Safe as houses

Mike Holmes Inspections is a new home service for Costco members

Those who know Mike Holmes from the world of home building and renovation are probably familiar with his slogan: “Make It Right.” As a television host and professional contractor, Holmes has a no-nonsense approach to ensuring a job is well done that has earned him the trust of homeowners across Canada.

What you may not know, however, is that Costco members can now experience Holmes’ commitment to quality right in their own homes. To provide top-notch home inspection services, Costco works with Mike Holmes Inspections, so that members can “Buy It Right, Sell It Right or Own It Right.” To get the inside scoop, the Costco Connection recently spoke with Scott Piccolo, president and CEO of Mike Holmes Inspections.

Costco Connection What should members know about this service?
Scott Piccolo Mike Holmes Inspections has been operating for 15 years already—so we have plenty of experience behind us. Recently, we started working with Costco to offer inspection services to members in select markets across Canada.

CC What should members know about this service?
SP There are three reasons: buying, selling or maintenance. If you’re buying a house, this is called a pre-purchase inspection. Before you sign off on the house, you need to understand the condition. The other side of the real estate transaction is, if you’re selling a house, you can get a pre-approved inspection. That way, when potential buyers come to look at the house, the inspection has already been completed.

CC What is a maintenance inspection?
SP Maintenance inspections should be done every three to five years to ensure there are no issues happening. Finding out about problems sooner rather than later usually means they’re easier to fix and cost less. If you’re renovating, a maintenance inspection can reveal any issues you need to address too.

CC What qualifications do inspectors have?
SP In most provinces, home inspection is an unregulated industry, so anybody can be an inspector. At Mike Holmes Inspections, all of our inspectors are trained and certified by an accredited school. I’ve heard stories where people either didn’t get an inspection or their home wasn’t inspected properly, and they found out later there were major problems. Buying a house is the biggest purchase of your life, so having a certified inspector is really important.

---

MIKE HOLMES INSPECTIONS PACKAGES FOR COSTCO MEMBERS

Mike Holmes Inspections offers two inspection packages: Extended and Premium. Both provide a detailed assessment report that includes visual roof inspection, electrical and heating inspection, mould testing and more.

To learn more about the services offered by Mike Holmes Inspections, which are available in select markets, visit Mikeholmesinspections.com/costco or call 1-888-752-2238.