Why have a Home Inspection? What you need to know!

Why do you need an inspection?

 A home inspection gives you a professional and objective opinion of the home you are about to buy. A qualified home inspector can tell you         if the house will live up to your expectations in the years to come. A professional home inspector will show you the strengths and weaknesses      of the home. You are encouraged to attend the inspection and ask all the questions you can. Seeing is believing. A house inspection rarely         ends up with the client not wanting the house, but it does provide the information you need to close the deal and move with confidence.                A professional home inspection will reduce the risks of unforeseen repairs and costs.                                                                                              

10 Commonly Overlooked Building Deficiencies

1. Aluminum Wiring - fire hazard if improperly installed                                                                   
2. Galvanized Piping - rusts from the inside out and can fail without warning                                 
3. Inadequate Ventilation - can cause problems ranging from ice damming to health problems     
4. Missing or Improperly Installed GFCI?s - prevents shocks in bathrooms and outdoor.               
5. Sub-Standard Decks and Railings - safety risk due to collapse and accidental falls                   
6. Poor Building Envelope Construction - inefficient heating, low humidity, structural deterioration
7. Inadequate Overload Protection - damaged appliances and fire                                                
8. Abandoned or Leaking Oil Tanks - environmental contamination and cleanup costs                 
9. Poor Garage Separation - carbon monoxide poisoning and fire spread                                     
10. Structural Cracks - wet basements and building deterioration                                                   

Hidden Safety Issues

• Poor lighting in stairways                                    
• Inadequate means of egress                              
• Excessive water temperature                              
• Steep stairs                                                        
• CO from poorly vented appliances                     
• Small landings at doors                                      
• Missing fire separations                                      
• Overloaded / poorly wired electrical components
• Low headroom in stairways                                 
• Missing barriers on landings / balconies             

Qualifications

Professional Home Inspectors in Ontario are members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. Within the Association there is                     a progression from Applicant to Associate to Registered Home Inspector (RHI). Ask your inspector where he is in the progression. Other                qualifications such as Engineer, Carpenter, Building Official, etc., while not replacements for "Home Inspector" status, are certainly beneficial         to the depth and quality of inspections being offered.                                                                                                                                                

Questions to ask your inspector:

1. What are your qualifications (see above).                                            
2. How long have you been an inspector, and what is your background?
3. What professional associations do you currently hold membership in?
4. May I review your report format?