A home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make! You want to go into it as informed as possible about your investment. Getting a home inspection before you finalize a sale is always a good idea. Not only will you learn more about the home’s overall condition, but you could uncover expensive surprises.

Home inspections help you make a confident purchase, uncover potential safety concerns, and give you an overview of expected future repairs. Getting a professional eye on a house before you purchase is always a good idea!

What is a Home Inspection?

You can add a home inspection as part of your purchase offer. If you choose to add this condition, then the home inspection is conducted and a report is produced for you to review before the sale is finalized. If the inspection reveals any significant issues, you can choose to not move forward with the purchase (within a specific timeframe) without penalty. It’s a wise choice that helps you make an informed decision.

Who Should Get a Home Inspection?

Anyone buying a property can benefit from a home inspection. It’s a good idea to know the home’s overall condition before you finalize the sale. Home inspections are especially critical if you are buying an older home, “as-is,” or uninhabited property. Dwellings that have been boarded or left empty can develop hazardous problems like mold or rodent infestations. 

What’s Included in a Home Inspection?

When you walk through a home, an experienced realtor can help you pinpoint any significant issues that jump out. Professional home inspectors have the knowledge and tools to identify small things that can signal more extensive problems. They thoroughly check the interior, exterior and property to give you an overall view and detect significant issues and minor repairs. Let’s look at what a home inspection typically includes:

Home’s exterior & grounds

• Inspection of grading and downspouts, looking for any water or flooding issues
• Condition of pathways, retaining walls, sheds, and railings
• Siding and attic cracks, rot or decay

Structure

• Is the house solid?
• Is there any shifting?
• Are windows and door frames square?

Roof

• Visual inspection of the roof, shingles, flashing, and fascia for potential leaks
• Gutters, chimneys, skylights

Windows, doors, trim

• Secure, straight framing
• Overall condition (no rot, decay or drafts)

Interior rooms

• Leaning walls that indicate faulty framing
• Stains on ceilings that could point to water problems
• Adequate insulation behind the walls
• Sufficient heating vents

Kitchen

• Range hood fans vent properly outside
• Potential leaks under the sink  
• Electrical and outlets

Bathrooms

• Condition of shower, tub, and tiles
• Caulking, mold and mildew
• Potential leaks under the sink

Plumbing

• Pipes, drains, water heaters, water pressure and temperature

Electrical systems

• Visible wiring and electrical panels, light switches and HVAC systems

5 Reasons to Get a Home Inspection

1. Learn as much as you can about the house

When investing in a property, you want to be as informed as possible. A professional home inspection will help detect any significant issues before you complete the sale. Once you know all the facts, you can make an informed choice as to whether you move forward. This can be your last chance to back out if any significant problems are detected.

2. Rule out safety issues

A home inspection can also bring you peace of mind. Inspectors will check for possible safety issues that could harm you and your family once you move in. They will look for visible problems like structural damage and assess for things like radon, carbon monoxide, or mold.

3. Reveal illegal additions or renovations

A home inspection can reveal whether additions or renovations are up to code, saving you from expensive problems in the future. If homeowners cut corners during a DIY renovation, you’d want to know upfront, so you don’t inherit those issues!

4. Use repairs as a negotiation tool

If major issues are identified in the inspection, you can use that information to negotiate a better deal if you decide to go ahead with the purchase. You could ask for a price reduction or the homeowner to fix the issues before the sale is finalized.

5. Forecast future costs.

A home inspection can give you the approximate timing of installations or repairs like plumbing, heating, roof shingles, appliances, or windows. Having this info means you can look to the future and gauge when you have to make essential repairs or replacements.

What is the Average Costs of Home Inspections in Ontario?

The cost of home inspections in Ontario varies depending on the home’s location, type and size. Considering an inspection could save you from investing in a house with serious issues, it’s well worth the cost! The average price generally runs between $300 – $600.

How do you Choose a Home Inspector?

Be sure to work with a reputable company with experienced and qualified inspectors. The following are some excellent questions to ask the home inspector when choosing them:

• What is included in the home inspection?
• Can you (the buyer) be present during a home inspection?
• How and when will you receive the home inspection report?
• How many years of home inspection experience does the inspector have?
• Do they have a licence or membership with the local or provincial association?

Adding a home inspection to your offer can help you make an informed choice when buying a house. Having a professional look out for issues before you finalize the sale can help prevent costly unexpected repairs. The David Bradica Team has a number of Home Inspectors that we can refer to you. Reach out today. We’re here to help!