Pre-Purchase Home Inspections – Why You Need One

Wise home buyers will know the benefits of making their purchase offer conditional upon a home inspection. Being able to make an informed decision is invaluable. You will know what your priorities are, which will help you devise a maintenance plan for your newly purchased home.

All homes require upkeep, and by knowing in advance what you can expect in terms of maintenance and repairs, you will avoid unpleasant surprises, plan ahead, and maybe even decide to defer a cosmetic repair until a more essential one has been completed.

By using a registered home inspector (not all of them are – in Ontario, less than half are RHIs), buyers, as well as sellers, can both benefit. There is a new trend emerging of sellers footing the bill for a pre-purchase home inspection. An owner who can offer a current pre-purchase inspection report to potential buyers as evidence of their home’s condition can eliminate this conditional clause on a purchase offer. The current owner can also choose to complete any repairs, or lower their price accordingly.

All homes have a series of interrelated systems, and that over time, most problems develop where two or more systems intersect (e.g., poor ventilation may lead to deterioration of the insulation and/or structure). This approach guides the inspector to where they should look, what to look for, and how to interpret what they see.

Often, a problem may not be as bad as you might think, and a qualified home inspector can help you advise you properly. One of the most common causes of concern is a crack in the foundation. There are different types of cracks, some of which are typical, others are not as common, but are still acceptable. Lastly, a fundamental structural crack is something to beware of. Water damage can also raise unnecessary red flags that can cause a potential buyer to shy away from an otherwise good home. The problem may just be cosmetic, so long as the source has been addressed and repaired – something that can be investigated during a home inspection.

A good home inspector will examine the following:

• Roof & Structure
• Exterior drainage
• Heating/ Cooling
• Plumbing & Electrical
• Ventilation
• Insulation

Deterioration can occur over time due to:

• Quality of materials & installation.
• Use (and abuse) by occupants.
• “Repairs” & Renovations that are often done by not-so-handy home handymen.
• Natural aging.

Some common defects found in resale homes:

• Leaks – roof, foundation, plumbing
• Condensation (due to improper ventilation)
• Electrical Safety
• Heating/Cooling Deficiencies
• Structural Flaws

Clues that indicate problem areas:

• Disclosure: information provided by the vendor – not always complete.
• Age, exposure and quality of workmanship.
• Stains, patches, efflorescence and odours.
• Dampness and structural displacement.

 Some problems can also be intermittent, like a foundation leak that only occurs only while it is raining, or even hidden, such as a structural flaw that has been hidden behind interior finishes. The tools and expertise of a registered home inspector are an essential part of buying your home.

 Good Luck and Happy House Hunting!

Sandy King

www.sandyking.ca 

 

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