Engineering Services

Hui Liu,
Professional structural engineer (P.Eng.), has practised in engineering field more than 25 years, most his engineering activities have concentrated in Ottawa & Toronto areas. His profession includes  structure inspection, evaluation and engineering consulting.
Hui is providing home inspection services to home owners in Ottawa area.


Questions & Answers:

How can I find a truly qualified home inspector?
One answer is to hire a licensed Professional Engineer. Professional engineers are qualified to evaluate home structures and render their professional opinion as to the condition of that home. They are regulated by Professional Engineer Ontario, their accountability and professionalism is assured. Engineers have the rights and ability to approve, overwrite or reject a registered home inspector's conclusion on a home inspection. A structural engineer who has the comprehensive knowledge of multiple disciplines, standards and design codes is the best home inspector.

Do you have insurance?
Yes, all engineers' offices maintain comprehensive professional liability insurance. But the most important quality is our accountability as Professional Engineers. We stand behind our work and are legally and ethically accountable to you.

What items are included in your home inspection?
We inspect: exterior, roof, garage, kitchen, interior, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, insulation, structural components  as well as connections etc. However we do not move personal items, furniture, equipment that obstructs access or visibility during a inspection.

How do you carry out a home inspection?
We carry out our a home inspection generally in 3 steps:
1, "User experience" inspection
We treat ourselves as the owner of the home, we try out the features of all equipment and systems and identify the malfunctions of the features.  For instance, we flush the toilet to find if the flush valve and refill valve or vent stack are working properly; we turn on faucets to find if water pressure is in normal range, hot water or cold water pipeline is not connected reversely etc.  This is the easiest part in the entire inspection, it doesn't require much special knowledge, it doesn't ask for any license either. But it is often how a home inspector's  unexpected reputation comes because this user experience inspection requires extra patience and carefulness. In this period of the inspection, we usually cooperate with home owners, listen to their advice and concerns so that we won't miss any potential issues.
2, Tarion warranty items inspection
We carry out home inspection item by item as per Tarion's Construction Performance Guidelines. This guideline describes most items covered by the warranty for new constructed homes. This part of home inspection is the major part of a home inspection, it concentrates on material deficiencies of a home. It identifies the severity of deficiencies as well as the coverage of Tarion warranty. The inspected items in this part will generally fulfill the requirements of home owners.
3, Codes check
This part of home inspection is not included in most home inspection procedures, since this part can only be legally performed by licensed engineer or technologists supervised by engineer. We will do our job like a double check of the original design and construction. We'll inspect the structural connections of framing, walls, columns, joist, sub floor and the details of masonry design. We'll verify if structural components and equipment meet seismic requirements; we'll also cursorily evaluate structural condition of entire structure or specific components and provide our clients with professional conclusion and recommendations (we do not perform structural analysis for the inspection unless an extended assignment is granted ). During our inspection, the Ontario Building Code, Design of Concrete Structure, Concrete Material and Test Methods, Wood Design Manual, Canadian Electrical Code, Ontario-Amendments to CEC are followed and Ontario Structure Inspection Manual is referenced.

What kind of tools will be used in the inspection?
Basically, it is a subjective visual and tactile inspection of the conditions of the major components which define a home. We use leader, tape, laser distance measurer, level laser, infrared imaging equipment, moisture detector,  GFCI electrical testers, receptacle tester, hammer, telescopic video mounting system etc.

How long will it take for the home inspection?
For a 2500sft 2-storey home with garage and basement, the inspection will take around 3 to 4 hours. This time window is just an estimate, will vary for specific condition.

Are inspections by engineers more expensive?
Not always, but our fees may be higher in some cases. Our inspection is much more comprehensive, the inspection will exceed the scope of Tarion warranty list. This doesn't mean the items are not covered by Tarion warranty, but means that the inspection will include more contents of Ontario building code and other related codes. we will identify more potential issues with your home and make them over the table. Our inspection will be a little more stricter than the requirements of Tarion warranty. For example, Tarion doesn't accept the condition of finished floor is out of level while the tolerance ratio is 25mm in 3.6m distance between the oppsite walls in a room. We will carry out our inspection as per the the building code requirements that floor joist maximum deflection is of 1/360.  that means only 10mm deflection is acceptable in 3.6m span. Only Professional Engineers can legally tell you about the structural integrity of a building, you won't have to hire anyone else for this important service. .  

Will I be able to attend the inspection?
We encourage our clients to come along on the inspection. It's the best way to learn about the home. It's also the perfect time to ask the engineer questions about specific concerns you may have. Our report will then address these specific concerns along with the items we normally cover.

How quickly can I get my report?
Reports typically are completed within 1-2 working days of the inspection. Since we do not provide abbreviated reports or simple checklists as many inspectors do, you will not receive the report at the end of the inspection. Although we may cover verbally what we have observed with you, we do not feel an on-site check list report is of much value to you. Our written report contains the full benefit of our deliberation on site and after the inspection and stamped with dated Professional engineer's stamp and signature.

Can I hire an engineer to do inspection to my in-construction home?
Yes, if you are already the legal owner of the property. If not, we can only have a visual inspection from a distance without access into the construction site. Verbal conclusion can be provided immediately, but there will be no inspection report submitted after the inspection.

What is your working hours?
As an inspector, working hours are really flexible, weekday, weekends or long weekend  as long as the schedule is available. but daytime and good weather will facilitate the exterior inspection.

What is the price for your home inspection services?
$675 - For homes > 3500 sft.
$585 - for homes  between 1500 sft. and 3500 sft.
$495 - For homes < 1500 sft
$315 - For special home inspection, PDI, frame walk inspection
(Basement and garage areas are excluded from the areas above.)