Inspecting The Attic
In this page we will discuss how Mose handles inspecting the attic of your home.
A professional home inspection is conducted based on industry standards of practice. At Mose Home Inspection Services we base ourselves on is the ASHI & Inter-NACHI standards of practice. On this page we use the term “home” but the following equally applies to condominiums as well.
Attics are rarely used and often neglected. At Mose Home Inspection Services we understand that your attic can tell you a lot about the overall condition of your home and especially your roof. The roofs of homes in the greater Montreal area, Laval and the South Shore take a lot of abuse from snow, ice, high heat and lots of rain. All of these take their toll on your roof and they can leave signs in your attic.
Why Inspecting Your Attic is Important
Everything your home is exposed to by the elements lands on the roof and so much of what happens inside your home passes up to the attic. We will touch on some of the basics.
Trusses & Rafters
Your Mose Home Inspection Services inspection is not an engineering inspection however we are trained to inspect the structural members of the attic. Even if on the outside the roof looks sound and secure, inside the attic you could find damaged trusses or rafters. Our inspection will disclose stress cracks or damage caused by shoddy renovation work that could lead to a loss of integrity.
Signs of Fire Damage
The color of the wood in your attic can reveal, that the home may have suffered from fire damage. If the wood is black, scorched and sooty, that’s a clear sign it had been burned in the past. Conversely, if the wood is painted, that could mean that the visible damage and smell as covered up.
Attic Insulation
In Canada we face extreme weather and having adequate insulation in the attic is critical. Attics can be insulated in a number of ways, including blowing in insulation or laying fiberglass batts.
Insulation is rated with an R factor, meaning the higher the R number, typically the higher the insulating factor. Ask your home inspector if the batts are facing the right direction (paper up or paper down). Properly insulated attics can cut down on your heating costs in the winter and cooling expenses in the summer.
Water Damage in the Attic
Water penetrates your roof and leaves its mark in the attic. Inspectors will look for staining on the wood supports or on the walls which provides them with evidence of water leaks, signaling the need to check the roof covering. Often condensation will form around poorly insulated pipes or bathroom & laundry room vents, which can cause wood to rot.
Check the Chimney
You can’t check the interior of the chimney from the attic, but an inspector can tell if the exterior structure is solid within the attic. That part of the chimney that is unexposed to the elements can also deteriorate over time. Mose Home Inspection Services inspectors will look for cracks in the bricks and whether the mortar has crumbled. It’s not unusual to discover a chimney in the attic but no sign of a fireplace inside the home because it has been walled in.
Other Items we Inspect in the Attic
The following are some of the other items we cover in an attic inspection.
Additional Items Verified
In the Great White North we have our share of critters, the first sign that one has been living in the attic is often the telltale evidence of tiny poop pellets left behind. Squirrels, raccoons, birds and other animals often enter attics through the eaves or loose boards and this wildlife can cause considerable damage.
As part of our inspection we will let you now if there is any evidence of the presence of these uninvited visitors.
A thorough inspection carried out by a qualified inspector who is a member of the Quebec Provincial Association of Home Builders (APCHQ)
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Speedy service with reports generated within 2-3 days of an inspection
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A clear, concise and comprehensive home inspection report with illustrations, photos and an informative overview
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Over 20 years of industry experience
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Free telephone support (for homeowners)
Why Our Clients Choose Us
I like the service from Alexander Funhstein, he was on time, and took the time to explain every single detail despite the wind and cold weather. He didn't rush to perform the inspection, he pays attention to every detail. The report was very written in a very clear way with references with good explanation. I'm very please with the results, therefore I will be recommending the services from MOSE Home Inspection to anyone who will be interested in performing an inspection. I will also post a feedback on Google to compensate on the perception for the inspector.
D.C. Pierrefonds, QC
Professional reception when I called to make an appointment and and time-slot was quickly reserved. Inspector was knowledgeable, friendly and took care of my needs without getting distracted by the seller. The inspector was also smart enough to keep certain comments to himself until he and I were alone, very appreciated and extremely professional. All in all, a great experience. Report is clear and concise.
N.N. Lachine, QC
This is the second time we've hired Mose Inspection Services. Both times, we have been very pleased with the professionalism and knowledge of the inspectors: their punctuality, thoroughness, and easy to understand explanations of key issues. The reports are detailed yet simple to understand. The inclusion of estimated costs is very important.
Isabel Brinck Verdun, QC
"Carol was professional, very meticulous in her inspection and overall great person. She explained every step of the way issues that needed to be addressed in simple terms. I highly recommend her. Thank you Carol."
Vanessa V
"Carol is not only an excellent inspector, she is an excellent person. I feel incredibly fortunate not only to have had the inspection done by her, but also to have met her. The inspection was fun and informative and thoroughly professional. She really knows her field! Thank you so much! Much gratitude!"
Ms. Su Schnee
"Friendly, explained everything as we went along, made it a point to show me all the report items in person, ran through them once again at the end, answered all questions - even those above and beyond the inspection."
Harsh Aurora
"Alex was very professional and detailed. He pointed out all the deficiencies in the building which lead me not to purchase this property. I am very satisfied with Alex's service"
Stefano Casoli
"The inspection was detailed and well documented. Gerry well communicated his findings throughout the inspection and took the time to answer any questions or concerns we had regarding the property."
Mathieu St-Martin
"Very friendly and patient inspector. Thank you for taking us around during the inspection and for explaining what was important to know and for answering all of our questions."
Sarah Halton
"Second time I've used Mose and I was as impressed as the first. For me my family's safety and my wallet are most important in buying a home. Mose took care of me for both."
Serge Dyotte
"Gerry was very professional, prompt, and answered all our questions. The very detailed report was delivered the day before it was promised! Excellent Job!"
Lori Paige
"Friendly customer service, great communication from the first call right through the the day of the inspection. The inspector was really friendly, helpful and provided lots of insight; he did not sugar coat anything! I am very confident in the inspection report we received and the services offered."
Teresa McKenna
"Was able to schedule in short notice, inspector was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent communicator."
Steve Rohde
"We are systematically repairing the house according to the report, and it is just amazing how much time we save and how easy it is because of the precision of the inspector's quotes."
Joel Montanez
We are Hiring Now
TESTIMONIALS Why Our Clients Choose Us
I like the service from Alexander Funhstein, he was on time, and took the time to explain every single detail despite the wind and cold weather. He didn't rush to perform the inspection, he pays attention to every detail. The report was very written in a very clear way with references with good explanation. I'm very please with the results, therefore I will be recommending the services from MOSE Home Inspection to anyone who will be interested in performing an inspection. I will also post a feedback on Google to compensate on the perception for the inspector.
D.C. Pierrefonds, QC
Professional reception when I called to make an appointment and and time-slot was quickly reserved. Inspector was knowledgeable, friendly and took care of my needs without getting distracted by the seller. The inspector was also smart enough to keep certain comments to himself until he and I were alone, very appreciated and extremely professional. All in all, a great experience. Report is clear and concise.
N.N. Lachine, QC
This is the second time we've hired Mose Inspection Services. Both times, we have been very pleased with the professionalism and knowledge of the inspectors: their punctuality, thoroughness, and easy to understand explanations of key issues. The reports are detailed yet simple to understand. The inclusion of estimated costs is very important.
Isabel Brinck Verdun, QC
"Carol was professional, very meticulous in her inspection and overall great person. She explained every step of the way issues that needed to be addressed in simple terms. I highly recommend her. Thank you Carol."
Vanessa V
"Carol is not only an excellent inspector, she is an excellent person. I feel incredibly fortunate not only to have had the inspection done by her, but also to have met her. The inspection was fun and informative and thoroughly professional. She really knows her field! Thank you so much! Much gratitude!"
Ms. Su Schnee
"Friendly, explained everything as we went along, made it a point to show me all the report items in person, ran through them once again at the end, answered all questions - even those above and beyond the inspection."
Harsh Aurora
"Alex was very professional and detailed. He pointed out all the deficiencies in the building which lead me not to purchase this property. I am very satisfied with Alex's service"
Stefano Casoli
"The inspection was detailed and well documented. Gerry well communicated his findings throughout the inspection and took the time to answer any questions or concerns we had regarding the property."
Mathieu St-Martin
"Very friendly and patient inspector. Thank you for taking us around during the inspection and for explaining what was important to know and for answering all of our questions."
Sarah Halton
"Second time I've used Mose and I was as impressed as the first. For me my family's safety and my wallet are most important in buying a home. Mose took care of me for both."
Serge Dyotte
"Gerry was very professional, prompt, and answered all our questions. The very detailed report was delivered the day before it was promised! Excellent Job!"
Lori Paige
"Charles was very professional and I saved a few thousand dollars just based on his work. Definitely worth every penny, probably saved me more money then I even realized was available. He also offered his opinions on general value in the house which we found very helpful!"
Matthew Peat
Charles was very friendly and honest. He gave us great advice and idea's that we will definitely use when we take possession of the property."
Patrizio Persichino
Charles was very friendly and honest. He gave us great advice and idea's that we will definitely use when we take possession of the property."
Patrizio Persichino
"Friendly customer service, great communication from the first call right through the the day of the inspection. The inspector was really friendly, helpful and provided lots of insight; he did not sugar coat anything! I am very confident in the inspection report we received and the services offered."
Teresa McKenna
"Was able to schedule in short notice, inspector was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent communicator."
Steve Rohde
"We are systematically repairing the house according to the report, and it is just amazing how much time we save and how easy it is because of the precision of the inspector's quotes."
Joel Montanez
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We are Hiring Now
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