Who Ya Gonna Call?

Who You Gonna Call?

You’ve completed the home inspection, received the report, and are reviewing the recommendations:

Electrician, plumber, roofer, HVAC technician, structural engineer.

That can feel like a lot of phone calls!

A home inspection identifies conditions that may require repair, maintenance, or further evaluation. While inspectors assess the home as a whole, some concerns require specialized knowledge or equipment.

A recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a major problem. It may involve a straightforward repair, annual maintenance, or a closer look at something that can’t be fully evaluated during a visual inspection.

Why Does an Inspector Recommend Another Professional?

A home inspection is primarily a visual, non-invasive assessment of the home and its major systems. Inspectors identify deficiencies, safety concerns, and signs of deterioration. While some issues require specialized testing or expertise.

The inspector identifies the concern and explains its potential implications. The appropriate professional can then investigate further, recommend repairs, and provide an estimate.

Id like to reiterate… A trade recommendation doesn’t automatically mean there’s a major or expensive problem. It simply means the concern deserves additional attention.

The Inspector’s Rolodex — Who Handles What?

⚡ Electrician

Handles concerns involving electrical service, panels, wiring, receptacles, switches, and other electrical components, including repairs and upgrades.

🔧 Plumber

Addresses water supply & drainage piping, fixtures, and water-heating systems.

🌡️ HVAC Technician

Services heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment, including furnaces, heat pumps, air-conditioning systems and their associated venting.

🔥 Gas Fitter

Evaluates and repairs gas piping, connections, and gas-fired equipment.

🏠 Roofer

Assesses roof coverings, flashing, penetrations, leaks, deterioration, and areas requiring repair or replacement.

🔨 Carpenter

Handles repairs involving wood framing, decks, stairs, guards, doors, and other wood components.

🛠️ General Contractor

Coordinates projects involving multiple building components or trades, especially larger or more complex repairs.

🏢 Building Envelope Specialist

Evaluates exterior systems such as cladding, windows, flashing, waterproofing and moisture intrusion.

🏗️ Structural Engineer

Assesses concerns involving foundations, framing, beams, columns, significant movement, or load-bearing alterations. They may also design appropriate repairs.

- Geotechnical Engineer

Investigates soil conditions, settlement, slopes, erosion and ground stability around the home.

- Drainage Contractor

Addresses perimeter drainage, foundation drainage and poor water management around the property.

- Chimney / WETT Professional

Provides specialized assessments of wood-burning fireplaces, stoves and chimney systems.

- Mason

Repairs brick, concrete block, stone, chimneys, exterior masonry, cracked components and deteriorated mortar.

- Insulation / Vapour Barrier Contractor

Improves insulation and vapour barrier when materials are inadequate, damaged, poorly installed, or when significant air leakage is suspected.

- Pest / Wildlife Specialist

Investigates evidence of insects, rodents, wildlife and recommends treatment or prevention.

- Qualified Testing Specialist

Individuals or organizations who specialize in sampling or laboratory testing for materials such as suspected asbestos or mould. Additional information can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/addressing-moisture-mould-your-home.html#a10

- Arborist

Assesses large trees, damaged limbs, roots, and tree stability when they may affect the home or property.

- Glazier / Window Contractor

Evaluates damaged glass, failed sealed units, deteriorated window components, and installation deficiencies, and recommends repair or replacement.

The Right Professional for the Job

A home includes many specialized systems, so no single professional handles everything. Part of an inspector’s job is knowing when a concern needs further attention—and who is best qualified to provide it.

It helps ensure that concerns are properly assessed and that any repairs are completed by the right professional.

The goal is to help you understand the home, prioritize next steps, and know who to call when you need them.