Find a home inspector
When walking through a home you’d love to buy, it’s hard to put aside your emotions and really ‘see’ what kind of shape it’s in. Now that you are buying, it’s time to see everything. Home inspections rarely cost more than a few hundred dollars, and their service can save you from unpleasant surprises when you move in.
Your offer to buy may be conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection
This is an increasingly standard condition on any resale home. If the seller doesn’t want you closely examining the home before you take possession, you have to wonder why.
Go with a qualified professional
Make sure your inspector is a member of The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI). It’s your guarantee they have the training and experience for the job. Your REALTOR® can recommend several home inspection companies to choose from.
What will they check during the inspection?
Lots of stuff. Plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and the integrity of the foundation. They check for nasty stuff like lead paint, asbestos, mould, outdated and dangerous wiring, and they’ll look for evidence of pests like mice or termites. A good inspector should make you feel like you’re watching a CSI detective.
Join the inspection
There’s no better way to get familiar with your new home than this three-hour checkup. If any problems are detected, you’ll see them firsthand, and you’ll also learn some maintenance tips from a genuine pro.
You’ll get it in writing
Their report will summarize the condition of your home. If there’s anything that needs work, the home inspector will provide an estimated cost for the repairs.
Home inspection for a new home?
New does not equal perfect, and construction quality can vary greatly from builder to builder. In some provinces repairs and corrections in new homes will probably be covered by a government or industry sponsored warranty program, so bad news doesn’t necessarily mean it will cost you.
