SPOTLIGHT: Carl Gibbons | CG Home Inspections
This month we snagged a chance to chat with the fantastic Carl Gibbons, a Certified Master Home Inspector, and the Owner and founder of CG Home Inspections.
Q&A with Carl Gibbons:
SJC: Let's start with you! Please share a little bit about yourself. How did you get into home inspections?
Carl Gibbons: Where do I start? I was working as a plumber in the UK back in 2009, when my wife and I began looking for better opportunities. We were lucky enough to have some family in Alberta - so we decided to get work permits, and take a chance by moving ourselves and our two children (James and Emily) from oversees.
While working as a plumber I was lucky enough to be introduced to home inspections - and something clicked. I did the courses, studied my butt off, and obtained my licenses. A year later and I was lucky enough to move into the field with an amazing small company, and began working in the industry.
Fast forward to now, my two children are married with great partners, and my daughter is expecting her first child (my first grandchild!). I’ve transitioned into running my own business, and am truly grateful to have met some amazing people along the way!
SJC: Sounds like the move really paid off, that’s fantastic! We see you’ve dedicated over a decade to your field, and have an amazing 40+ years of a construction background. Can you share anything you’ve learned?
Carl Gibbons: Things can go off track when the clients don’t have clear expectations. There are standards of practice every good home inspector must follow, and it really helps when our clients are aware of the process. Thankfully, the majority of my clients are really great! They read the provided standards of practice and code of ethics, understand the expectations of the inspection and inspection process.
Always best to keep in mind: the intention of a home inspection is not to find problems so you can get money off your purchase price. It’s to ensure you understand the physical condition of the home, and are able to make a truly informed decision on the possibility of buying.
SJC: Great advise! What are some of the more common mistakes you see new home buyers make? Any easy misses that people could do better?
Carl Gibbons: Be sure to get all your ducks in a row, have your finances all sorted prior to the inspection. Also, do your research on your home inspector. Ask about their experience, if they are licensed, bonded, have proper insurance, etc. A good inspector will explain what they will be doing and will make you aware of the process.
If you can attend the inspection, you should be encouraged to do so. If you can’t attend, be sure to read the report in detail, jot down any questions, and arrange a phone call or meeting to go through those questions and the report thoroughly.
SJC: Do you work primarily in Calgary, all over Alberta, nationwide?
Carl Gibbons: All over, really. Mostly in Calgary and surrounding areas, but I have done inspections in Lethbridge, Banff, Canmore, Drumheller, Hanna, Red Deer, even Laduc. So long as the client understands the expectations of the inspection, and the time frame, I never mind driving (especially in the Spring).
SJC: I understand you’ve obtained your Certified Master Home Inspector designation. Could you share with us what that entails,?
Carl Gibbons: It’s a process of experience, really. When an inspector has completed 1000 inspections or 3 years working as an inspector, you can apply to become a certified master inspector. For me, I applied as soon as I gained 1000 inspections. I take it seriously, continuing with my ongoing education, and always continuing learning.
I am also fortunate to have made some amazing industry contacts I can call-on anytime. It really pays to collaborate and work with amazing people, and it’s great to share experiences and help each other whenever we can.
SJC: Too true, and great advice for any industry! What’s the best time for a client to contact you for a home inspection?
Carl Gibbons: Whenever they feel ready to have the inspection done! I work 7 days a week. Give me a call always happy to help. If I do not answer straight away, I will call you back or if it’s easier, I will text.
SJC: Changing lanes a bit here, we’ve heard you’re something of a chef in the kitchen, an outdoorsman, and a bee keeper - all on-top of running a successful business! Do you find it difficult to manage your hobbies and your work life, or does it come naturally?
Carl Gibbons: It does take some planning. When its really busy with work, hard to get to my apiary, and have my fix with my bees, but it usually works out. Same for the fishing, although it’s going to get harder with our first grandchild on the way! It’s all about finding that work-life balance.
SJC: Final question from us, is there anything clients should know (or have prepared) before they contact you, to help make the process smoother?
Carl Gibbons: It really helps us to have the property info to hand. Information such as the style of property, age, and size sqft. Also let me know if there are extras, basement suite etc., so we can plan accordingly,
SJC: This last ones for you, anything final thoughts you’d like to share before we wrap up?
Carl Gibbons: There is! I am proud to be part of a group of home inspectors who are working together to establish a new Alberta based home inspection association. Our goal is to build a better Alberta Home Inspectors industry by working with local inspectors who pride accountability, and want to hold the industry to a better level of structure.
Stay tuned, or reach out for more information!
SJC: That’s really exciting stuff Carl! Thank you for sharing, and we’re excited to see what new changes you and your group will bring!
Have a question for Carl?
Looking for an experienced certified home inspector, or just have your own questions?
Name: Carl Gibbons | CG Home Inspections Inc.
Job Title: Certified Master Home Inspector
Phone#: 403 803 4978
Email: cghi@telus.net
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Shaun Coles
Owner | SJC Reviews
