Meet The Face Behind Lanron Inspections

I’m Ronnie McDougall, the proud owner of Lanron Inspections.

I have been a full-time home inspector for close to thirteen years, but my career began in a different industry. Although my journey to becoming a home inspector has a shade of chance, my success is down to my dedication and desire to succeed.

Here’s the story of Lanron Inspections. I hope that you will enjoy getting to know me better.

Many years ago, I had a co-worker that was interested in becoming a home inspector and after much research decided that his knowledge of construction was lacking. However, he was convinced that I had all the requisites to be an excellent home inspector. My co-workers at the time shared his views.

I was skeptical at first as I knew it would take a few years of training and wouldn’t be able to do what I had to while working for someone else. Nonetheless, I took the plunge along with my wife and started Lanron Services Inc. It was meant to be a handyman service but soon turned into a concrete and excavating business with equipment and staff, and we got overly busy.

As inspection requests began coming in, I found that I was away from the site we were working at many times. We decided the time was right to focus solely on inspections, so we sold off the concrete side of the business.

When Lanron Inspections came into being, there was no government regulation, and anyone could put their flag out and inspect homes. I did not want to start my career that way, so I joined CAHPI (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors) that had the highest standards and best training available. I later became a board member, and as there was a need for public protection against untrained inspectors, we approached the Alberta Government and helped bring in licensing, thereby raising the standards of inspection services.

Through Lanron Inspections, I bring more to the table than most others in the business. I was one of the first in my association to obtain a thermal imaging camera and get trained on how to use it. We started thermal imaging in 2008 and became a Level 1 Thermologist in 2008 and a Level 2 Thermologist in 2009. We were also the first to use drones in 2017, to inspect roofs that are difficult to inspect without all the safety harnesses.

Over the past thirteen years, I have come to enjoy client interactions, and during an inspection, I always recommend that the buyer is present for the entire inspection. Being there allows us to discuss every issue we find. I cover as much about maintenance and why it is vital so that by the end of the inspection, my client is educated about their purchase and can make the correct decision whether or not to proceed with the purchase.

If my client is thoroughly informed about their house and has peace of mind with their decision, then I feel like I have done my job. However, my job doesn’t end with an inspection. I will always be there to answer any questions my clients have.

For me, value for my client is the first priority. My clients have recognized this, which is why a majority of my business comes from referrals. We have inspected many homes for past client’s family members and their friends. Many past clients still keep in touch, and I would say that we have become friends.

I derive immense satisfaction from my line of work. The best moments are when people are purchasing their dream home and are anxious during the inspection, but the house turns out to be in excellent condition. It is incredibly gratifying to see their happiness. On the other hand, it is also gratifying when people feel relieved that they did not buy the house due to major defects found during the inspection which would lead to severe hardships in the future.

When I’m not helping clients with a home inspection, I enjoy the outdoors. Many family members and friends have quads and side by sides so we can explore the backwoods. We also do lots of camping. I also like construction projects like my four season deck in the back yard and building live edge furniture in the garage.

I have enjoyed sharing my story about the things which matter to me and how they influence the way I do business.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our expertise in home inspections in Calgary, Alberta, I invite you to get in touch. Please visit our website at www.lanron.ca.

Sincerely,

Ronnie