Before we dive into what to expect from a home inspection, let’s quickly go through what is a home inspection and why you would have one conducted. First and foremost, home inspections will give you a detailed report that outlines the overall condition of the home and are most commonly requested by a buyer as part of a condition of their offer. Essentially for a buyer, through making an offer conditional upon a home inspection, it gives you the power to go back and negotiate with the seller should you find any major flaws with the condition of the home.
Now that you know what a home inspection is, let’s walk through what to expect from a home inspection:
How Long Does A Home Inspection Take:
Typically, home inspections will take a few hours. Though this timing can vary based on the size of the house and the number of issues found.
Can I Attend The Home Inspection As A Buyer:
Absolutely, in fact, we highly recommend that you take the time to be there. This will allow you to do another walkthrough of the home and raise any concerns/questions to the home inspector.
What Does A Home Inspector Check:
During home inspections, your contracted professional will complete a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home including, structure, electrical systems, HVAC units, insulation, and vapour barriers if accessible. Your home inspector will also check plumbing systems, so if you’ve ever wondered why they walk around flushing toilets and turning on taps, it’s not just for fun. On the exterior, your inspector should visually assess the quality of the shingles, drainage and gutter systems as well as the foundation of the home to ensure there are no major cracks or flaws.
During a home inspection, keep in mind that they can only report on what they see, like the age of the windows and roof, and look for obvious signs of moisture damage or repair, however, they cannot do things such as open up walls.
What Isn’t Included In Your Home Inspection:
Things that are not considered part of your home inspection are cosmetic items like paint, carpeting, decor or blinds and things of that nature. Your home inspector, unfortunately, is not obligated to report on code, bylaw and issues with build regulations.
In addition, they typically will not cover outbuildings, swimming pools or hot tubs and systems such as alarm systems, TV, internet and cable.
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost:
Usually around $400-500, however, like the timing it can cost more or less depending on the size of the property being inspected.
When it comes to home inspections, we like to know what we’re getting into ahead of time. This is why we recommend that all of our clients who are selling their homes take the proactive route and complete a pre-listing home inspection. This gives us more control throughout the selling process and ensures were actively ready to negotiate more powerfully for you. Want to experience the difference? Let’s connect!