When buying a new property there are a number of items that often appear during a home inspection and are sometimes very expensive to repair.  Water entering a basement is an issue most purchasers are concerned about.  This is where Experience & Knowledge coupled with an excellent moisture meter and thermal imaging can identify hidden problems.  Aluminum wiring is another issue that can be of issue on older homes built during the late 1960’s and 1970’s.  Many insurance companies will not insure a home with aluminum wiring.  Any structural deficiencies will most likely require an engineer or designer at a minimum and a building permit to repair.  Asbestos, whether on heating ducts  or in your attics insulation, is sometimes hard to find but can also be very expensive to have removed.   Many times I have encountered asbestos in a hard to find location because all the visible and easily accessible asbestos had been removed.  When Buying a Property always Remember |  Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware  |  You only have yourself and your Home Inspector to rely on,  The Home Seller and Realtor will be long gone when a Major Problem arises.

What if the report reveals problems?

All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your real estate contract. Deciding on whether to fix an item or asking for a price reduction is a matter the buyer has to resolve with the aid of their Real Estate Agent. The Midland Home Inspector will identify the problem and give an informed opinion on the condition and need for repair or replacement.

What does a home inspection include?

A home inspector’s report will review the condition of the home’s major systems, including the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits without the diagnostics.

What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?

A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. Major electrical appliances typically work fine until they fail. Buyers should schedule their final walk through as close to the closing date as possible and make sure all the major components of house are working and any appliances that were included. You can ask your lawyer to with hold funds for repair of any items that were not working at time of walk through.A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks “Safety” not “Code” when performing a home inspection. This does not mean you should hire a home inspector who does not have any code training because if he does not know the building codes he will not know what to look for. The Ontario Building Codes are the bare minimum requirements that a house has to be constructed to.A home inspector should not be trying to promote repair services, contractor referrals or home warranty products. He is being paid to provide you with a professional report on the condition of the property you are purchasing not trying to separate you from more of your hard earned money.

Should I attend the home inspection?

It is recommended that the client be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. The Midland Home Inspector asks that you attend the inspection to participate and learn important information about your new home. This enables you to see, hear and read about the deficiencies, maintenance and system information about your home.