Offers of purchase and sale on a home are often contingent on a satisfactory home inspection. The translation: the buyers have a period of time to hire a qualified home inspector to do just that: inspect the property top to bottom and inside and out.

This is a practice I highly recommend as the inspector is working for the buyer, not the seller, or the agents. Upon reviewing the results, the buyers can either confirm their intention to complete the purchase, negotiate repairs or compensation for identified deficiencies, or, in some instances, walk away.

I will strongly suggest that you seek out someone who is certified with a recognized professional association, such as the National Association of Home Inspectors or NAHI (U.S.) and the Canadian

Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI).  I also strongly suggest that you choose a home inspector who has several years of experience inspecting the type of property you’re considering buying.

And, of course, ask for references as they can be golden.  Do not look at just the rate they charge. It is of the utmost importance that you look at the skill, knowledge and experience they bring to the table.

This can be critical when it comes to your final decision and should be paramount when choosing your inspector. Inspection by a competent, certified inspector may be your last line of defence against undiscovered potential costs and or hazards in the home…Do not take the shortcut here. You owe it to yourself and your family to get this step in the purchasing process exactly right.

Just like you need to get a home inspected for structural issues before you go about and place an offer, it is always a great idea to have it inspected for different pests. While pests like mice, rats, and other insects can be nuisances and pose health risks, there are other pests that can be particularly harmful for the structural well being of your investment. Professional exterminators, The Exterminators, as well as many realtors recommend such a thing.

Nuisance pests like flies, spiders, and rodents are constantly attempting to generate your house their residence. They’re always seeking sources of foods, safety and places to nest

Certain parts of the city of Toronto have serious termite problems.

Aside from termites, which are most active in the spring and summer months there are other pests that you should know if you will be dealing with in your new house. A small infestation can be a nuisance, but such infestations can grow to become serious problems.

There isn’t a bad time of the year to do a pest control inspection. Every season has its own pests and dangers.

Spring – Early Summer
This is the tie of year when crawling insects begin to make their way into homes. These insects can be termites or different types of ants like carpenter ants. To prevent any problems, the exterminators will go around your house to find entry points and seal them.

Summer

This is the most active season of the year for pests. While most rodents spend most of their time outside, all animals and insects are most active. Wasps make their appearance this time of the year as well. We have heard horror stories of small wasp nests exploding in population in just a couple of months.

Autumn – Winter
The late fall and winter months, depending on temperatures, mice and rats begin their migration indoors. They will enter from any small hole in your wall and try to find shelter, water and food indoors. To prevent rodents from entering your space, it is best to inspect the outside from small entry points.

If and when an issue is spotted it is good to have a licensed exterminator deal with the situation as soon as possible. Small pest problems ca turn into serious infestations really fast.