COVID-19: Who should attend the home inspection?

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​There is no question that if you've been infected by the novel coronavirus or have symptoms of the COVID-19 illness, you should not leave your home unless directed otherwise. If you have no symptoms or reason to believe you’ve been exposed, you don’t have to lock yourself in your home... however health authorities are advising us to practice “social distancing” to contain the spread of the virus, primarily by avoiding contact and working from home if we can.

Can I attend the home inspection?

In light of the present situation, it might be more a question of "should I" rather than "can I attend the home inspection."

Although a home inspector cannot work remotely, your home inspection report can be fetched remotely, your payment made remotely by e-transfer or credit card and a telephone consultation held with your home inspector, after you receive your inspection report.

Today, most home inspectors post their reports online or send them by email, usually the same day as your home inspection. If you have questions or concerns regarding your home inspection report or the property you're buying, before or after the home inspection is completed - we're only a phone call, an email or a text message away.

If you feel you must attend the inspection and if the Seller, their Realtor and your Realtor have no objections, try to limit attendance to one purchaser and leave your kids at home, in the care of your partner or another family member.

* Keep in mind, it can be difficult to maintain 2 metres separation, between individuals inside a home - so avoiding attendance is the single best way to avoid contracting and spreading the coronavirus.

What REALTORS® should know about COVID-19