Click on a link below to
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here to submit a question of your own:
- What is a professional home
inspection?
- Why do I need a home inspection?
- Can’t I do the inspection
myself?
- What qualifications should
my home inspector have?
- Should I hire a tradesperson
to inspect the property?
- What background do the best
home inspectors come from?
- How do I find a qualified
home inspector?
- What is a “walk-through”
inspection?
- How long will the inspection
take?
- Do I have to attend the inspection?
- Will I get a written inspection
report?
- When should I book an inspection?
- What is the average cost
of a home inspection?
- Will the inspector find every
defect?
- Will the inspection tell
me if the house complies with the building codes?
- Can a house “fail”
an inspection?
- What if the inspection reveals
problems with the house?
- What if I find problems after
moving into my new house?
- If the house proves to be
in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
- Does the inspection come
with a guarantee or warranty?
- Why do most home inspectors
limit their liability to the fee of the inspection?
- Will my home inspector’s
Errors & Omissions Insurance pay for something the inspector
missed?
WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION"?
A professional home inspection is a comprehensive visual examination
of the readily accessible systems and components that make
up a house. Your home inspector will focus on identifying
areas where repair, replacement, or further evaluation by
a specialist are needed, and then document his or her findings
in a full written report. The goal of the inspection is to
provide you with a better understanding of the conditions
of the home.
A standard inspection and report will cover the home's heating
system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting),
interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic,
and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and
doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structural members,
as outlined in the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
(OAHI) Standards of Practice.
To learn more about the inspection process, click
here.
To review the OAHI Standards of Practice, click
here.
To learn more about the types of inspections we offer, click
here.
To learn more about our custom narrative inspection report,
click
here.
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WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
In Ontario, the Real Estate market is governed by the old
adage “buyers beware!”. The home seller is under
no legal obligation to disclose building defects to the potential
buyer. In other words, if the house has any major problems,
it is up to the homebuyer to find them. That’s where
a professional pre-purchase home inspection can be a real
benefit.
A comprehensive home inspection is the most cost-effective
way to learn as much as you can about the condition of the
house and the need for major repairs – before you commit
to making such an important investment. Although the inspection
cannot completely eliminate the risk of unexpected surprises,
it can greatly reduce that risk.
Consider this: When we find a significant problem or serious
safety concern, it puts you in a position to either walk away
from the deal, attempt to renegotiate the asking price based
on our findings, or go ahead with the purchase “as is”,
knowing that some repairs will be necessary.
For those considering selling their home, a pre-listing home
inspection can help you determine what repairs, maintenance
improvements, or safety concerns should be addressed in order
to help you get top-dollar for your property.
To read our article, “Do I Really Need An Inspection?”
click
here.
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CAN’T I DO
THE INSPECTION MYSELF?
Before you decide to do your own home inspection, consider
the following questions:
- Do you have the inspection-specific training and experience:
- To properly inspect the roofing, electrical, plumbing,
heating and air conditioning systems? Or how about the
foundation and building structure?
- To recognize when a system or component is improperly
installed?
- To know when the furnace is making a noise it shouldn’t
be?
- To know where to look for common problems?
- To know when a system or component is at or near
the end of its life-cycle?
- To detect the clues, symptoms, and telltale signs
that represent a potential future problem?
- Can you remain entirely objective and unemotional during
your do-it-yourself inspection, especially if you are already
in love with the property?
- How much time will you feel comfortable spending at the
Vendor’s house while inspecting it?
- Is the Vendor going to feel comfortable letting someone
off the street with no training or experience inspect his
or her house?
- Will the Vendor or Realtor try to influence your inspection
by offering opinions and excuses for anything you find that
is questionable?
- If you find something like a crack in the foundation,
will you know what the implications are, or when it is best
to seek further evaluation by a specialist?
- Is the Vendor going to be willing to renegotiate the
asking price based on the findings of a do-it-yourself inspection?
As you can see, there certainly are benefits to hiring a
professional home inspector versus attempting to do it yourself.
When you consider the cost of a home inspection, it is money
well spent.
To read our article, “Do I Really Need An Inspection?”
click
here.
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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS
SHOULD MY HOME INSPECTOR HAVE?
The home inspection profession in Ontario is unregulated, meaning that anyone can print up some business cards and call themselves a home inspector without any training or experience. So how do you determine if a home inspector has the proper qualifications? The most qualified inspectors in Ontario belong to the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) and as a result the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI). The OAHI is a self-regulating, professional association dedicated to enhancing the technical skills and professional practice of home inspectors, and maintaining high professional standards through education and discipline. OAHI members are required to complete a number of pre-requisite training courses, pass the National Home Inspectors Exam produced by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI), complete a minimum number of inspections, submit sample reports for verification to the OAHI Report Verification Committee, as well as adhere to the OAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct.
To learn more about the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
(OAHI), click
here.
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SHOULD
I HIRE A TRADESPERSON TO INSPECT THE PROPERTY?
You could, but it is probably not a good idea. Many people
have friends or family in the trades, but a tradesperson’s
knowledge and experience usually lies in one profession only.
A plumber may know a lot about plumbing, but this doesn’t
qualify him or her to inspect roofs. And just as likely, a
roofing contractor won’t be qualified to inspect the
electrical system.
The main difference between a professional home inspector
and a professional tradesperson, Engineer, or Contractor is
that the home inspector is trained and experienced at inspecting
all the major systems and components that make up a house.
And, if the home inspector is a member of the Ontario Association
of Home Inspectors (OAHI), he or she must adhere to the OAHI
Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct.
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WHAT
BACKGROUND DO THE BEST HOME INSPECTORS COME FROM?
Home inspectors come from a variety of backgrounds, but the
most logical “fit” would be those with a background
in residential building construction and renovation. Home
inspectors who have previously spent many years constructing
and renovating homes will likely have a better understanding
than most about proper installation methods, home repairs,
home maintenance, and safety issues. Keep in mind that regardless
of the inspector’s background, it is important that
he or she be properly trained and qualified in the field of
home inspection. See previous Q & A on what qualifications
to look for in a home inspector.
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HOW
DO I FIND A QUALIFIED HOME INSPECTOR?
The best way to find an inspector is through word of mouth, preferably from a family member, close friend, or co-worker. In some cases your lawyer, the mortgage person at your bank or an independent mortgage broker can recommend an inspector, as well as your Real Estate Professional. Here is a list of things to consider when hiring an inspector:
- Is the inspector full-time or part-time?
- Does the inspector belong to the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors? (or other industry acknowledged associations; i.e. ASHI)
- Does the inspector have the necessary qualifications?
- Does the inspector present himself in a professional and business like manner?
- What is the inspector’s background?
- Does the inspector encourage you to attend the inspection?
- How many inspections has the inspector performed?
- If you call a multi-inspector firm, what are the qualifications
of the inspector who will be inspecting the house for you?
- If you call a franchise outfit, what did the inspector
do for a living before buying his home inspection franchise?
- Will the inspector provide references?
- How long will the inspection take?
- How much will the inspection cost?
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WHAT
IS A “WALK-THROUGH” INSPECTION?
A “walk-through” inspection is one where the inspector shows up and spends approximately an hour walking through the house looking at things. Typically, the client is responsible to attend and take notes, since the inspector will not be providing a report. This type of inspection is usually done by an unqualified inspector or contractor/tradesperson who only works for “cash”. Although it tends to cost less than a professional inspection, you get exactly what you pay for. A “walk-through” inspection falls far below the minimum standards of a professional inspection that the two can’t really be compared. Real Estate Professionals do not recommend this type of inspection, knowing that if they do they can be held liable for negligent referral. Professional and ethical Home Inspectors will not offer this service because it falls far short of our minimum standards. Be very wary of anyone recommending this type of inspection.
To learn more about the OAHI Standards of Practice,
click here.
To learn more out the inspection process, click
here.
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HOW
LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE?
An average 2,000 to 3,000 sq.ft. Single-family home usually takes approximately three hours. Larger homes or homes that are not in very good shape can take longer.
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DO
I HAVE TO ATTEND THE INSPECTION?
We strongly encourage you to attend. Although you don’t
have to be at the entire inspection, it is a good idea to
be there for the last hour or so. This will give your inspector
time to explain the function of certain systems and components,
offer advice about maintenance and safety, discuss his findings,
and answer any questions you may have about the house. We
consider the verbal on-site presentation an invaluable and essential part
of the inspection that should not be missed.
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WILL
I GET A WRITTEN INSPECTION REPORT?
Yes. An inspection report is an integral part of a professional
home inspection, and the OAHI Standards of Practice requires
that your inspector provide one. Be wary of any inspector
offering to do a verbal inspection only, without a report.
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WHEN
SHOULD I BOOK THE INSPECTION?
It is always a good idea to tentatively book the inspection
early, and then confirm the booking once your offer to purchase
has been accepted by the Vendor. Most home inspectors are
available with as little as 24 hours notice, but you may have
to arrange your schedule to suit their availability. If you
give your inspector 48 to 72 hours notice, you stand a better
chance of booking a time that is more convenient for you. Ideally inspections are performed starting around 9.00AM and from 1.30 – 2.00PM in the afternoon. However, these times are flexible.
To learn more about how to prepare for the inspection,
click here.
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WHAT IS THE AVERAGE
COST OF A HOME INSPECTION?
In Toronto and surrounding areas, the average cost to inspect a 2,000 sq.ft. Single-family house runs between $300 and $500. As is common with any service, you can find those willing to do the job cheaper, but frankly, you get what you pay for.
To review our fees, click
here.
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WILL
THE INSPECTOR FIND EVERY DEFECT?
Most likely not. When you consider the thousands of items
that make up a house, and the visual nature of a three-hour
home inspection, it is unrealistic to think that every problem
will be found. The only way to ensure that any and all problems
are discovered would be to hire a team of specialists (roofer,
electrician, plumber, structural engineer, heating technician,
etc) to dismantle and inspect every system and component in
the house, and then put everything back together. This type
of inspection would take days to complete and cost thousands
of dollars, not to mention the disruption to the Vendor. Even
then, one couldn’t be 100% sure that absolutely every
single problem would be found.
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WILL
THE INSPECTION TELL ME IF THE HOUSE COMPLIES WITH THE BUILDING
CODES?
Usually not. Older houses that were constructed using older,
outdated codes, or before building codes even existed, are
not required to conform to current building codes. However,
in some instances where safety may be an issue, the inspector
may look to the current building codes as a benchmark for
what is presently considered safe. Only new houses or houses
that were built using the current building codes are eligible
for a code-compliant inspection. Home inspectors who are “building
code certified” usually offer these types of inspections.
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CAN
A HOUSE “FAIL” AN INSPECTION?
No. Home Inspectors do not pass or fail houses. We simply
observe and report the physical condition of the systems and
components in the home, and indicate where repairs, replacement,
or further evaluation by a specialist are necessary.
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WHAT
IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS PROBLEMS WITH THE HOUSE?
No house is perfect. If the inspector finds problems, it does
not necessarily mean you should not buy the house, only that
you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may be willing
to renegotiate the purchase price if major defects are found
during the inspection. If you are on a tight budget, or are
concerned about unexpected repair work, you will find this
information extremely valuable when making your purchase decision.
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WHAT
IF I FIND PROBLEMS AFTER I MOVE INTO MY NEW HOME?
That is entirely possible. Some problems may not have been
discovered during the inspection while others may develop
after you move in. Home inspections rarely uncover every single
problem in the home. However, if you believe your home inspector
missed a problem that should have been readily visible at
the time of the inspection; you should call and meet the inspector
to clarify the situation. Misunderstandings are often resolved
in this manner.
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IF
THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED
AN INSPECTION?
Definitely. The whole purpose of a home inspection is to help
you better understand the condition of the home you are buying.
If the home is in good condition, it is likely free of major
problems. That is exactly the type of information you will
want to know before you commit to such a costly investment.
Furthermore, even if the inspection does not uncover any major
problems, you will have gained valuable maintenance and operational
information on the various systems and components. Above all,
you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase
decision.
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DOES
THE INSPECTION COME WITH A GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY?
The short answer is, no. The scope of a professional home
inspection is limited to a reasonable amount of time for the
fee paid. If your home inspector was paid to perform a technically
exhaustive inspection of all the systems and components in
the home, he or she might be able to offer some form of a
limited guarantee, but that type of inspection would take
days to complete and cost thousands of dollars.
The bottom line is that a home inspection guarantee would
be no different than an all-inclusive insurance policy with
no annual premium and no deductible; one that automatically
pays out if you experience any problems with your house. If
such an insurance policy were available, it would come with
a huge annual premium and carry a large deductible.
If you are interested in some form of insurance, a few insurance
companies offer a Home Warranty Policy. Keep in mind that
these policies tend to be quite expensive and are very limited
in what they cover.
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WHY DO
MOST HOME INSPECTORS LIMIT THEIR LIABILITY TO THE FEE OF THE
INSPECTION?
The purpose of a home inspection is to enlighten you about the condition of the home you are considering buying, thereby minimising your risk. That is what you are paying for. It is unreasonable to assume that for a small fee you can transfer all the risk of your home purchase over to your home inspector. That is not the purpose of a home inspection. Although a home inspection can reduce your risk, it cannot eliminate it and as such the inspector will not assume any risk associated with the home’s condition, adequacy, suitability, deficiency, performance or lack of.
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WILL MY HOME INSPECTOR’S
ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE PAY FOR SOMETHING THE INSPECTOR
MISSED?
Like many professionals, such as Lawyers and Doctors, Home
Inspectors usually carry E & O insurance but, contrary to what
some people believe, the insurance is primarily for the
protection of the professional who purchased it. When you
consider the fact that a home inspection does not come with
any guarantees or warranties, it is unrealistic to assume that
an inspector’s insurance will pay for defects, water leaks,
hidden damage, unforeseen events, or problems missed during
the inspection. Home Inspectors carry this insurance as a last
line of defence in the unlikely event that they are
successfully sued for an error or omission that occurred
during the inspection. Even then, the inspector would likely
only file a claim with his/her insurance carrier in the event
of a death, serious injury, or major catastrophic disaster
that the courts deem to be the result of an error or omission.
Fortunately, such instances are almost unheard of.
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CAN I HIRE
MY HOME INSPECTOR TO MAKE REPAIRS OR IMPROVEMENTS TO MY NEW
HOUSE?
You can try, but a professional inspector will say no. Professional
Home Inspectors understand that this practice represents a
conflict of interest. Once a home inspector agrees to quote
on repairing the defects he finds, he can no longer be considered
impartial since he has a vested interest in the outcome of
the inspection. Members of the OAHI must adhere to the Code
of Conduct, which does not permit them to use the inspection
as a vehicle to get repair or renovation work on the side.
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