Rankin Home Inspection

I chose Rankin Home Inspection because their sample report online was more detailed than most, and the report contained actual photos taken on site of potential problems in difficult-to-access areas of the home. These photos would allow us to communicate clearly when it came time to have repairs done.

I accompanied Bryce on the inspection and asked him questions and took notes on nearly everything he examined. He was pleasant, welcomed my questions and took time to give clear answers.

One example of how he arrived at one of his findings will best illustrate the detail of his observation and follow-through in his analysis: Bryce noticed that a pillar supporting the roof of the front porch was slightly tilted inwards. He probed the bricks that were supported by the pillar, and found one of the bricks was loose. Temporarily removing the brick and exploring behind it with a flashlight revealed rotten wood in the frame of the roof (evidence of prolonged roof leakage), and a soot-like coating on interior surfaces, (suggesting fire damage.) The covered porch, and second floor balcony above the porch would need major repairs or replacement.

Other disappointing findings (such as knob and tube, poor patching of chimney flashings, pinholes in the main sewage stack) led me to tell Bryce, just one hour into the inspection, that my husband and I would probably withdraw our offer to purchase. Bryce offered me the option to speak with my husband, make a decision, and if we decided not to buy the home, to end the inspection right then, and he would charge us a reduced fee for a partial report.

We've had four home inspections on a variety of homes, as our family has relocated within Ontario. And the inspection done for us by Bryce Rankin last week was the most meticulous, helpful and informative of them all. I can't imagine buying another home in this region, without first getting a report by Bryce.