An inspection starts at grade level and works down: exterior wall condition, crack location and width, grading and drainage around the perimeter, and any visible signs of past repairs. Inside, we check the basement or crawlspace walls and floor for cracking, bowing, moisture, and efflorescence, along with door and window operation and floor level on the storeys above. We note what’s active, what’s historical, and what’s cosmetic.
Buying a home built on Ottawa’s clay-heavy soil is a common reason to get a foundation looked at before closing. We assess the foundation independently of the general home inspection and give you a written summary you can use in your decision or negotiation, without pressuring you toward a repair you don’t need.
We look at the full foundation perimeter where accessible, checking for cracks, bowing, efflorescence, and moisture staining, along with grading and drainage around the exterior. Inside, we check for uneven floors, sticking doors and windows, and any signs of past water intrusion. For a pre-purchase inspection, we also note anything that looks like a prior repair, since a patched crack or a resurfaced wall section can indicate a bigger issue was addressed – or masked – before you owned the property.
What we observed, room by room and wall by wall, in plain language.
Anything that needs attention soon versus what's fine to monitor.
A written quote for any recommended work, with no obligation to proceed.
Every inspection ends with a written summary of what we found, including any cracks, moisture signs, or drainage issues observed, along with our honest read on whether anything needs attention now versus something worth monitoring. For a pre-purchase or due-diligence inspection, that summary is written so you can share it with your realtor, lawyer, or lender if needed. We don’t upsell during an inspection – if nothing needs attention, we’ll tell you that directly rather than manufacturing a repair recommendation.
A foundation inspection covers the visible foundation wall for cracking, bowing, and moisture staining, the grading and drainage around the perimeter, sump pit and pump condition where present, and any interior signs like sticking doors or sloped floors that point to settlement. We take photos of anything notable and explain what we’re seeing as we go, rather than handing you a report full of jargon after the fact. If nothing needs attention, we’ll tell you that plainly instead of manufacturing a reason to recommend work.
A pre-purchase foundation inspection is best scheduled during your home inspection condition period, so results can still factor into negotiations if something significant turns up. We can usually accommodate a request within a few business days, and you’ll receive a written summary you can share with your realtor or lawyer. This is a visual, non-invasive assessment. It won’t catch anything hidden behind finished walls, but it will flag the visible warning signs that matter most before you commit to a purchase. For homes with a finished basement, we’ll note anywhere our view is limited by drywall or flooring and say so directly in the report, rather than guess at what’s behind a finished surface. We also check exterior grading, downspout placement, and any visible signs of standing water near the foundation, since drainage problems are one of the most common early warning signs we’re asked to look for on a general inspection.
Especially older homes or homes in areas known for clay soil.
Confirms whether it's active movement or cosmetic.
Nearby digging can disturb soil and affect an adjacent foundation.
Tell us what you're seeing and where it is on the property.
We inspect the affected area, confirm the cause, and check whether it's still active.
A specific scope of work and price in writing before we schedule anything.
Work is carried out to the agreed scope, then we review it with you and confirm it matches the quote.
Yes, there's no cost for the assessment itself. You only pay if you choose to move ahead with repair work.
A typical residential inspection takes 30-60 minutes, longer for larger properties or commercial buildings.
Yes, we provide a written summary of our findings that you can use alongside your general home inspection.
Yes, we assess commercial foundations for due diligence, insurance, or general concern, scheduled around your building's access requirements.
Most inspections take under an hour for a typical home, longer if the basement is unfinished and every section of the foundation is accessible to check directly.
Often, yes – a patched crack or resurfaced wall section is usually visible on close inspection, and we'll flag it along with what it likely indicates.