1. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the general condition of a house. An inspector also determines whether the systems are still performing the way they are supposed to and reports on safety and maintenance issues as well.

2. Do I really need to have an inspection?

Buying a home is often the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected problems, you will learn as much as you can about the new or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you would like to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

3. How long does a typical home inspection take?

It depends on a number of factors, such as house size, age and general condition. Typically it takes about 3 – 4 hours to do a proper, thorough inspection.

4. What do you look at?

We inspect the major systems of the house, including exterior, roof, structure, plumbing, heating, electrical, insulation and interior. Our goal is to identify any major issues with the house as well as to estimate the remaining service life of the major system components such as the furnace and air conditioner. We will supply you with considerable information to assist with your buying decision.

5. Do you pass or fail the house?

No. The goal of a home inspector is to report fairly on the condition of the house and to communicate with the client so that they can make an informed decision. 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.

6. Why can’t I do the inspection myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. The inspector knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together and why they fail. For accurate and objective information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a home inspection professional.

7. When should a home inspection be scheduled?

Make sure before you sign the contract or purchase agreement that there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. Usually, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the agreement has been signed. Home Straight Inspections will always do its best be available in time for you to make an informed purchase decision.

8. Should I attend the inspection?

We definitely encourage you to attend the full inspection if possible. It is a valuable learning experience for most home buyers. It is a great opportunity to ask questions and for the inspector to discuss potential solutions to some of the defects that are found.

9. Do you provide a written report?

At Home Straight Inspections, we believe that you should receive a detailed professional report that should not be rushed. Our report includes a summary, photographs of items that need repair and detailed information about the home.

Your report will be sent to you within 24 hours of the completion of the inspection.

10. How much does it cost for a home inspection?

This depends on the size of the home. Please call us at 1-519-497-8143 or visit our Details & Rates page www.KitchenerHomeInspections.com for exact pricing.

Home Straight Inspections offers home inspection services for houses, condominiums and townhouses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and the surrounding areas. AHIT Certified Home Inspector in Southwestern Ontario.

AHIT Certified Home Inspector	Registered Home Inspector of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)	CAHPI Registered Home Inspector

 

Home Inspection Tip of the Day: