Q: What is a Home Inspection?
A: A good home inspection includes a thorough examination and assessment of all the main components of a house from the peak of a home to depths of the basement. Sure, anyone can get a flashlight and a pad of paper and make note of that gaping hole in the side of the house. But can an inspector tell if a roof is almost worn out or that the electrical system is wired properly?

Our home inspectors examine all major home components. This investigation includes a thorough review of the home’s exterior, roofing, attic areas, electrical components, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and the basement or crawlspace. Depending on the size and type of house, a typical home inspection’s length of time can range from three to four hours.

The inspector will produce a detailed report identifying all major areas of defects.

Q: When should I have a Home Inspection?
A: On an existing home, a resale inspection usually occurs within five to ten days following the signing of the contract. The sales contract typically identifies explicitly a period of time in an inspection clause. The home buyer should discuss the details of this clause with the realtor and understand the timing of the inspection and request for repairs.
New construction inspections may be done at various phases of construction or at the prior to the closing date. A phased new construction inspection might include: footing Inspections, foundation wall/slab/concrete inspections, framing and systems inspection, final inspection, and even warranty inspections. Many inspectors can be contracted to examine your home through each phases of its construction.

A report will be provided to the buyer at each stage of construction that will enable a buyer to document code violations and provide them to the builder before they become hidden. Phased inspections require close coordination with the builder’s construction schedule to ensure that the home inspector has adequate notice to schedule the inspection.

Q: Why should I have a Home Inspection?
A: Given the level of investment most people make in their home, a home inspection will reveal any defects or improper repairs made to a home – particularly an existing home. Over time, a house needs on-going maintenance, repairs and replacement of some components. But not all houses are maintained or repaired by qualified or licensed trades-people. Since one rarely knows the maintenance history of an existing home, an inspection will reveal any critical problems prior to purchase.
Some people ask why they should have a new home inspected? After all, all the components are new and a local building inspector may have inspected the house. Unfortunately, because of the rapid growth in Toronto and Ontario, many local building inspectors do not have the time to spend hours reviewing a home, and some jurisdictions in Ontario do not have local building inspectors even though Ontario has a state mandated building code.

Additionally, Ontario does not require that builders be licensed. Some builders are not proficient in building codes, methods or materials. An individual may purchase a house that may soon require expensive repairs or may even become life threatening. Hiring a home inspector will ensure that one’s home does not possess these problems.

Q: Why do prices for Home Inspections vary so much?
A: Each home inspector establishes pricing based on the specifics of the house. Generally, the price quote depends upon the size of the home, the complexity of the inspection and the age of the home. On average, a buyer can expect to pay between $350 and $600 for an average home inspection.

Consumers can best determine why price quotes differ among the potential inspectors by asking questions regarding the inspection process and the report that the inspector will provide.

Q: What questions should I ask a potential inspector to find the one that best suits me?
A: Buyers may wish to ask the following questions:
• What parts of the house will you inspect?
• How long will the inspection take?
• What type of report will I receive?
• When may I expect a report?
• May I accompany you and ask questions as you inspect?
• What will the inspection cost?

Q: What if the builder or seller does follow my inspector’s recommendations?
A: This frequently happens. No flawless house exists – even a new or custom built home. With an existing home purchase, the buyer must determine what items the seller should fix and what items the buyer can repair. Most home inspectors can assist the buyer with providing a range of estimates for repairing some of the defects.
Builders of new homes, whether spec or custom, are required to build to the mandated minimum codes. If this does not occur, the buyer may have legal recourse and should consult a real estate attorney.

Q: Is it reasonable to demand that all items be fixed before I buy?
A: A: Most existing homes have a handful of minor problems. Some may also have major problems that affect the value of the home. With resale homes, the asking price may or may not reflect the need for repairs. Items noted in the home inspection report may need immediate attention or may be general maintenance items that the new owners will undertake themselves. Additionally, the seller may agree to repair some of the items noted in the home inspection report. Home inspectors do not negotiate or debate inspection items with sellers. A buyer’s real estate agent will negotiate the items within the scope of the sales contract. Home inspectors do not appraise the value of the home and cannot advise whether or not the purchase is a sound investment. Decisions concerning repairs are best made by comparing the cost of needed repairs against the valuation provided by a licensed appraiser. If the cost of repairs is not reflected by a discounted contract price, then it may be appropriate to negotiate some repairs.