Frequently asked
questions about Home Inspection
Q:
What is a Home
Inspection?
A:
A good home inspection includes a
thorough examination and assessment of all the main components of a
house from the peak of a home to depths of the basement. Sure,
anyone can get a flashlight and a pad of paper and make note of that
gaping hole in the side of the house. But can an inspector tell if a
roof is almost worn out or that the electrical system is wired
properly?
Our home
inspectors examine all major
home components. This investigation includes a thorough review of
the home’s exterior, roofing, attic areas, electrical components,
plumbing, heating and air conditioning and the basement or
crawlspace. Depending on the size and type of house, a typical home
inspection’s length of time can range from three to four hours.
The inspector will produce a detailed report identifying all major
areas of defects. If the home being purchased is a new home, the
code-certified, our inspector will cite the appropriate code to
assist the builder in identifying the defect.
Q:
When should I have a Home
Inspection?
A: On an existing
home, a resale inspection usually occurs within five to ten days
following the signing of the contract. The sales contract typically
identifies explicitly a period of time in an inspection clause. The
home buyer should discuss the details of this clause with the
realtor and understand the timing of the inspection and request for
repairs.
New construction inspections may be done at various phases of
construction or at the prior to the closing date. A phased new
construction inspection might include: footing Inspections,
foundation wall/slab/concrete inspections, framing and systems
inspection, final inspection, and even warranty inspections. Many
inspectors can be contracted to examine your home through each
phases of its construction.
A report will be provided to the buyer at each stage of construction
that will enable a buyer to document code violations and provide
them to the builder before they become hidden. Phased inspections
require close coordination with the builder’s construction schedule
to ensure that the home inspector has adequate notice to schedule
the inspection.
Q:
Why should I have a Home
Inspection?
A: A: Given the level
of investment most people make in their home, a home inspection will
reveal any defects or improper repairs made to a home – particularly
an existing home. Over time, a house needs on-going maintenance,
repairs and replacement of some components. But not all houses are
maintained or repaired by qualified or licensed trades-people. Since
one rarely knows the maintenance history of an existing home, an
inspection will reveal any critical problems prior to purchase.
Some people ask why they should have a new home inspected? After all,
all the components are new and the house may have been inspected by
a local building inspector. Unfortunately, because of the rapid
growth in Toronto and Ontario, many local building inspectors do not
have the time to spend hours reviewing a home, and some
jurisdictions in Ontario do not have local building inspectors even
though Ontario has a state mandated building code.
Additionally, Ontario does not require that builders be licensed. Some
builders are not proficient in building codes, methods or materials.
An individual may purchase a house that may soon require expensive
repairs or may even become life threatening. Hiring a home inspector
will ensure that one’s home does not possess these problems.
Q:
Why do prices for Home
Inspections vary so much?
A:
Each home inspector establishes pricing
based on the specifics of the house. Generally, the price quote
depends upon the size of the home, the complexity of the inspection
and the age of the home. On average, a buyer can expect to pay
between $400 and $600 for an average home inspection.
Consumers can best determine why price quotes differ among the
potential inspectors by asking questions regarding the inspection
process and the report which the inspector will provide.
Q:
What questions should I
ask a potential inspector to find the one that best suits me?
A:
Buyers may wish to ask the following
questions:
• What parts of the house will
you inspect?
• How long will the inspection
take?
• What type of report will I
receive?
• When may I expect a report?
• May I accompany you and ask
questions as you inspect?
• What will the inspection
cost?
Q:
What if the builder or seller
does follow my inspector’s recommendations?
A: This frequently
happens. No flawless house exists – even a new or custom built home.
With an existing home purchase, the buyer must determine what items
the seller should fix and what items the buyer can repair. Most home
inspectors can assist the buyer with providing a range of estimates
for repairing some of the defects.
Builders of new homes, whether spec or custom, are required to
build to the mandated minimum codes. If this does not occur, the
buyer may have legal recourse and should consult a real estate
attorney.
Q:
Is it reasonable to demand that
all items be fixed before I buy?
A: A: Most existing
homes have a handful of minor problems. Some may also have major
problems that affect the value of the home. With resale homes, the
asking price may or may not reflect the need for repairs. Items
noted in the home inspection report may need immediate attention or
may be general maintenance items that the new owner will undertake
themselves. Additionally, the seller may agree to repair some of the
items noted in the home inspection report. Home inspectors do not
negotiate or debate inspection items with sellers. A buyer’s real
estate agent will negotiate the items within the scope of the sales
contract. Home inspectors do not appraise the value of the home and
cannot advise whether or not the purchase is a sound investment.
Decisions concerning repairs are best made by comparing the cost of
needed repairs against the valuation provided by a licensed
appraiser. If the cost of repairs is not reflected by a discounted
contract price, then it may be appropriate to negotiate some
repairs.
With new construction, inspectors will reference the Ontario mandated
building codes. Builders are required by law to adhere to the
building code. Unfortunately, many new home sales occur prior to
discovery of code violations. In these cases, a report from a home
inspector may provide documentation for the buyer in the event that
the code violation causes or contributes to damage or unsafe
conditions. The builder may be required by law to correct certain
code violations even years later. However, it is always best to have
a new home inspected prior to the purchase as there is greater
negotiating leverage.
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