FAQ
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO HAVING A HOME INSPECTION?
There are many benefits to having a home inspection done. The inspection gives you the peace of mind of knowing whether or not the home you are about to purchase or sell is a sound investment. The inspection will help you be aware of any issues that need to be addressed
SHOULD I ATTEND THE INSPECTION?
It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea and we strongly encourage it. The inspection is an educational opportunity and by following the inspector, observing, and asking questions, you will learn about the new home and may get some tips on general maintenance, information that will be of great help to you after you've moved in.
WHAT FACTORS SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A HOME INSPECTOR?
The factors you should consider when choosing a home inspector are:
They are certified to perform quality home inspections
They have experience in performing home inspections
They carry Errors & Omission and CGL insurance
They have professional training and participate in ongoing training
They provide thorough and detailed reporting on site at time of inspection
They are welcoming, professional and courteous
DO I NEED A REAL ESTATE LAWYER AS WELL?
We will provide you with a comprehensive report that includes photographs video's to help explain it to you, accompanied by descriptive easy to read text discussing the condition of the components of the home at the time of inspection. The Property Inspection Report will be 15 to 25 pages long and give details on:
The general condition of the home from the roof to the basement.
Major and minor deficiencies
Suggestions to remedy the deficiency's
Any major expenditure coming up
What to watch out for
CAN MY HOME FAIL AN INSPECTION?
No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a residence, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.
WHEN DO I CALL AN INSPECTOR?
A home inspector is typically called right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK AN INSPECTION?
Try booking as far in advance as you can to get the best time that works for you. We will try our best to accommodate appointments on short notice.
HOW LONG WILL AN INSPECTION TAKE?
About 2.5 to 3.5 hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.
WHAT IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS PROBLEMS?
If the home inspector discovers problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. This information is used to inform you of possible future repairs whether it be major or minor.
WILL THE INSPECTOR TELL ME WHICH REPAIRS THE SELLER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF AND WHICH ONES I SHOULD REPAIR MYSELF?
The home inspector's goal is for you to have a complete understanding of your home, including the magnitude of any repair items that may need attention. Without knowledge of the sales price, value of the home or other issues surrounding the purchase, however, the decisions about who should make repairs are best left to the client with the advice of their real estate professional or attorney.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES AND WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
Typically we charge from $350 - $800 depending on the size and location of the home. You may pay by, Credit Card, Paypal, or E-Transfer.
CAN MY INSPECTOR SEND MY REPORT TO MY AGENT?
Not without your written approval. An initialed clause in the inspection contract will allow us to send the report to whomever you wish, an agent, attorney or family member. The report is your property and is for your use solely. If you wish to share it with your real estate team, you must authorize the inspector to distribute it.
WHY WOULD A SELLER WANT AN INSPECTION
It's not immediately obvious to many sellers why a Pre-Listing Home Inspection would be beneficial. One of the most compelling reasons is the comfort factor it gives potential buyers. Pre-Listing Inspections strengthens your position as a seller. By having an inspection before selling, you're prepared for items that may show up during the buyer's inspection. You can prevent extended negotiations if the repairs are made ahead of time. Fewer contingencies in the sales contract will undoubtedly make the closing much smoother.
WHAT IF THE CONDOMINIUM MANAGEMENT WILL NOT ALLOW MY INSPECTOR ON THE ROOF
As with all areas and systems that are inaccessible in a condominium property, we strongly urge you to study the condominium documents with particular attention to management reports and association board meeting minutes to find references to recent, on-going, or anticipated repairs. Please note: in some cases you must make prior arrangements and schedule access to these areas and systems with the engineering staff. The seller or listing agent typically makes these arrangements. Even then, it may be a matter of policy not to allow unauthorized persons on the roof; i.e. high rise buildings.