Peelseek.com

When you have your heart set on buying a house, your desire and emotion can make it very easy to overlook any potential repair issues that can turn out to be expensive and problematic to fix once your take possession.  And even if your emotions are under control, not all repair issues are obvious - even to a trained eye.  That's why getting a thorough home inspection is important.

In fact, some lenders may require a professional house inspection - inside and out - before they'll fund a mortgage on the property.  If your offer to purchase contains a conditional clause that makes the agreement subject to a satisfactory inspection - and if a major problem is discovered - then you can bring it to the sellers' attention before waiving the conditions of your offer.

For most resale homes in Peel Region it's reasonable to ask for an inspection before closing on an agreement to purchase.  Moreover, you want to ensure that you're receiving a professional inspection that is free from conflicts of interest. Independent home inspectors are not contractors and they should not benefit from the sale or repair of any home. Therefore, the inspector should not recommend any specific companies involved in the construction or renovation business.
 
Home inspectors are trained to find problems that may not be apparent to most people.  They will alert you to any problem areas in the house or its systems such as its' heating, plumbing or electrical systems for example. The inspection should give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about the value of the house and the costs of future upkeep or repairs.  

You want your inspection to be unbiased and objective.  In Ontario, a reliable indication of a home inspectors qualifications is membership in the following associations:

• Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
• Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Ontario
• Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors

What Does a Home Inspector Looks For?

The home inspector will check for many defects on the outside of the house.  He will look for structural problems and check the roof for leaks or other defects.  He may walk on the roof if possible, or he might inspect it from a ladder.

The inspector will also examine doors, windows, and decks on the outside.  Even driveways and walkways may be inspected.  He will also check for proper rainwater disposal.  This is important to prevent damage to the house's foundation.

Once the outside of the house has been thoroughly inspected, the inspector will move on to the inside.  Ceilings, doors, and walls will be checked for defects and signs of structural damage or water leakage.  The attic will also be inspected for similar problems, as well as adequate ventilation and insulation.

The basement and crawl space are an important part of the inspection.  The home inspector will check the foundation walls to ensure that they have no critical weaknesses.  He will also look for signs of water intrusion and other defects.

The inspector will test the home's electrical system for shorts or other wiring problems.  He will also test for proper grounding.  He will check for proper capacity and size of the electrical panel, and check for unsafe wiring materials.

The plumbing will be thoroughly checked.  The inspector will determine what types of pipes are used, ensure that they are functioning correctly, and check for adequate water pressure and flow.  He will inspect all fixtures, toilets, and drains for damage and proper function.

Heating and air conditioning systems will be checked for functionality and safety.  The inspector will determine whether or not heating and cooling are distributed to all areas that they should be distributed to.  He will check for carbon monoxide and possibly advise you if there are any ways that energy conservation could be improved.

The inspector will check throughout the home for evidence of termites or other wood-destroying insects.  This is one of the most important parts of the inspection.  Not only is it a vital consideration to the buyer, it is often required by mortgage lenders.

Home inspectors primarily look for signs of problems that could cause structural damage or safety concerns.  These problems may or may not be known to the home's current owner.  It is important to know the condition of the home you are preparing to buy to prevent any unpleasant surprises.

Make sure to "check it out" the right way before you close the deal on your dream home.  The small cost of a professional house inspection can save you thousands of dollars and tons of disappointment down the road.