Home Inspection

Why a Home Inspection?

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the property
  • Make sure your home is safe
  • Get an unbiased third party opinion based on the home's condition and not on aesthetics
  • Understand potential maintenance and repair issues
  • Detect problems early to save time and money
  • Gain peace of mind and eliminate stress knowing that you made a wise decision
  • Learn about your home and how it is constructed
  • CMHC advocates a home inspection as do most mortgage lenders
  • A Home inspection is a complete visual examination of the major systems of the house and includes the following:

Roof - Structure, covering, penetrations, flashing and chimney

Electrical- Service drop, entrance, panel and branch circuit wiring

Structure - Floors, wall systems and roof framing

Heating and Central Air Conditioning - Oil, gas, electric, broiler, wood and combination systems

Exterior - Trim, cladding, foundation, grading and drainage, soffit and facia, eaves - troughing, deck, porch, garage and carport.

Plumbing - Supply, water heater, drain, waste and venting, fixtures and faucets

Insulation and Interior - Air/vapour barrier, basement, crawlspace, attic ventilation, walls, ceilings, floors, trim and cabinets, stairs, windows, skylights and doors.

Generally every home inspection will uncover around $2,000- $5,000 of required home improvements. This is typical and is not cause for alarm.

Choosing an Inspector

Is the inspector professionally trained?

Inspectors come from many varying backgrounds. You need to ensure they have a well balanced portfolio of knowledge which ideally includes specific training in the home inspection profession.

Is the inspector a member of The Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)?

Membership in OHAI ensures the inspector has met high qualification and performance standards for the home inspection profession, participates in ongoing education and training, and is bound by a Code of Conduct which ensures impartiality to all clients.

Is the inspector a good communicator?

There are many technical details to house construction and systems. The inspector needs to be able to decipher this for you and communicate it in simple language.

Does the inspector provide a written report?

The report is the "meat" of the inspection and should be provided in a timely manner so that you can make your decision about the property.

What is the fee for the service?

The average cost of a home inspection is $350. Be wary of inspectors who charge exceptionally low rates compared to the competition in order to obtain business.

Talk with a prospective inspector and ask lots of questions.

 

** For a list of recommended inspectors see Business Partners