BUYERS INFORMATION

It’s your second month house-hunting and you just walked into your dream home. In less than ten minutes, you’re imagining how well your furniture will look in the living room and how your artwork fits perfectly on the walls. And how about that great garden!

While finding a home that meets your aesthetic and functional needs is very important, it is just as significant to ensure your future residence is structurally and mechanically sound. Having a home inspection before you purchase your home will give you a comprehensive report outlining your potential home's immediate and future maintenance needs, and clarify any costs associated with its preservation.

A satisfactory home inspection guarantees you added security knowing that the conditional offer to purchase that you put forth will be a sound investment.

A home inspector’s job is to examine your home from the uppermost shingle down to its foundation. They will look at heating, air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing, and all parts in between, such as joints, levers, walls and windows. In some homes, special attention is given to the search for formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), asbestos, and unsafe paints (lead) or wiring (aluminum). Home inspectors will also be on the lookout for the presence of destructive insects such as termites.

At the end of the day, your home inspector should be able to provide you with an extensive report detailing existing and potential problems. He can advise you on practical (and often easy!) ways to deal with your specific situation. Whether it’s a large or small repair job, your home inspector should be able to give you ballpark cost estimates for any work required.

When selecting a home inspection firm ask them about their past jobs. They should be able to produce an excellent track record of work and be eager to offer their references. (Don't forget to check them!) It’s advisable to have a home inspector who has credentials from an independent body, such as the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors, so ask. Determine what is included in the inspection process and if the work is guaranteed. You also need to know whether your home inspector's insurance will cover any repairs required on your home that were never detected during your inspection, but only discovered after you took possession.

Remember, you're not only purchasing a home, you're also purchasing its quirks and character traits. Therefore, it may pay in the long run to engage the services of a home inspector and be aware of any problems you were unable to detect with an untrained eye.