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Danielle and Frank,

My builder has been absolutely wonderful at doing any repairs that need to be done, but I have a friend with Mattamy who really got the run around, Oh, this is normal, you have to expect that, that's not warrantable, etc.

The reason I got Andy in is to find any potential upcoming problems that aren't obvious to me. Because he has the infrared gun (I hope that's the right term for it!) he can find any small leaks that may be occuring that you can't see yet! I wanted him to have a look for that. My builder is happy to fix anything I can find, but I have to find it first!

With some builders, you need to know why something needs to be fixed, and defend the need to fix it. You have to know the answer to why it's not 'normal' or why it is warrantable. Andy will tell you all of that! He gives you the answers you may need to get your builder to fix it!

And btw, Andy was great and I'm so glad I had him in! Thanks Andy!

Stacey

Thanks mtown boy, and others, for your nice comments. I really appreciate it.



Your open ended question is specifically hard to answer because every home has it's own issues. Some issues are fairly common. Your list should include deficiencies, missing items, poorly installed items, poor workmanship, code violations, settling issues, items that are not operating properly, etc.

You can also list cosmetic issues, but professional Inspectors don't spend much time looking for that type of issue.

Sometimes builders complain that some lists always include the same things. I say, stop making the same problems and I will stop putting them on the list.

Andy

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For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

I'm looking to hire Andy for the PDI, 30 day and 1year inspection when I get my house later this year.

Hi Raeshel,

If you intend to have one professional inspection, you should do a one year inspection.

The only problem with that is that there may be serious problems with or in your home that go unresolved for the full year. As well, after you submit your one year list it is up to you to check to make sure all the work is repaired properly. I visit many homes for one year inspections and find problems that should have been found sooner.

One example - Many HRV IN-Vents are too close to, or right beside furnace and water heater exhaust vents. This is an extreme health hazard and Ontario Building Code violation.

Another option is to do a thirty day inspection.

The problem with this option is that your house is too new to look for any historical clues. The thirty day inspection will ensure that your home is safe to live in ( re venting, gas-proofing, and potential HRV hazards ) and the inspection will educate you how to maintain your home and the equipment in it. It will also inform you of potential problems that may arise if the builder does not pay attention to some details when doing the lot grading, etc.

For example - Today during a 30 day inspection at Vista Phase 1. On this particular street the homes are on a slight hill. The home I was inspecting has a much lower foundation than the house beside it. It will be difficult for the builder to do the lot grading properly to ensure that my clients foundation height above grade requirements are maintained when the grading is done. As well, the furnace, water heater, and HRV IN-Vents will all be too close to grade when the grading is done. Therefore, we included in the 30 day list these points so that the builder knows that the client is aware of these potential, and very likely, future problems. I will follow up with my client by emailing them the Ontario Building Code rules that have to do with these issues.

Probably the best option is to have a thorough 30 Day Inspection done and then have a one year "review" near the year end. A "Review" costs less than an inspection because it is generally less thorough.

This is the best option because it gives us another opportunity to take a look at the home, at repairs and improvements, and to check for any new problems that may arise at the home. At minimum, the roof, exterior, and attic, should be re-inspected at this time.

As far as PDI's go. This inspection is primarily cosmetic. It is NOT a good time to inspect the home at this time. Unfortunately, Mattamy has effectively banned Home Inspectors from attending PDI's as they are required to sign a contract that requires the Home Inspector to "observe silently". There is no point in anyone helping you at the PDI unless they are able to communicate with you. This "contract" violates Tarion rules yet Mattamy has decided to challenge Tarion regarding this issue. I have recently forwarded this ridiculous Mattamty contract to Bob Arron, a Real Estate lawyer and consumer advocate, for his opinion.

Andy Shaw

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For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

Thanks ethsen,

As you saw, Infra-Red can see what know-one else can see.

What appeared to be a small problem outside above the gas meter, resulted in us finding a cold floor on the second floor, which resulted in us finding a rather ugly, very cold zone on the first floor at the interior wall where the gas meter is. Everything tied together with Infra-Red yet none of this was visual with the naked eye.

On Monday I will email you your PDF Infra-Red Report. It will include a Infra-Red image of the problem area and a digital image of the same area, with a description of the problem.

Thanks again, Andy Shaw - 905 876 4761

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For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

I am a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due...so here it is:

We recently hired Andy Shaw for our 30 day inspection in our new home and we are both happy to have done so. Andy was extremely knowledgeable, methodical and thorough during the 4 hour inspection process. He took the time to explain his findings to us not-so-home-handy-owners, some of the noted deficiencies were not readily visible to the naked eye. His home inspection services come HIGHLY recommended....worth every single penny. New home or old home, Andy knows his stuff.

Looking forward to having Mr. Shaw at our year end. Keep it up Andy!
J

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Vista

Great to read so many great reviews about Andy on this board and nothing's better than a referral. I will be calling Andy to perform my 30-day home inspection and 1 year when the time comes.

We just had our 30 days inspection done by Andy yesterday and found that he is extremely friendly, knowledgeable and professional person. We could have missed 75% of things he pointed out for us to put down on Tarion 30 days list, although there was not any major issues and we thank God for that.

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Cooldude

Thanks for the comment Cooldude.

PS - Your Leviton fan timers looked great.

Andy

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For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

We had Andy back for our 1 year inspection. Andy was very thorough, knowledgeable and explained his findings as he went along. His infra red camera is a fantastic tool to 'see' any hiding issues. Should I have any future concerns about the structure of my home, Andy will be the first person I call. Andy's inspection services are highly recommended for home owners.
MP

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Vista

Thanks MP for your comment and for digging up this "Thanks Andy" topic to post on. Feel free to call me if you have any concerns with the required repairs.

Andy Shaw.

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For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

Hi,

I had Andy a week ago for our 30 day and suffice to say he was very professional.

He takes the time to explain to you what you need to know and to answer any questions you have.

At the same time, he gauges your level of knowledge and takes the time to teach things around the home that you don't know.

Great guy, would definitely recommend him especially to new home owners in the area. His knowledge of the builders and the Ontario builder's code is great.

thanks Andy!

Sunny&Geeta
Coombs - Lot 19

Thanks Sunny&Geeta.

I appreciate your comments. It has always been very important to me that clients understand issues related to their homes. This is also why it's important that home owners participate in the inspection process. Feel free to call me if the Warranty Manager for your phase has any problems with the issues listed on your 30 day report.

Andy Shaw

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For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

Had Andy in this past weekend to do our 1 year inspection. I was impressed with the amount of time and effort he took looking things over. He explained everything he saw as issues, pointed out things that weren't issues now, but could become issues down the road, and rather patiently answered questions from me.

I'd definitely recommend him to anyone else looking for a home inspection.

this is a free bump for Andy- this free post on water hammer noise fixed my issue. The guy sure is knowledgeable