A house is probably the highest-priced purchase a person will ever make, so I find it shocking how often I hear comments like, “You know, I spent more time researching and picking out my new TV than I did buying this house...”
However wrong it seems, this is the accepted reality of how the buying and selling of homes works these days. One protection that you, as a home-buyer, have to ensure a smart and safe purchase, is to make your offer conditional on a home inspection. Beyond that, do your due diligence and hire a qualified and reputable home inspector who will work for you to protect your best interest.
Consider this list when interviewing potential home inspectors:
» Is the inspector independent from other influences (like a real estate agent or the home seller) and truly working for you?
» Are you allowed to attend the inspection, and will the inspector review the report with you once completed?
» What is the inspector’s experience and training? People automatically think that being an engineer or contractor qualifies someone to be a home inspector. Although these are excellent attributes, nothing tops proper training and membership in a professional association like the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
» If an inspector claims to inspect according to CAHPI standards but isn’t a member, there’s an important ingredient missing. If there is a problem with the inspector or the work they do, they can’t be held accountable by the association.
» How long will the inspection take? A CAHPI standards-of-practice inspection for a 2,000-sq.-ft. house is seldom less than 3.5 hours (including report writing).
» What kind of report will the inspector provide? If there isn’t a written or computerized report, the inspection does not meet the standards of practice.
» Be clear on what your inspector will be checking. Don’t assume the inspection includes appliances, wood-burning fireplaces, pool, hot tub, septic or well systems. Ask up-front in case additional arrangements and costs are involved.
» You’ll probably ask for references and read testimonials online, but who is providing them? We all have friends who will say nice things about us. Do you due diligence.
» As a “smart consumer” society, we’ve all been programmed to price-shop, but a home inspection is the place to skimp on quality. You get what you pay for.
