose a certified CAHPI member. Choose Madsen Technical Services Inc.

Generally the cost of an inspection start at $ 350.00, depending on age, size and location of the dwelling, a small price to pay to be a better informed buyer. Check with us for an accurate price but have all the particulars about the dwelling available when you call.

Q.  CAN A HOUSE "FAIL" AN INSPECTION?

No.  A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home but remember, it is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code Inspection.  It is not a guarantee.

Because of that, a home inspector will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future major repair or replacement for your knowledge and information.

Q.  HOW DO I FIND A HOME INSPECTOR?

Call Moe Madsen, a Certified CAHPI member with more than 18 years and 14,000 inspections behind him. Madsen Technical Services Inc. is the firm that stood the test of time.

Q.  HOW DO I SELECT AN INSPECTOR?

It is very important that you are totally comfortable with the inspector you choose.

An inspector need not be an engineer or an architect but he/she must have a good background in building construction matters and be current on the process of inspections and in reporting his/her observations and interpretations to you. Regardless of being an engineer or architect he/she must be a Certified CAHPI Member Ask for his/her membership card for proof of qualifications.

Ensure you get a written narrative report, that it includes projected cost for deficient work and contain photographs of part of the building together with maintenance and building science information. Ensure you get a carbon monoxide test performed on your heating system.

Call the Better Business Bureau and inquire if the firm is a member.

Make sure the firm has been in business for some years. Inspections firms come and go every month. Choose the firm that stood the test of time. Choose  Madsen Technical Services Inc.

Ensure the firm you choose is fully insured in Canada, and that it is an experienced Alberta Company, here to serve your future needs.

We, at Madsen Technical Services Inc., have the experience and we are one of the leading and one of the oldest pre-purchase home inspection firms in the Edmonton area.

Q.  WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?

First, you must make sure that a clause is included in your offer to purchase making your purchase obligation contingent upon an inspection satisfactory to you and to be performed by a Certified CAHPI inspector, the only recognized authority on home inspections in Canada. To be sure name Madsen Technical Services Inc.

Call us first to make an appointment and give yourself at least 5 days before your need to remove your condition.

Q.  DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?

It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea.  By following us around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about the home and get some tips on maintenance in general. This will also make it easier for you to understand the written report once you receive it. It could be the most beneficial 11/2 to 2 hours you have spent in this important transaction.

Q.  WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?

If we find faults in a home it does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate and approximate costs.

If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours but it is the inspection and associated report that provides you with the information to make that choice.

Q.  IF THE REPORT IS GOOD, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind knowing about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems.

You may also have learned a few things about your new home from our report and will want to keep that information for future reference. Our report will serve as a maintenance manual for you.  Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well informed purchase decision.

Inspectors from Madsen Technical Services Inc. abide by the CAHPI/ASHI Code of Ethics and will not reveal information contained in the report without your permission.

CALL US AT 403-458-9168 OR FAX US AT 403-459-0019 OR E Mail us at moemad@telusplanet.net