Home Inspections

Buying a home is one of the most important and expensive purchases that an individual will likely ever make in their lifetime. When purchasing a home there is not a guarantee nor a money-back/return policy if you are not satisfied.

It is always a good idea to have a home inspection completed when purchasing a home. Please remember, an inspection is not a warranty or a guarantee. The inspection report is intended to educate you regarding the overall condition and functioning of the housing system. This enables you to make an informed decision about buying your home.

An inspector should provide a detailed written report. The report will detail any repairs that are required immediately or in the foreseeable future. The Purchasers usually accompany the inspector during the home inspection. This allows the Purchasers to walk through the house with the inspector to see any concerns he may locate plus the opportunity to ask questions while at the house.

Professional Inspectors can be located through Professional Associations (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, ) or your Real Estate Representative. In most Provinces, inspectors are unregulated so you should always ask questions regarding:

• The inspector's qualifications
• You may ask for 3 references
• How long has the inspector been in business
• Do they have "errors and omissions insurance"

"Errors and omissions insurance" is very important. If the home you are buying requires a costly repair that the inspector didn't report, then the inspector can be held financially responsible for the cost of the repair. The insurance can be required to pay the claims.

Though prices vary, a typical house inspection will set you back $500 and three hours. If that sounds like a lot, remember that your home may be the most expensive and most important purchase you will ever make. And there's no money-back guarantee.

If you have put a condition in your "Offer to Purchase" for a satisfactory home inspection, then you are responsible for paying for the cost of the report. The report is therefore yours to keep.