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Practical guidance for home buyers and sellers in Ottawa, Nepean, and surrounding areas—from the GCC Home Inspections team.

Buyer Guide

What to Expect During a Home Inspection

A GCC home inspection is a thorough visual evaluation of the property’s major systems and structure—typically covering more than 400 inspection points from the roof and foundation to electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, insulation, and interior finishes.

Plan for two to four hours on site, depending on the size and age of the home. We encourage you to attend so you can ask questions, see findings firsthand, and understand maintenance priorities. Your inspector will walk you through areas of concern and provide a verbal summary before leaving.

Every inspection includes thermal imaging at no extra charge. Within 24 hours you receive a detailed electronic report with digital photos and infrared images. As an OAHI member and Professional Civil Engineer, we follow professional practice guidelines and are fully insured for E&O and general liability.

Technology

Why Thermal Imaging Matters

A standard visual inspection cannot always detect moisture behind walls, missing insulation, or air leakage in the building envelope. Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to reveal temperature differences that point to hidden problems before they become costly repairs.

GCC includes a full thermal scan with every home inspection—a $100 value at no additional cost. We scan living areas, ceilings, walls, floors, and accessible attic spaces to identify conditions linked to high moisture, inadequate insulation, and drafts.

Catching these issues early helps you negotiate repairs, plan upgrades, or walk away from a property with serious concealed defects. Thermal images are included in your report alongside standard photos for clear, documented evidence.

New Construction

New Home Warranty Inspections

New homes in Ontario are covered by a builder warranty with key deadlines—often at possession (PDI), 30 days after move-in, and before the one-year anniversary. A professional inspection documents deficiencies while they are still the builder’s responsibility to correct.

GCC offers pre-delivery and 30-day inspections, as well as one-year warranty inspections that review the full property from foundation to roof. Common items include grading and drainage, window and door operation, roofing and flashing, HVAC performance, and interior finish quality.

Do not wait until the warranty period expires. Scheduling an inspection before your deadline gives you a detailed report to submit to your builder and protects the investment in your new home. Contact us to book a PDI, 30-day, or one-year warranty inspection.

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