What should I expect during a residential on-site inspection?

If the Property Owner is Home:

• An assessor will identify themselves (all assessors will have ID, the assessor will explain the purpose of the visit and request permission to carry out an interior inspection of the main floor(s) and basement as well as exterior inspection of the grounds and any outbuildings.
• The assessor will then observe, record, and/or verify the relevant physical details of the outer dimensions, and the property’s unique characteristics, including both land and buildings. 
• Some examples of the type of information that the assessor records are:
  • Type of house – bungalow, split-level, cottage, two-story, etc.
  • Outbuildings – carports, garages, decks, pools, etc. are measured and valued
  • Age and condition of the house
• The interior finish details of the house are then recorded. Some details are:
  • Quality of the building materials and handwork used on the interior
  • Size/dimensions and number of rooms
  • Type of heating and electrical systems
  • Number of plumbing fixtures
  • Extra features such as fireplaces, basement, rooms, etc.
• The inspection field on the data must be coded accordingly.
• During the inspection, the assessor will answer any questions concerning the assessment process and advise of the appeal procedures should the property owner be dissatisfied with the assessment.