A home inspection can be a stressful part of the home buying process, but not if you know what to expect!
As a buyer, when conducting a home inspection there are two things you are trying to accomplish. First, identifying any major problems with the house to anticipate what will be needed to remedy those problems. Secondly, getting an introduction to your future house so you are able to maintain it. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that potential buyers accompany the home inspector during the inspection as this can be a valuable learning experience.
1. What is a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a visual inspection of a home’s various systems done by a home inspector. They provide an opportunity for a buyer to identify any major issues with a home prior to subject removal.
2. Choosing the right Home Inspector
Home inspectors come in all varieties. When choosing a home inspector, look for someone who are familiar with the type of home you are thinking of purchasing, as different types of housing have different types of problems. Don’t know where to start? A good resource for home inspectors is you real estate professional.
3. The Home Inspection Process
The home inspector will do a visual inspection by looking at the home’s various systems, including the interior and exterior. The exterior parts of as inspection will include; roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, downspouts, wall surfaces, windows, doors, the foundation and grading. While the interior parts include; electrical, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, insulation, flooring, ceiling and walls, windows and doors.
An inspector will take photos which will form part of the written report given to you within 24 hours of the inspection.
4. Uncovered a Problem?
During inspections, unexpected things could be uncovered, like the roof will need replacing or knob and tube wiring is found throughout the house. At this point, you may have to look at your finances to see if you can cover the cost to remedy these situations or you may decide to walk away from the house is search of something more up to date.
It is important to note that large issues are most likely already known and have been factored into the listing price when a house goes up for sale. However, in some situations, you may decide to re-negotiate the price offered to the seller based on what you know. A good real estate professional will be able to guide you through this process.
5. What is NOT Part of a Home Inspection
As mentioned above, home inspections conduct visual inspections – they do not check behind walls, chimneys, or under floor. If further inspection is needed that goes beyond the scope of work done by the inspector a specialist may be needed. Home inspectors also do not look at building code or city by-law compliance, they will not include quotes for repairs, and a home inspection is not intended to provide warranties or about the condition of the house or how well it works.
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