A basement suite, also called an in-law suite or secondary suite, is a fully functional living area located within a home, most commonly in the basement. It’s designed to provide an independent and comfortable space for extended family members, guests, or tenants, while still being part of the main property.
These suites usually feature their own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, living area, and bedroom, and often have a private entrance or shared access through the main home. They’re a popular option in Alberta for families looking to create extra space for relatives, accommodate multi-generational living, or generate additional income through rental.
During an inspection, we focus on assessing the suite’s overall condition, safety, and functionality, ensuring that it provides a healthy, safe, and efficient living environment for occupants.
An outbuilding, such as a barn, detached garage, or workshop, refers to any structure located on the property but separate from the main house. These buildings are often used for storage, hobbies, vehicle maintenance, small businesses, or agricultural purposes.
In Alberta, outbuildings can vary widely in design and complexity — from simple utility sheds to large heated workshops or multi-purpose barns. Because of their different uses and construction types, they often have unique systems such as electrical wiring, heating, plumbing, or ventilation that require careful inspection.
Our Outbuilding / Barn / Shop Inspection add-on focuses on evaluating the overall condition, safety, and structural integrity of these secondary buildings. This includes checking the foundation, framing, roof, insulation, electrical components, and general workmanship, helping homeowners understand the true state and functionality of their additional structures.
For rural or acreage properties that rely on a private well instead of a municipal water supply, regular water testing is essential to ensure the water is safe and suitable for everyday use. A well water test involves collecting a controlled sample from the property’s water system and submitting it to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
The test checks for bacterial contamination (such as E. coli and coliform bacteria) and may also include assessments for water quality parameters like hardness, pH, and mineral content, depending on the homeowner’s needs or lender requirements.
Our Well Water Test / Sample add-on includes:
This service provides valuable information about the safety, quality, and maintenance needs of your private water source, helping protect both your health and your home’s plumbing systems.
A WETT inspection focuses on the safety, installation, and performance of wood-burning systems such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys. It ensures that these heating appliances meet current building codes and fire-safety standards.
Our inspection includes a detailed visual assessment of the appliance, chimney, venting system, and clearances from combustible materials. We check for proper installation, structural integrity, and potential fire hazards such as creosote buildup or damage.
This add-on helps homeowners and buyers verify that their wood-burning system is safe, efficient, and compliant with insurance and local requirements.
A mainline sewer camera inspection is a specialized evaluation of the home’s main drain line — the pipe that carries wastewater from the house to the municipal sewer or septic system. Using a high-resolution camera, the inspector can visually examine the condition of the underground line without any digging or disruption.
This inspection helps identify common issues such as blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, misaligned joints, or pipe deterioration, which can lead to slow drains, backups, or costly repairs if left unchecked.
In Alberta, this inspection is strongly recommended for properties built before 1980, as older homes often have sewer lines made of materials such as clay tile, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe — a type of fiber-based pipe that was commonly used in Edmonton, Calgary, and other cities in North America during the mid-20th century. These materials are prone to cracking, corrosion, collapse, and root intrusion over time. Replacing a damaged main sewer line can be one of the most expensive home repairs — often costing several thousands of dollars — making early detection extremely valuable.
Our Mainline Sewer Camera Inspection add-on provides a clear video recording and detailed findings, giving homeowners confidence in the condition of their sewer system and peace of mind before purchasing or renovating.
This add-on focuses on evaluating private water and wastewater systems to ensure they are safe, functional, and properly maintained. It’s ideal for rural or acreage properties that rely on independent systems instead of municipal connections.
The inspection includes assessing the condition and operation of the septic tank, distribution system, and absorption field, as well as examining the well or cistern setup, pressure system, and visible components. We look for signs of leakage, contamination, mechanical wear, or improper installation.
By adding this service, homeowners and buyers can gain valuable insight into the overall health and efficiency of their property’s water and waste infrastructure.
Mold testing is a specialized inspection service designed to detect and assess the presence of mold in a property. Mold can develop in areas with excess moisture or poor ventilation and may not always be visible to the naked eye. Even small amounts of mold can affect indoor air quality, cause unpleasant odors, and potentially impact the health of occupants.
This service typically involves collecting samples from the air or surfaces within the home and sending them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Mold testing can identify the type of mold, the extent of contamination, and whether conditions are conducive to further growth.
In Alberta’s climate — with cold winters and humid summers — moisture issues can develop in basements, attics, bathrooms, and behind walls. Mold growth may go unnoticed for years, especially in older or poorly ventilated homes. Testing provides homeowners with the knowledge needed to address problems early, avoiding costly repairs and potential health risks.
Our Mold Testing add-on includes:
This service is ideal for buyers, sellers, or homeowners concerned about hidden mold or moisture problems, helping ensure a healthier and safer living environment.
This add-on is designed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a property. Asbestos was commonly used in older homes for insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, and other building materials, and can pose health risks if disturbed.
During the inspection, small samples are safely collected from suspected materials and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. The goal is to determine whether asbestos is present and in what concentration, helping homeowners make informed decisions about renovation or removal.
This service is especially recommended for homes built before the 1990s or when planning major renovations that may disturb existing materials.
Air quality testing is a specialized inspection service designed to assess the indoor air environment of a property. Indoor air can contain a variety of pollutants — including dust, allergens, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter — that can affect health, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
This service involves collecting air samples from different areas of the home and sending them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The results provide a clear picture of the air quality, identifying contaminants and their levels, and helping determine whether further action is needed.
In Alberta, indoor air quality can be influenced by seasonal changes, heating systems, ventilation, and the presence of moisture or construction materials. Poor air quality can cause discomfort, allergies, respiratory issues, and long-term health concerns. Testing provides homeowners with valuable information to maintain a healthy living environment.
Our Air Quality Testing add-on includes:
This service is ideal for homeowners, buyers, and tenants who want peace of mind about the air they breathe, and those concerned about allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
