AmeriSpec Northern BC Home Inspection Services

AmeriSpec Inspection Services | Northern BC
Home Inspections You Can Trust

Book an Inspection
Book our Services
*Required Fields
Call us

Terrace: 250-635-3222 Smithers: 250-847-3222

About Us

Giving you the peace of mind you need to make the right decision since 2004

AmeriSpec Inspection Services is the Northern BC home inspection national brand you can trust. Voted the #1 home inspection company by BobVila™ and Forbes Advisor, we offer more than 35 years of experience and over two million home inspections performed.

We provide industry leading home inspection training to AmeriSpec Northern BC home inspectors by combining classroom instruction, in-field home inspections, and hands-on technical training in our cutting-edge facility, led by instructors with over 20 years in the business.
 
If you’re looking to sell a home, AmeriSpec Northern BC home inspectors exceed real estate agent, home buyer, first time home buyer and home seller expectations.

AmeriSpec also offers a wide range of in demand specialty Northern BC home inspection services.
BOOK OUR SERVICES
Call us at Terrace: 250-635-3222 or Smithers: 250-847-3222 .
We will answer your calls from 8am - 9pm, 7 days a week!

Need A Northern BC Home Inspector?
View Our Services

BUYER’S HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Buying a home can be an anxious time. You have found the home of your dreams, but are concerned that it may have poor workmanship or problems such as cracks in the foundation, old or deteriorating plumbing, a faulty heating system, or unsafe or dated electrical wiring. It’s because of these possible problems that you should call the professionals at AmeriSpec for a home inspection before buying a house.

Read More

BOOK OUR SERVICES

SELLER’S HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

What price to list it at? What is the true value of your home? What do I have to do to get the house ready to sell? All serious questions that leave you with a lot to think about. Let AmeriSpec help with the process. We will visit your home and do a complete pre-list home inspection. This inspection will help you to understand the value of your home in its current condition. It will also give you an idea of some of the work you could do to improve the condition prior to listing.

Read More

BOOK OUR SERVICES

COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICE

Helping you understand your business is our business.
An AmeriSpec commercial building inspection will give you the answers you need about your property. A single walk-through is all it takes for our trained commercial property inspectors to survey the building, review appropriate documentation, and conduct interviews, if needed, in order to determine the property’s condition and give you the peace of mind you need.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

INFRARED
THERMOGRAPHY

The infrared camera is used to provide more insight regarding the physical state of a property and can reveal issues in a home that would not be visible to the naked eye.


Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

NEW HOME INSPECTION

A new home inspection is your chance to make sure that the work you requested and were promised is complete. You can ascertain what work remains to be done and what work needs to be corrected or redone. Don’t skip this important step in the process. Plan a full tour of your new home in the presence of your contractor and a qualified inspector from AmeriSpec.

Read More



BOOK OUR SERVICES

AIR QUALITY
TESTING SERVICES

Protecting yourself and your family from harmful contaminants in your home is very important. Poor indoor air quality can have profound negative effects on your health and the health of your family. It can affect your productivity and the enjoyment of your home. Take the first step toward a healthy home by calling the AmeriSpec about a Healthy Home Inspection.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

ASBESTOS INSPECTION SERVICE

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonplace in building material, specifically asbestos insulation. Homes built before 1990 often contain asbestos. While Canada has now banned the use of asbestos, many homes and buildings still have traces. When asbestos fibres are released into the air, they are an immediate health risk to you and your family. Reduce the risk of exposure by booking an asbestos inspection service.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

MOULD TESTING

Breathe Easy With An AmeriSpec Mould Inspection
What is Mould? Is it really a health concern? Some moulds are more hazardous than others, and different people have different responses to mould exposure. Those with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to health problems from mould exposure.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

RADON TESTING
SERVICES

Is there A killer lurking in your home?
Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally outdoors in harmless amounts. It’s produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It can get concentrated in homes built on soil with natural uranium deposits. Radon enters buildings through cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires or pumps. The presence of radon in the home is a serious risk to the health of you and your family.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

WELL & SEPTIC INSPECTION
SERVICES

It is important for the welfare of your home and family to have a well or septic system inspection. A septic system receives, treats and disposes of unwanted wastewater and solids from a home’s system. A good maintenance schedule of inspection will ensure your septic system is in good condition.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES

WOOD BURNING STOVE
AND FIREPLACE INSPECTION

A fireplace or wood burning stove makes any room in your house feel warm and cozy. They can also become a problem when trying to secure insurance.

Read More


BOOK OUR SERVICES
Previous
Next

Call Terrace: 250-635-3222 or Smithers: 250-847-3222. We will answer your calls from 8am - 9pm, 7 days a week!

Call us now!
Over
0
Years in
business
Over
0 K
Inspections
performed
More than
0
Years of industry
experience

Our History

There's no place quite like your home.

AmeriSpec is North America’s leading home inspection service. With our 1996 purchase by ServiceMaster, we became part of the largest and most trusted home service provider in the world. The AmeriSpec name is the industry standard for quality, service and value. With over 75 franchise licences from coast-to-coast, AmeriSpec Canada conducts more home inspections, and serves more satisfied customers than anyone else in the country. There truly is no place quite like your home!

For more information on our parent company, ServiceMaster of Canada, please visit www.servicemaster.ca.

Our Northern BC Home Inspection Team

FulljamesTerry-front-photo

Terry Fulljames
Certified Home Inspector, License #48366
Journeyman Red Seal Carpenter 

With over 17 years of experience as an AmeriSpec Home Inspector, paired with 15 years of extensive experience as a General Contractor, Terry Fulljames has the knowledge and training to provide you with the most professional home
inspection in the industry.

Terry is a Red Seal Interprovincial Journeyman Carpenter, Home Builder, Energy Advisor, WETT Inspector and Home Inspection Trainer. He is also AHERA Certified for Asbestos Sampling. Terry has been inspecting homes since 2004 and has conducted over 4,500 inspections in Northern British Columbia. When it comes to home inspections, why choose anyone else?

What Our Customers Are Saying

5/5

“Your attention to customers after the inspection. Very helpful. I feel that you helped me get out of a poor choice! Also the skill-set you bring to the job is incredible. Thank you! ”

F.P.

Terrace, BC

5/5

“Kim and Terry were both very professional. It was fast and easy to book the appointment, and we got the report the same day. Being a first time homebuyer it meant a lot that Terry talked me through the report and included pictures that I could reference. He was very patient with my questions and explained them in a way that was clear and easy to understand. Highly recommend to anyone in the north!”

L.A.O.C.J.

Thornhill, BC

5/5

“Very impressed with the timely and thorough service. Excellent comprehensive inspection report with relevant pictures and diagrams explaining concepts and standards. Would get again in a heartbeat.”

M.F.

Terrace, BC

READ MORE REVIEWS

Our Northern BC
House Inspectors Proudly Serve..

AmeriSpec Northern BC home inspection services provide residential home inspections, commercial inspections and related ancillary services in the following areas:

  • Terrace
  • Smithers
  • Prince Rupert
  • Kitimat
  • Hazelton
  • Houston
  • Thornhill
  • Telkwa
  • Burns Lake

Have a question? We’re available from 8am – 9pm, 7 days a week.
Call 250-635-3222 or 250-847-3222.

Professional Property Inspections.
View Our Resources

AmeriSpec of  Northern BC is happy to provide you with the following tools and tips that you can use when buying, selling, upgrading or renovating your home.

All files open in PDF format

Moving Checklist
Insurance Checklist
Standards of Practice
Sample Report - Home Inspection
Wood Burning Inspection Information
Inspectors Best Tips for Buying a Home

Would you like more information?

Terry’s  A to Z Building Insight Information Sheets

Our Blog

Loading content...

AmeriSpec of Northern BC
6364 Pinecrest Rd.
Smithers, BC V0J 2N2

 

Terrace: 250-635-3222
Smithers: 250-847-3222
Email: [email protected]

Scroll to Top

MOULD TESTING

Breathe Easy With An AmeriSpec Mould Inspection

What is Mould? Is it really a health concern? Some moulds are more hazardous than others, and different people have different responses to mould exposure. Those with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to health problems from mould exposure. Researchers have identified that some fungi in indoor environments can induce allergic and irritant responses, infectious diseases, respiratory problems, hypersensitivity reactions, and organ toxicity. In addition, some moulds produce chemicals called mycotoxins, which can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, health problems that are attributable to mould are temporary and can be controlled by limiting exposure to moulds.

SEVERAL FACTORS AFFECT MOLD GROWTH:  

Nutrient Availability

Nutrients absorb moisture to maintain a favourable environment for mold growth and can be found on many surfaces, including soil, dirt, wood, cellulose (paper, ceiling tile, jute carpet backing, cork, pipe, wrap), and some forms of insulation, such as fabric, oil, etc.

Moisture Content

The amount of moisture in a material influences how an organism can support growth. Moisture sources include condensation in humid rooms, on windows, walls, unheated closets, dampness under carpets, shower curtains, and periodic wet sections in duct work of air-conditioned ventilation.

Nutrient Availability

Mould typically requires between 5°C and 38°C to grow.

DID YOU KNOW?

Past studies have indicated that up to 90% of mould growth is not visible on the surface. Certain guidelines state that an invasive inspection is necessary to make a complete assessment of the extent of mould contamination in a building.

Give us a call and ask our Certified Mould Specialists to learn more!

AIR QUALITY TESTING SERVICES

Breathe Easy With An Amerispec Healthy Home Inspection

Protecting yourself and your family from harmful contaminants in your home is very important. Poor indoor air quality can have profound negative effects on your health and the health of your family. It can affect your productivity and the enjoyment of your home. Take the first step toward a healthy home by calling the AmeriSpec about a Healthy Home Inspection. Our healthy home inspection will take a close look at your home’s air quality and suggest ways to help reduce allergies, respiratory ailments, eye irritation and asthma symptoms. 

Why choose Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec?

  • Professional residential indoor air quality testing (IAQ) and indoor environmental assessment
  • Industry leaders in home inspection services for over 30 years
  • Reliable and experienced technicians
  • Leading edge technology and processes

Air testing involves taking a sample of the air in your home and analyzing it in a specialized laboratory. Some institutions may require an air test to detect the threat of mould. Air quality testing is also performed after decontamination too. This ensures that contractor work has been performed correctly. 

Breathe easier with an AmeriSpec Healthy Home inspection. Book an appointment today!

COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES

Helping You Understand Your Business Is Our Business.

An AmeriSpec commercial building inspection will give you the answers you need about your property. A single walk-through is all it takes for our trained commercial property inspectors to survey the building, review appropriate documentation, and conduct interviews, if needed, in order to determine the property’s condition and give you peace of mind you need. The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) has published a standard guide to performing Property Condition Assessments (PCA). Our inspectors have been trained on the ASTM E2018 standard and use it as a baseline to perform PCAs of commercial buildings. We can work with clients to determine the scope of the inspection depending on their requirements and the age, occupancy, and type of building. This includes anything from performing a general visual examination of the property to a comprehensive inspection of all technical components of the building using a team of specialists. In addition to information and photographs, the AmeriSpec report provides recommendations for remedying major deficiencies, updating ageing major components, and undertaking further detailed investigation, if required, and the timing associated with those recommendations. Depending on the type of inspection chosen, our inspectors can also include in the report approximate costs for items requiring attention in the short, medium, and long term.

AmeriSpec Provides Commercial Property Inspections Of:

  • Office buildings
  • Industrial buildings
  • Retail stores and shopping centres
  • Apartment buildings and hotels
  • Warehouse buildings
  • Condominiums

An AmeriSpec Commercial Property Inspection Can Include:

  • Site characteristics (paving, landscaping and utilities)
  • Structural frame and building envelope
  • Roof surface areas
  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Heating systems
  • Air conditioning and ventilation systems
  • Interior elements
  • Environmental assessments

-Asbestos -Phase 1 assessments -Lead-based paint -Indoor air quality -Infrared thermography

  • Document review
  • Probable cost opinions

Restaurateurs

You’re in the food business, not the maintenance business. AmeriSpec understands that. Our comprehensive commercial inspection can help you take stock of any potential safety issues that may exist in your building. The inspection report will give you a full breakdown of your building components and outline what you’ll need to plan ahead for any future upgrades. Ultimately you get the peace of mind you need, you avoid costly surprises and you can focus on your restaurant.

Storefront Businesses

Your business is everything to you. Why take chances on the condition of your storefront? AmeriSpec can take a closer look for you. We’ll do a walk-through with you to point out any hazards and even share what measures you can take to correct issues. It seems like a simple thing but your customers will appreciate your safe storefront business as much as they love your great products!

An AmeriSpec commercial building inspection can help you protect your business. Book your AmeriSpec commercial inspection today!

SELLER’S HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

What price to list it at? What is the true value of your home? What do I have to do to get the house ready to sell? All serious questions that leave you with a lot to think about.

Let AmeriSpec help with the process. A professional Home Inspector from AmeriSpec will visit your home and do a complete pre-list home inspection. This inspection will help you to understand the value of your home in its current condition. It will also give you an idea of some of the work you could do to improve the condition prior to listing.

The benefits of an AmeriSpec pre-listing inspection include: 

  • Will help you sell your house at the best possible price
  • Will help with the speed and ease of your house sale
  • You and your buyers will get the peace of mind that comes from knowing the true condition of your house
  • Let’s you prepare for or repair items that could pose a problem, or even reduce your asking price, when negotiating the sale
  • Knowing the condition of your house reduces last-minute “surprises” that could delay or even derail a deal
Get the peace of mind you need, book your AmeriSpec pre-listing home inspection today!

BUYER’S HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Don’t Let The Home Of Your Dreams Become A Nightmare

Buying a home can be an anxious time. You have found the home of your dreams, but are concerned that it may have poor workmanship or problems such as cracks in the foundation, old or deteriorating plumbing, a faulty heating system, or unsafe or dated electrical wiring. It’s because of these possible problems that you should call the professionals at AmeriSpec for a home inspection before buying a house.

No matter how much you know, or think you know, or how many friends and relatives you have in the trades, there’s no substitute for the qualified expertise of a trained AmeriSpec inspector. A trained inspector knows what to look for, what to focus on and how to assess thousands of different elements of the property. Once the thorough pre-buy home inspection is complete a report is produced that will help you secure your investment, help you understand how you home works, eliminate surprise problems, and bring you the peace of mind you are looking for. A good, thorough, comprehensive inspection report will help you make the right decision. 

Here’s Why Thousands Of Homebuyers Choose AmeriSpec:

  1. Our certified Northern BC home inspection team is thoroughly trained at our in-house AmeriSpec Academy and stay informed via continuing educational programs throughout the year.
  2. Over 17 years of home inspection industry experience.
  3. Error, omissions and general liability insurance that meets or exceeds industry standards.
  4. Detailed and easy-to-understand inspection reports.
  5. Thousands of satisfied customers.
  6. Free consultation on any questions that may arise about your new home… forever.
  7. Get value-added resources contained in your home inspection binder free with every Northern BC home inspection.
  8. Valuable partner offers.

An AmeriSpec Northern BC house inspection gives you the peace of mind you need.
Book your AmeriSpec home inspection today!

NEW HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Why is a New Home Inspection Important?

A new home inspection is your chance to make sure that the work you requested and were promised is complete. You can ascertain what work remains to be done and what work needs to be corrected or redone. Don’t skip this important step in the process. Plan a full tour of your new home in the presence of your contractor and a qualified inspector from AmeriSpec. During this inspection, the contractor must note on the checklist, any item that is not to your satisfaction. Before signing this document, clearly note all the defects that you want to correct, otherwise they will be considered accepted and seen. Your home is often the biggest investment you will ever make. Protect that investment with the help of an AmeriSpec new home inspection.

Get the peace of mind you need before you move in. Book your AmeriSpec new home inspection today!

Asbestos Inspection and testing

Have Your Home Tested for Asbestos Today

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonplace in building material, specifically asbestos insulation. Homes built before 1990 often contain asbestos. While Canada has now banned the use of asbestos, many homes and buildings still have traces. When asbestos fibres are released into the air, they are an immediate health risk to you and your family.

Before you begin any renovations, remodelling or demolition, you should talk to the professionals at AmeriSpec about our asbestos inspection service. Reduce the risk of asbestos exposure by booking an appointment with one of our qualified specialists.

The Three Main Types of Asbestos

Chrysotile

Also called white asbestos, this is the most common form. Often contaminated with tremolite, it is extremely hazardous. Chrysotile asbestos is commonly found in asphalt, roofing materials and textiles.

Amosite

Referred to as brown asbestos, amosite is commonly used in cement, insulation, tiles and roofing.

Tremolite

Tremolite is responsible for many asbestos-related illnesses with colours ranging from white to dark green. This type of asbestos is commonly found in paint, plumbing materials, insulation and roofing.

The Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal

Given the dangers involved, asbestos removal is not a do-it-yourself project. In short, not every home has asbestos. However, if you do come across it, do not try to remove the asbestos yourself. Mishandling it could actually make things worse by allowing fibres to get into the air you breathe. This could potentially result in respiratory issues. Professionals should always remove this harmful substance for you. Therefore, you can maintain a healthy atmosphere in your home.

 

An AmeriSpec asbestos inspection and testing service gives you the peace of mind you need. Book your AmeriSpec asbestos home inspection today!

Well and Septic Inspection

AmeriSpec Well and Septic Inspections You Can Rely On.

It is important for the welfare of your home and family to have a septic system inspection. A septic system receives, treats and disposes of unwanted wastewater and solids from a home’s system. A good maintenance schedule of inspection will ensure your septic system is in good condition.

An unchecked septic system can lead to problems. By having a trained professional from AmeriSpec check your septic system, you’ll know whether you have any problems. Whether you need a minor repair or a replacement or a major overhaul of your system, our straightforward assessment will outline your problems and issues if any exist, and let you know all your options so you can make the right decision.

It’s time to check your septic system. Book your AmeriSpec septic system inspection today!

RADON TESTING SERVICES

Is This Dangerous Gas Lurking In Your Home?

Radon is a gas that occurs naturally outdoors in harmless amounts. It’s produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It sometimes gets concentrated in homes built on soil with natural uranium deposits. It can enter buildings through cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires or pumps. Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. The presence of radon in the home is a serious risk to the health of you and your family.

When radon gas is breathed into the lungs the person is exposed to small amounts of radiation. This radiation may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs and increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk for lung cancer than either factor alone.

If you think your home is at risk of contamination contact AmeriSpec for a radon test.

Book an appointment to have an AmeriSpec radon test today.

INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY OR THERMAL IMAGING

What is Infrared Thermography or Thermal Imaging?

Thermal infrared energy is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is not visible to the human eye and that we perceive as heat. The measurement device, or infrared camera, makes it possible to measure the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from objects. Any object with a temperature above absolute zero will emit heat. The more heat there is, the more radiation will be emitted. The camera helps quantify the amount of infrared radiation and transpose it into a colour signature, the “thermogram”.

Why Use Thermography in a Home Inspection?

All material in a home has a unique thermal signature. The inspector uses the infrared camera to measure the heat that is emitted by walls, ceilings, foundations, electrical systems, plumbing systems, heating systems and cooling systems. When moisture, heat, cold or wood-destroying organisms are introduced to the structure, the thermal signature changes. A thermal imaging camera can identify problems early, allowing them to be documented and corrected before becoming more serious and more costly to repair.

Interior Scan vs Exterior Scan

Even if a thermographic inspection can be done from either the interior or the exterior of the home, interior scans are more common. Warm air escaping from a building does not always move through the walls in a straight line and what is detected on the outside might originate from some other location on the inside. Also, it is much harder to detect temperature differences on the outside surface of the building during windy weather. Because of this difficulty, interior surveys are generally more accurate because they benefit from reduced air movement.

Infrared Thermography Inspections allow detection of:

  • Damaged or Missing Insulation. Every house has some deficiencies and weakness in terms of heat/cold insulation. Air leaks lead to higher energy consumption and often cause problems with the ventilation system in homes. Air leaks can also lead to condensation. Wet insulation takes a long time to dry, causing a deterioration of the structure and becoming a prime location for mold and fungi growth. The infrared scan DOES NOT detect mold, but under good conditions, will help pinpoint locations where they could be more prone to develop.
  • Active Water Leaks. Those can be more difficult to detect in foundations with finished walls or in attics where the access is more difficult. Active plumbing leakage can also go undetected for a while before being apparent to the eye. Because wet insulation conducts heat faster than dry insulation, the infrared scan can really help detect those situations at a much earlier stage than a basic visual inspection. Keep in mind that dry weather can limit the efficiency at locating active water leaks coming from the outside.
  • Electrical Hot Spots. A poor electrical connection can cause a circuit to overheat. Some defective electrical system components or appliances can also overheat. By detecting problems that are invisible to the naked eye, the problem can be fixed. If left unchecked, electrical problems can cause high temperatures, sparks can fly and might set the surroundings on fire.
  • Conditions of Heating and Cooling Systems. Ventilation and Air-Conditioning systems need to be well maintained. They need to deliver air at the correct humidity and temperature and filter any indoor pollutants. Thermal imaging can help to determine whether HVAC systems are operating properly by taking the temperature at the exit of air ducts. When working incorrectly those systems can cause poor indoor air quality. Thermal imaging can also help detect issues with radiant heating systems and water heating systems by detecting deficiencies in the wires or ducts located in the floors or ceilings, which helps identify the exact location of the defect so that repairs costs can be minimized.
  • Live Vermin or Pest Infestation. Small live animals within walls radiate heat that can easily be detected with thermal imaging.

Preparing for an Infrared Thermography Inspection

To prepare for an interior thermal scan, the homeowner should take steps to ensure accurate results. This may include moving furniture away from exterior walls.

Infrared technology is a good addition to a visual inspection, but it does not negate the need for an experienced inspector with a good knowledge of all the systems and structural components that make up a home.
AmeriSpec is here to offer you high quality services.

Wood Burning Stove And Fireplace Inspection

Keep Your Home Fires Burning Safely!

Radon is a gas that occurs naturally outdoors in harmless amounts. It’s produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It sometimes gets concentrated in homes built on soil with natural uranium deposits. It can enter buildings through cracks in floors or walls, construction joints, or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires or pumps. Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. The presence of radon in the home is a serious risk to the health of you and your family.

When radon gas is breathed into the lungs the person is exposed to small amounts of radiation. This radiation may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs and increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk for lung cancer than either factor alone.

If you think your home is at risk of contamination contact AmeriSpec for a radon test.

Book an appointment today, and let’s work together to make sure your home is insurance ready!