Buying a house is one of the most significant moves you will make in your lifetime.
Here's what you need to know:
Why do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. It covers hundreds of items . . . from the ground to the roof, including the electrical, heating and plumbing systems, the foundation walls, the insulation, ventilation system, attic, etc. The home inspector then conveys to you what they find, so that you will be able to make your decision knowledgeably and confidently.
How much will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size and age of the house. Inspections within Kingston begin at $399(+HST).
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced home-owner may lack the knowledge and perspective of a general home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they may fail. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a practitioner in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail an inspection?
No. A home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement, as seen at the time of the inspection.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
A better time to contact a home inspector, however, is right away! Get to know a trustworthy home inspector in your area before you look at a single home - the confidence of knowing you have a competent inspector on your side will ease the stresses of house hunting.
Can I be there? . . . Do I have to be there?
While it's not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home's systems and how to maintain them.
What if the report reveals problems?
Knowledge is power. No house is perfect, and it is always better to know about a possible issue than turn a blind eye to it. If the inspector identifies problems it doesn't mean that you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may even agree to make repairs.
What WON'T the home inspector be looking for?
Every home inspector will go out of their way to visually inspect the necessary systems of the house. However, things such as paint colour, slight cosmetic damages, or other issues not deemed material, will be effectively absent from the given report.
Here's what you need to know:
Why do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. It covers hundreds of items . . . from the ground to the roof, including the electrical, heating and plumbing systems, the foundation walls, the insulation, ventilation system, attic, etc. The home inspector then conveys to you what they find, so that you will be able to make your decision knowledgeably and confidently.
How much will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size and age of the house. Inspections within Kingston begin at $399(+HST).
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced home-owner may lack the knowledge and perspective of a general home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they may fail. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a practitioner in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail an inspection?
No. A home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement, as seen at the time of the inspection.
When do I call a home inspector?
Typically a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
A better time to contact a home inspector, however, is right away! Get to know a trustworthy home inspector in your area before you look at a single home - the confidence of knowing you have a competent inspector on your side will ease the stresses of house hunting.
Can I be there? . . . Do I have to be there?
While it's not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home's systems and how to maintain them.
What if the report reveals problems?
Knowledge is power. No house is perfect, and it is always better to know about a possible issue than turn a blind eye to it. If the inspector identifies problems it doesn't mean that you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may even agree to make repairs.
What WON'T the home inspector be looking for?
Every home inspector will go out of their way to visually inspect the necessary systems of the house. However, things such as paint colour, slight cosmetic damages, or other issues not deemed material, will be effectively absent from the given report.
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Home inspectors cannot comment on what cannot be seen. Home inspectors are generalists who perform non-invasive, visual inspections. A home inspection is not a code inspection, or appraisal. Home inspectors are trained to recognize possible material defects of a home. Material defects are conditions that pose a safety hazard to occupants, and/or significantly reduce the value of the property.
No one can be 100% impeccable when predicting the future-use, and lifespan of building materials - therefore a home inspection is not a guarantee, or warranty of any kind, but pertains only to the time the inspection was performed. Examined areas include: Roof - Exterior - Foundation - Attics and Crawlspaces - Electrical Systems - Heating/Ventilation and Air-Conditioning - Plumbing -Bathrooms - Living Areas - Kitchens - Doors and Windows Areas NOT examined include: Swimming Pools and Spas - Septic Tanks and Wells - Indoor Air Quality |
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