home review

​After a frenzied search in a competitive market you secured the house you wanted, however you had to make an unconditional offer to get ahead of other bidders – not always the best idea, but it’s the Roaring 20's and it’s what we sometimes have to do.

​It’s not too late for a Home Review.

You already own the house, and any repairs are most likely your responsibility, however you can still benefit from the expertise of a home inspector by learning more about the house – and most importantly, what maintenance and repairs you may need to plan and budget for. If you know more about what may be needed you will have a better opportunity for preventive measures, before little problems become needlessly big ones.

A Home Review performed after purchase should be the same as any pre-purchase home inspection… and without the pressure of time constraints you’ll have the opportunity to pick and choose your home inspector, and create a prioritized list of repairs, maintenance and desirable improvements to your new home.
 
A thorough home inspection should include an evaluation of major components such as:

• roofing system
• exterior, including decks, porches, garage and grounds
• primary structure, as much as it can be accessed
• plumbing system, including fixtures
• heating, cooling, ventilating systems
• electrical system, including fixtures and devices
• interior, including accessible crawlspaces
• insulation and roof ventilation
• apparent safety issues

 
Although not mandatory within professional standards of practice, some home inspectors will provide ancillary services possibly including inspection of swimming pools, household appliances, wood burning fireplaces, out buildings and other facilities. Sampling of mold and materials possibly containing lead paint, asbestos and other environmental concerns may be offered for an extra fee, or conducted by third party providers.

If you need a fireplace inspection for insurance purposes, find WETT certified chimney sweeps and other wood heating professionals at www.wettinc.ca
 

​When shopping for a home inspector consider the following:

• Is the inspector certified by a well-known professional association?
• Do they have professional training and engage in continuing education?
• How much experience to they have?  How may years? How many inspections?
• Good Google reviews? A website you can view?
• Are they well-known, established in the community?
• Can they provide references from clients, Realtors and others?
• Can they show you an example of a written report?
• When will you receive your report?
• Do they exhibit a welcoming, professional demeanor?

The last thing to consider is price. Home inspectors are not all the same. Although you don’t need to over-pay, all too often homebuyers find that by trying to save $50 to $100 they end up with an inadequate inspection report.

Choose an experienced home inspector who comes well-referred, and with whom you feel comfortable.