For the Inspection

The importance of having your home inspected

You have finally found a property that you love. A beautiful backyard, gleaming hardwood and your dream kitchen. But in what condition is the heating system? What about electrical wiring? Are there any leaks in the basement? Before buying, have the house inspected; no matter what experience you have as an owner. It's the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The home inspection will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. The inspector will determine the condition of the home you want to buy and let you know if there are any issues. (And since the inspector is indifferent to whether you buy the property or not, you can be assured of their objectivity, which is a good thing especially if you tend to be biased yourself...) If you must make an offer before having the home inspected, make it conditional that the inspection is satisfactory.

If problems are noted by the inspector, you have three options:
1. Forget this property.
2. Use the inspection results as bargaining leverage to lower the price.
3. Give the seller the opportunity to repair the defects.

What happens during the home inspection?

You meet the inspector at the property you wish to buy, and he or she will carry out a thorough inspection of the property in order to detect potential structural, mechanical or other defects; the whole thing takes about 2 or 3 hours. Everything will be examined: foundations, ceilings and everything in between, including heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical system, insulation, roofing, doors and windows, walls, attic and basement. You can accompany the inspector while he or she conducts the inspection – this is a good way to start familiarizing yourself with the features of the property, and it will also give you a better idea of how to maintain it.

The inspector then prepares an inspection report that outlines the issues (specifying whether they are major issues requiring immediate attention or less urgent issues that can be taken care of later, all accompanied by an estimate of the costs for each of the problems), indicates the home's strengths and provides an overview of the maintenance that will have to be done in order to keep the property in good condition. Make sure the report is detailed and written in a narrative style. Never accept a verbal report, or a report consisting of a simple checklist.

How much does it cost?

Inspections usually cost between $600 and $900. But remember this: a few hundred dollars could save you thousands in repair costs. It’s a small price to pay for great peace of mind.

How do you find a good inspector?

Look for a qualified company with a good reputation that has been in business for a while, can provide references from previous clients, is fully insured and offers guaranteed inspections. Inspectors should have a degree in a construction related field such as contracting, architecture or structural engineering. At your request, your agent can recommend a reputable inspector who will remain objective.