Buying or selling a home in St. AlbertEdmonton, or surrounding Sturgeon County communities almost always involves a professional home inspection. One of the most common questions local buyers ask their Realtor is: “How long will the inspection take—and what could potentially go wrong?” Below is a clear breakdown to help you prepare.
How Long a St. Albert Home Inspection Usually Takes
Most standard home inspections in Alberta take between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Larger acreages, older character homes, and properties with multiple outbuildings can take longer.
- Condos or townhomes: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Single-family homes: 2.5–4 hours
- Acreages or estates in Sturgeon County: 4+ hours
Inspection time can also vary based on weather, access to mechanical rooms, and whether the inspector finds significant issues requiring extra documentation.
What Alberta Home Inspectors Look At
Licensed Alberta inspectors—often certified through organizations such as the **Alberta Professional Home Inspectors Society (APHIS)** or **CAHPI**—follow strict guidelines. A typical inspection covers:
- Roof and exterior
- Foundation and structure
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Heating and cooling systems
- Attic and insulation
- Interior walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows
Your Realtor may suggest additional inspections—sewer line scopes, radon tests, or well and septic checks in rural areas—especially for older homes or acreages in Sturgeon County.
What Can Go Wrong During a Home Inspection?
Most inspections go smoothly, but issues can arise. Some simply delay the process, while others may require negotiation between the buyer and seller.
Access Problems
- Locked rooms or garages
- Snow blocking exterior access during Alberta winters
- Pets on the property
These issues often force the inspector to return, adding delays to the transaction timeline.
Major System Failures
Some problems may trigger negotiation, repairs, or even a buyer walking away. Common examples in Edmonton and St. Albert include:
- Foundation cracks or moisture issues
- Poly-B plumbing (still found in homes built before the early 1990s)
- Old furnaces near end of life
- Aluminum wiring in older properties
- Roof deterioration caused by freeze–thaw cycles
Safety Concerns
These are flagged immediately and may require urgent attention:
- Electrical hazards
- Carbon monoxide risks
- Mold or moisture infiltration
How a Realtor Helps Navigate Inspection Issues
Your St. Albert or Edmonton Realtor plays a key role in helping you understand the inspection report and manage next steps. According to guidance from the **Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)**, REALTORS assist by:
- Reviewing inspection findings
- Recommending additional specialists when needed
- Negotiating repairs, credits, or price adjustments
- Ensuring contract deadlines are met
A skilled Realtor can often help keep the deal together even when surprises arise—especially common during Alberta’s winter season when roofs, grading, and exterior components are harder to assess.
Final Thoughts
A typical St. Albert or Edmonton home inspection is straightforward and completed within a few hours. Still, it’s wise to prepare for potential issues and rely on experienced professionals—your home inspector and your Realtor—to guide you through the process. Being informed helps ensure that your real estate transaction stays on track and that you enter your new home with confidence.