If there is one piece of home-buying advice we wish everyone would understand, it is this: Just because it looks pretty doesn’t mean it is structurally sound. Is there a way to do your research and make sure you really check the house out before firming up? This is where the home inspection comes in. You almost never want to buy a house without one
A bad purchase can cause you lots of unwanted stress and turn what should be a happy experience into a nightmare. It can be particularly devastating for someone who buys at the top of their budget only to realize they have to replace the roof or redo all the plumbing. It can be easy to get so caught up in all the excitement once you find a house you love that you forget to make sure it is in good working order.
In this post, we will answer some of the questions you may have about what to look for in a home inspection report.
Do you want a seamless and straightforward home-buying process? One of our detailed buying guides will help!
What Is a Home Inspection?
You might actually call it a home inspection when you show up in person to view a property, but that is not technically true. A home inspection is performed by a trained home inspector who knows how to spot potential problems in a home. The results aren’t foolproof. An inspector isn’t going to grab a hammer and start tearing down walls, but they can see the subtle signs that a layperson would miss.
Where should you begin searching for your new home? Here are a few reasons you should have your eyes on Guelph, Ontario:
- Is Guelph, Ontario, a Good Place to Live?
- 5 Reasons to Make Guelph Your Next Home
- What Are the Best Guelph Neighbourhoods for Families
What Do Home Inspectors Look For in Ontario?
In most cases, a home inspector doesn’t check for mould, asbestos, or anything and everything that could be wrong with a house. They only observe the home’s visible components.
They’ll take a look at the foundation to make sure that it is structurally sound. They’ll also look for signs of unsafe wiring or poor plumbing. In other words, they don’t cover everything, just some of the most important parts!
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Ordering a home inspection can cost anywhere from $300 to $600, or perhaps more for larger or unique properties. The real question, however, is how much it might potentially cost to forgo a home inspection.
If you buy a house that has underlying structural problems, the cost of repairs will be much higher than the nominal expense of an inspection. For most home buyers, it simply isn’t worth the risk of skipping this step.
Searching for the right home in Guelph or the Tri-Cities? Start here by browsing our featured listings.
Questions to Ask a Home Inspector
By now, you probably see the value in getting a home inspection before committing to the purchase of a house. However, every inspector has a different level of service. Be sure you know what you are signing up for. Here are some questions you can ask an inspector you are considering hiring:
How long does a home inspection take?
The duration depends on the size and structure of a home. A condo doesn’t usually take too long to inspect, about 2 hours, give or take. A moderate-sized townhouse might take between two and three hours, whereas a large detached home or older property could take as long as 4 hours or more. If you decide to add any optional services, the inspection will also take a little longer.
What certifications do you have, if any?
Just because someone has the words “home inspector” on their business card doesn’t mean they are the right person for the job. It may be hard to believe, but Canada doesn’t have any official requirements for anyone to call themselves a home inspector.
For that matter, neither does the province of Ontario. Nevertheless, most home inspectors will be trained and governed by either the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) or the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) — or both.
Are you in the planning stages for your new home? The posts below will help you make informed decisions at every point:
- 10 Things To Consider When Buying a Home
- What is the Importance of a Final Walk-Through?
- New Build Vs Resale Home: What’s Better in Today’s Market?
What does a home inspection include, and are any extended services available?
Standard inspections usually include a visual, non-invasive examination of a home’s critical components, such as electrical panels, foundation, plumbing, roofing, grading, and HVAC system. Extended services can include radon, mould, or asbestos testing, using thermal imaging or infrared scanning.
A thorough home inspection by a trained professional can end up saving you many thousands of dollars. Even more importantly, they can save your sanity. Together with your real estate agent, they will help you find a house that will suit your needs now and in the years to come.
Do you want customized guidance for your next steps? Our top Guelph real estate agents are here to guide you from start to finish. Reach out at info@gowylde.ca or call 519-826-7109 for more information.
