WHY HAVE A HOME INSPECTION?

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.