| What a ride! We've had one of the longest, hottest | | | | of structural features, floors, ceiling and wall finishes, |
| housing markets in memory - with keen competition | | | | and the condition of windows and doors. If the home |
| for homes in all price brackets. Everyone has a story | | | | has a swimming pool, a septic system, or significant |
| about a home that has sold for considerably more | | | | landscaping features, you may want to either look |
| than the original asking price. It's a seller's market. | | | | for an inspector with specific expertise, or bring in an |
| And anxious buyers - worried about losing a bidding | | | | additional specialist. Also, if you have a wood-burning |
| war on a property that seems perfect - may feel | | | | fireplace or stove, look for a house inspector who is |
| pressured to make an unconditional offer - which | | | | certified by WETT (Wood Energy Technology |
| often means skipping the professional house | | | | Training). |
| inspection. | | | | A professional house inspector will be formally |
| Traditionally, home inspection was one of the | | | | trained, experienced and impartial: that is, he or she |
| common, accepted "conditions" on any offer. Home | | | | will not have a stake in the outcome of the |
| buyers had a specified period of time to conduct a | | | | inspection. For example, under their professional code |
| home inspection, and the deal was dependent on a | | | | of ethics, home inspectors are not allowed to be |
| satisfactory outcome. But in a seller's market like the | | | | associated with any other construction or house |
| one we're experiencing, many vendors have the | | | | related trade. Many inspectors, of course,have |
| luxury of insisting on unconditional offers. Those who | | | | valuable backgrounds in civil engineering, the |
| want to pause long enough for a house inspection | | | | construction trades, or even specialized areas like |
| can be left behind. But a professional house inspection | | | | heating systems. |
| is an important step in the purchase process. Serious | | | | How do you find a good house inspector? Referrals |
| buyers will sometimes hire a "pre-offer inspection" to | | | | are a great way to begin. Or, you can look up an |
| check the condition of a home. | | | | accredited member of the new Canadian Association |
| Armed with that knowledge, the buyer may have | | | | of Home and Property Inspectors at The initials |
| the confidence to make an informed, Unconditional | | | | "RHI"denote the highest accreditation of the |
| offer. Most house inspectors will encourage you to | | | | Association. |
| accompany them on their visual inspection of the | | | | When the inspection goes well - as they generally do |
| home. Do it! It will be the most valuable house tour | | | | - you get some important information about your |
| you'll ever take. | | | | home, and you can feel assured that you're moving |
| Every inspection, of course, should also include a | | | | into a home that's in good condition. In the worst |
| written report. In general, inspections are visual and | | | | cases, buyers may want to re-negotiate or back out |
| look at the house both inside and out: a great reason | | | | of the deal based on the inspection's findings. Follow |
| why the inspection should take place in daylight. | | | | your instincts; if you're worried about the condition of |
| Outdoors, expect a close examination of exterior | | | | the roof, for example, bewary about making an |
| features like roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, | | | | unconditional offer without a prior house inspection. |
| downspouts,decks, walls, and foundations - including | | | | Though prices vary, a typical house inspection will set |
| grading and drainage away from the house. Inside, | | | | you back about $500 and three hours. If that sounds |
| the inspector will be looking at all the house systems, | | | | like a lot, remember that your home may be the |
| including electrical, heating and cooling systems, | | | | most expensive and most important purchase you |
| ventilation and plumbing. | | | | will ever make. And there's no money-back |
| The inspection should also include a close examination | | | | guarantee. |