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Vol.31 No.30
Canada Post Agreement 40069240
SPONSORED CONTENT
From construction to clarity
Inspector helps qathet buyers make informed decisions After decades working in construction, Jay Semple has seen just about everything a building can hide. As owner of Westcoast Home Inspections, he brings a hands-on background to his work, something he says sets inspectors apart in an industry where not all experience is the same. “Ask what background inspectors have before hiring them,” he says. “Just because an inspector is qualified doesn’t necessarily mean they are able to understand or offer more info on a condition or situation.” Semple learned trades at a young age. His career took him from yacht building, where precision is critical, to large-scale construction and seismic upgrades, including work on major residential and commercial buildings. He later ran his own contracting company in the Lower Mainland, servicing the Fraser Valley and Vancouver, before relocating from Maple Ridge to qathet more than a decade ago. Burnout from commuting from and to the Lower Mainland pushed him to make a change. In 2017, he transitioned into home inspections, a move he describes as a natural fit for his skill set. “I thought it was a good use of my knowledge and background.” Seven years into his work as an inspector, Semple says the most rewarding part of the job is helping people make informed choices. “We’re talking about people’s biggest investment,” he adds. “They’re putting their faith in my hands.” His approach is methodical. He follows a consistent process, starting outside, moving through the roof and interior, and finishing with NEW HALF DUPLEX
WARREN BEHAN
Home inspector Jay Semple says experience and ethics are key to helping buyers navigate one of life’s biggest investments.
mechanical systems and hard-to-reach areas such as attics and crawl spaces. While all parts of a home matter, he points to the roof, structure and foundation as the most critical components, along with any signs of water intrusion. Technology has also changed the field. Tools like thermal imaging cameras, drones and remote devices allow inspectors to see areas that would otherwise be inaccessible without damaging a property. Still, he emphasizes that tools are only part of the job.
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helps reinforce accountability. “You’re going to run into your clients again. You have to be on top of your game.” One of the most common misunderstandings, he says, is the belief that inspectors examine everything. In reality, inspections follow a defined scope that outlines what is and is not included. Items such as septic systems or hot tubs typically fall outside thatPeak scope additional Get the to unless Go app specialists areiPhone brought in.now He encourages buyavailable before in the hiring an inspecers to ask questions App Store or iTunes tor and to understand their qualifications and limitations. “People should familiarize themselves with what we look at and what we don’t.” At the same time, Semple says he tries to go PERSONAL REALdrawing ESTATE on CORPORATION beyond the basics when possible, his background, which includes experience in all aspects of the trades, to provide clearer explaWARREN BEHAN nations and practical advice, and also pointing PERSONAL ESTATE CORPORATION the PeakREAL to high-quality Go clients to someGet of the region’s coniPhone app now tractors or insurance agents. available in the For Semple, theStore job does not end when the App or iTunes WA report is delivered. He often hears from past clients years later with questions about their PERSONAL ESTATE CORPORATION homes, something heREAL welcomes. PERS “If you have a question in the future, you can call me.” That ongoing connection, he adds, is part of what makes the work meaningful. Westcoast Home Inspections is licensed by Consumer Protection BC and HIABC, which has the highest standards of associations in the province. For more information, call or text 604.889.3905, email jay@wchi.ca, or go to westPERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION coasthomeinspection.ca.
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Semple is BCIT-trained in building sciences and building envelope, electrical and carpentry, and stays current with evolving standards and best practices through ongoing training with Home Inspectors Association BC (HIABC). “The client is the one paying for the report. I am their best friend.” That responsibility includes explaining issues and avoiding vague or overly cautious recommendations that simply defer to other specialists. He says working in a smaller community
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3900 Eagle Ridge Place
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New, beautiful & spacious 4 bdrm, 3 bath home. Big, bright kitchen, gas 7164 Edgehill Crescent fireplace, 2 covered decks. Heat pump, New, easy-care 2 bdrm, 2 bath rancher. Open layout, ensuite bath, walk-in closet. Patio, large yard, walk to school, super view fenced yard, excellent location
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WARREN BEHAN
WARREN BEHAN
warrenbehan.com 604.485.2324 WARREN BEHAN 604.483.8173 PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
Broker Owner
WARREN BEHAN PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
WA
PERS