Let’s face it – this hot Seller’s market won’t last forever, but right now homes are selling in the blink of an eye and more often than not, there isn’t time for a Buyer to do a Home Inspection. Thankfully, my Sellers agree with my advice and get one done before their home is listed for sale. Not only can a pre-inspection alert you to issues that can be fixed before your home is listed, but it can also highlight to potential Buyers how well your home’s main systems are operating.
However, if you’re not caught in a multiple offer situation, it is absolutely necessary that if you're the Buyer, you make your Offer conditional upon a Home Inspection by an Inspector of your choice. You want to ensure you are satisfied in your ‘sole and absolute discretion’ with the condition of the property you are buying.
Realistically, there are always going to be some home maintenance issues that require attention. But you don’t want any major surprises.
Inspection reports always offer a list of concerns to be addressed based on urgency. They also give context to understanding why and how something might be significant now or can be remedied down the road. And a Home Inspection also acts as a Homeowner’s instruction manual for the property. The report is a live document filled with ongoing maintenance information, videos and photos.
All Home Inspections should disclose the condition of the structure, foundation, plumbing and electrical systems, windows and roofing. An Inspector may often be able to point out previous renovations and detail any possible problem areas that need addressing.
A professional Home Inspection is money well spent. It can include add-ons such as infrared/thermal imaging to uncover what the naked eye can’t see to ensure that expensive big-ticket issues don’t occur down the road. Other specialty services include Wood Energy Technical Transfer (WETT) inspection for wood-burning fireplaces.
Here’s what an Inspector should review during a standard inspection:
- Structural components (roof, foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, attic checked for water leakage or condensation)
- Exterior faults (inspection may reveal deteriorated stair treads, settlement cracks or areas where additional caulking is needed)
- Roofing (examined for loose shingles or tiles, gutter debris, skylights and chimneys checked for proper sealants)
- Plumbing (piping, drains, vents and waste systems, disclosing any leakage, mineral deposits, fitting issues)
- Electrical (tested for safe and efficient operation, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors noted)
- Heating/air conditioning (verified in working order, no corrosion on pipes,
- Insulation/ventilation (attic crawl space insulation, vapour retarders, venting fans)
- Interior/built-in appliances (doors, floors, stairways, counters, cabinetry and windows, noting any items not functioning properly)
It’s important to note that when buying a new home or one that’s just a few years old doesn’t mean a Buyer should forego a Home Inspection. Issues can turn up with any home regardless of age. A Home Inspection reveals the quality and the home’s current condition - structurally, mechanically, electrically and functionally. It’s truly invaluable to have a professional Home Inspector examine even a new home to ensure the Builder got everything right. You want to move into your dream home with as much peace of mind as possible.
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