Specialty Inspections

For elements outside of a traditional home inspection, Carson Dunlop has you covered

Mould & Asbestos

Asbestos test performed by an environmental scientist.
Includes a visual inspection of the home and a laboratory test of samples to determine if asbestos is present in building materials including flooring, plaster, pipe insulation and duct wrap.
Samples are tested and results are documented in the report.

A thorough mould inspection of the entire home from basement to attic, looking for signs of water intrusion and mould growth.
Moisture readings are collected throughout the home, including two indoor air samples and one outdoor reference air sample are collected. Should visible mould growth be identified, a surface sample will also be collected. The results of the investigation air samples and surface sample are provided in a comprehensive report in 2 to 3 business days.

Important for older homes and homes with mature trees.
Includes a video inspection of the sewer pipes below the basement floor and out to the city sewer
Checks for tree roots and other obstructions, misalignment, damage and collapse.
A video recording of the inspection is provided with on-screen narration explaining the findings.

Moisture is often the #1 issue with homes. If not addressed, it can lead to many problems including mould and structural damage.

Thermal imaging inspections are performed by specially trained Carson Dunlop inspectors who follow specific protocols for moisture screening.
Includes a scan using professional infrared cameras that meet standards for government inspections (National Master Specification NMS 022713).
Issues identified with the camera are backed up with moisture meter readings.

This audit helps people conserve energy, optimize their indoor comfort, increase the value of their home and reduce their environmental footprint.

We offer two packages:

Home Energy Rating — provides a label and information sheet. View a Home Energy rating report and label.
Renovation Upgrade — provides recommendations in a comprehensive report. View a sample renovation upgrade report.

Includes a visual assessment of the well or cistern and related components to verify that they are functioning properly.
When possible, well drawdown and recovery tests are performed to ensure an acceptable water flow rate into the home can be achieved.
Includes a certificate of potability (bacteria testing) from an independent laboratory.
Onsite water testing for parameters such as hardness, pH, nitrates/nitrites, lead and several others. 
Where a well record is available, it will be provided with the report.
** This inspection can be combined with a Septic System inspection.

Your inspection includes:

A thorough inspection of the septic system for function and capacity
Removal of the tank lid(s) and inspection of the tank itself including sludge and scum measurements to determine if a pump-out is required
The septic system is load tested (running water in the home to simulate typical usage) including a tracer dye test to ensure proper draining into the leaching field. 
Where possible, a sewer camera is inserted into the outlet pipe of the septic tank out to the distribution box to check for proper draining and obstructions. 
Where possible, a test pit is dug into the leaching field to check for proper draining and soil conditions. 
Advice is provided on proper use, care and maintenance.

This inspection helps ensure that wood-burning stoves and fireplaces and their chimneys are installed properly and will operate safely.
Many insurance companies require this inspection when there is a wood stove in the home.
The inspection is performed by a WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified professional.

A team of specialists go into much more detail than a home inspector – similar to how a medical specialist goes into more detail than a general practitioner.
Specialists may take things apart or perform tests that traditional home inspectors cannot
These technical audits generally take several weeks, depending on the scope of the inspection.