Question 1

Do you offer repairs?

Accepted Answer

Not on anything I inspect. I don't quote or carry out repair work on any property I inspect — that's a hard rule, and it doesn't bend. What you're booking is the inspection itself: 45 to 90 minutes on site and a written report within 48 hours. Take that report to whichever contractor you like, use it in a negotiation, or use it to confirm no work is needed at all.

Question 2

How is this different from a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

It's foundation-specific, and more thorough. Standard home inspections cover the foundation as one of many systems, usually with a brief visual check. My inspections are foundation-specific and more thorough — I spend 45-90 minutes focused only on foundation-related issues, with detailed documentation of everything I observe. If you have specific foundation concerns, a specialized inspection gives you much more information than a general home inspection.

Question 3

Is this the same as a structural engineer's report?

Accepted Answer

No. My inspections are detailed observational assessments, not engineering reports. I document what I see, measure cracks, assess patterns, and identify concerns — but I don't provide engineering certifications, stamped drawings, or calculations. If my findings suggest you need an engineering evaluation — for significant structural concerns or building permit requirements, for example — I'll recommend that as a next step.

Question 4

What are your qualifications?

Accepted Answer

I'm not a licensed engineer and I don't claim to be. What I bring is hands-on experience assessing residential foundations in the Edmonton region, and a practical working knowledge of the local clay soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and building practices that shape how foundations here behave. Every inspection I do is an observational assessment grounded in that experience.

Question 5

How long does a foundation inspection take?

Accepted Answer

A thorough foundation inspection typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the property. That's the time it takes to cover the basement walls and slab, the visible exterior foundation, the grading and drainage, the window wells, and the doors and floors above — photographing and measuring as I go. A fifteen-minute look at one wall simply cannot cover that ground.

Question 6

What areas do you inspect?

Accepted Answer

I inspect all accessible areas related to your foundation: basement walls and floor, visible exterior foundation walls, grading and drainage around the home, window wells, signs of settlement throughout the home (doors, windows, floors), and any accessible crawlspaces. I'll note any areas that weren't accessible for inspection.

Question 7

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

Accepted Answer

I'd recommend being there if you can — it's a good opportunity to ask questions and see exactly what I'm looking at. If that's difficult, I can coordinate access with you or your realtor instead. Either way, every finding goes into your written report.

Question 8

When will I receive my report?

Accepted Answer

Reports are typically delivered within 48 hours of your inspection. The report includes my written findings, all photo documentation, measurements, and my recommendations. I'm also happy to walk through the findings with you by phone once you've had a chance to read it.

Question 9

Can I use your report to get repair quotes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — that's one of the main reasons people book. My reports are detailed and clear enough that any foundation repair company can use them to quote accurately. It also puts you in a stronger position: you'll have your own photographed, measured documentation to compare against whatever recommendations you receive.

Question 10

Can I use the report for real estate negotiations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. My reports are written to serve as professional documentation suitable for real estate transactions. Whether you're negotiating price, requesting repairs, or simply demonstrating due diligence, the report gives you a dated, photographed record you can put in front of the other side.

Question 11

What if you find serious problems?

Accepted Answer

If I find significant concerns, I'll document them thoroughly and explain what I observed. I'll recommend appropriate next steps, which might include an engineering evaluation, monitoring over time, or getting quotes from qualified repair contractors. I won't pressure you or create false urgency — you'll have what you need to make an informed decision on your own timeline.

Question 12

What if you find nothing wrong?

Accepted Answer

That's often the outcome, and it's valuable information. I'll document the foundation's current condition, note any minor items worth monitoring, and give you a baseline to compare against in future years. Knowing your foundation is sound is worth a lot of peace of mind.

Question 13

How much does an inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

$129 for a condo or townhouse (typical range $115-$145), $179 for a single family home ($165-$195), $249 for a large or complex home ($230-$270), and $349+ for commercial properties. Those figures are the inspection fee. GST applies where applicable — I'll confirm your exact total before you book. Inspections inside Edmonton have no travel fee; for surrounding communities a travel fee may apply depending on distance, and I quote that upfront too. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.

Question 14

Why isn't the inspection free?

Accepted Answer

Because the inspection is the service, not a step towards something else. The fee pays for 45 to 90 minutes on your property, the photography and measurements taken while I'm there, the written report prepared afterwards, and a phone call to walk you through it. A free fifteen-minute look is a different thing entirely — it can't cover the same ground and it doesn't leave you holding a document.

Question 15

How soon can you schedule an inspection?

Accepted Answer

I typically have same-week availability, though it varies with season and demand. I reply to every enquiry within 1 business day. If you're working against a time-sensitive real estate deadline, tell me and I'll do my best to work around it.

Question 16

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I serve Edmonton and surrounding communities including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, Devon, and Morinville. Properties within Edmonton have no travel fee; surrounding areas may have a modest travel charge depending on distance, always quoted before you book.

Question 17

Should I worry about cracks in my foundation?

Accepted Answer

Not all cracks are concerning. Hairline vertical cracks from concrete curing are common and often cosmetic. However, horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks, or cracks that are widening over time can indicate more significant issues. The pattern, width, location, and whether cracks are active all matter. An inspection can help you understand which cracks need attention and which are normal.

Question 18

What causes foundation problems in Edmonton?

Accepted Answer

Edmonton's clay-heavy soils are among the most challenging in Canada. Clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating significant pressure on foundation walls. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles add additional stress. Poor drainage, mature trees near foundations, and plumbing leaks can all contribute to foundation movement. Understanding the cause helps determine appropriate responses.

Question 19

How urgent are foundation problems?

Accepted Answer

Most foundation issues develop over years or decades, not days or weeks. Significant problems are worth addressing, but same-day decisions are rarely necessary. A documented assessment tells you what you're dealing with and gives you a baseline you can measure against later, so you can decide on a reasonable timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

About My Service

The Inspection Process

Using Your Report

Scheduling & Pricing

Foundation Concerns

Still Have Questions?