Arranging for an inspection prior to purchasing a home can bring peace of mind when taking such a big financial step. Knowing what to expect both inside and out will help you make an informed decision about the value of the home and its future upkeep. Nice landscaping and tastefully decorated sunny interiors are some of the great selling points of a home, it is however critical to know what condition the structure and mechanical systems are in before committing your heart and hard earned dollars to your new home.
When presenting an offer, always consider including a clause that the sale is conditional upon a satisfactory structural inspection, and specify when the inspection is to be carried out to protect yourself. A home inspection accomplishes two important goals. It gives you a chance to determine the condition of the house, its structural soundness, and the condition of its mechanical systems. Furthermore, it brings any problems to the seller’s attention at a time when they can be resolved before closing the sale.
A comprehensive inspection consists of a visual examination of the structure from top to bottom, including but not limited to the heating, air conditioning systems, the interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, the foundation, basement and pools. It is highly recommended that you plan to attend the inspection. An inspection may typically require about 2 to 3 hours depending on the size and age of the building. Following the examination, the inspector provides a report that not only points out possible defects, or areas of concern, but also the positive aspects of the structure and type of maintenance necessary to keep the home in tip top shape. The home inspector should be willing to answer any questions you might have and to clarify the limitations of the inspection to avoid misunderstandings.
Buying a house may seem like an endless series of critical, important decisions. When you find the house that is right for you, you need to find a Home Inspector to educate you about the condition of your new home. This is a commonplace and a wise decision, even when buying a newly constructed home; the additional peace of mind that a professional home inspection offers is invaluable.
For more information and professional guidance through the home buying and selling process visit windsor real estate or contact me at (519) 817-5588 or e-mail to chris@prudentialselect.ca I am on your side.
September 6th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Thank you Chris good commentary. Although I agree in principle with your recommendation there is one significant problem in hiring a home inspector. Really there are many more, but I will note the most significant – lack of control (accountability). By that I refer to the fact that anyone can hand out their business cards and call themself a home inspector, except in BC. BC home inspectors require a license as of March 2009, and certain background requirements must be fulfilled to practice there.
As a former home inspector I know there are some experienced practioners out there, but a very limited few have undergone any valid form of testing and peer review. CMHC offers sound advice in their publication “Hiring A Home Inspector”. It is readily available through web search.
That same publication sums up their recommendation about one of the best – the National Certificate Holder. To that end I am now on the other side of home inspection as an educator and policy maker doing administration and “certification” work taking a serious action towards professionlizing the home inspection sector. As such I serve in a number of capacities such as Chair of the National Certification Program for Home Inspectors.
Licensing in Ontario was a topic of discussion in a PHPIO (Professional Home & Property Inspectors of Ontario) meeting held this summer in London. It had a panel of professional that includes the Real Estate community (OREA and CREA), BBB, a provincial government representative, mortgage industry as well as a real estate lawyer. The next meeting will take place in Peterborough, and later this year in Ottawa and Toronto. The meeting went extremely well. It’s purpose mainly fact finding and see if there is an appetite for some form of “regulation” for the home inspection sector.
In closing licensing may not be the cure all – but certainly some form of regulation is required to assure that the public – aka: consumers are provided with qualified home inspectors. As I stated earlier I agree in the principle of getting a home inspection, and especially supported by the Realtor, but consumers need to be made aware that problems can a do happen. Will that inspector be there if problems arise and who can this reflect upon if something serious goes wrong?
September 7th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Claude,
Thank you for your insights and I totally agree with you that more regulatory oversight would help with the reputation of the home inspection industry. I encourage my clients to ask for credentials and what if questions with regards to accountability. Please keep us posted on the progress in your industry and licensing.
Thanks again for your comments.
Chris MacLeod
September 14th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I agree with everything that you are saying here. really interesting blog !!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Sorry if this is a little off topic but this is for Ted at his request: Anyone entering the home inspection field should be trained in the unique discipline of home inspection. Assuming that the home inspector has been properly trained and has sufficient experience, they should be able to provide a satisfactory detailed inspection of a property within the scope of their education and any home inspector licensing requirements. Where licensing or certification is not a requirement, anyone can claim to be a home inspector, and there are no laws to prevent them from doing so. Basically watch your butt!—————————You’re welcome. William, -the Inspector Guy
September 17th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Excellent article. I will bookmark your site.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Thanks for a good post. It really reinforces the need to make sure you are prepared when buying or selling a home. As you know a home inspection can make the difference in a smooth transition and a total financial disaster.