Tell Me About Home Inspectors
Home Inspectors & Home Inspections
Before we get into the finer details of home inspections, you should know that a home inspection essentially is a limited, non-invasive ‘checkup’ of the condition of a home, and in this context, it’s in connection with the sale of that home. It helps you see past the pretty wrapping, also known as the staging, and see the forest for the trees, if you will. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. Think of them as professionals who can help you truly see a home for what kind of shape it is in. They ensure you are not going to inherit any unwanted surprises when you move in!
“If the seller is not keen on allowing you to closely examine the home before buying – it may also give you second thoughts on buying the home, because if you have nothing to hide, why would they be against an inspection?“
What is a home inspector responsible for?
The short answer is everything! Plumbing, electrical, roof, windows, walls, ceilings, floors, the integrity of the foundation are just a few of the things they’ll check out. They also look for dangerous or outdated features like knob & tube wiring, asbestos tile and lead paint as well as mold or pest infestations (current or previous). Here’s a list of the most common things checked by home inspectors:
- Roof
- Ventilation
- Fireplace
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Exterior
- HVAC
- Structure
Why should I get a home inspection?
Listen, we are all guilty of judging a book by its cover. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in a well-staged, pretty home or one that seems to check all of your boxes, but ‘just needs a little work’. Sometimes, that ‘little work’ can turn into redoing a roof, fixing a leaky basement or worse – your structure is not as sturdy as you thought when you checked the home out.
These are just a few things that could have been avoided if a home inspection takes place. When buyers put in an offer, there is the option to insert a home inspection clause (more on that below!). When you hire a professional home inspector, you can save yourself time, stress, and avoid potential financial risk by proactively identifying any issues within the inner workings of the home. The home inspector will do a visual inspection of the structure and components of the home to ensure everything is performing correctly and is in safe working condition.
When do they come into the picture?
Often in the case of a resale home, buyers write in a condition of the sale to be a home inspection. That way, if things don’t work out on the inspection and you find something out about the home that makes you have a second thought about the purchase, you don’t have to be saddled with a property you weren’t anticipating the financial burden of. If the seller is not keen on allowing you to closely examine the home before buying – it may also give you second thoughts on buying the home, because if you have nothing to hide, why would they be against an inspection?
Can I attend my home inspection?
Absolutely! There is no better way to get familiar with your new home than to be part of this checkup. You can see any problems for yourself firsthand and you have the opportunity to ask questions about the home’s systems from a pro!
Where do I find a home inspector? How much do they cost?
There are plenty of home inspectors who can help you! Head to the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors to find a searchable directory of professionals with the training and experience to handle the job. OAHI cultivates the ‘gold standard’ for home inspectors among consumers and the government. OAHI is the only provincially recognized body of home inspectors by The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act, 1994, so you know you can trust their members to provide quality service to our clients.
In terms of cost, a home inspection will vary depending on factors including the age, size, and location of the home.
LET’S GET SOCIAL!
My sister wants to purchase a home for her future family, but she wants to make sure that the home is safe for them. Wow, it’s great to learn that a home inspector can inspect a huge range of items inside a home, ranging from the structure up until its roof. I’ll be sure to recommend that she contact a home inspection service for assistance.