A professional home inspector can help you make an informed decision by helping you to know as much as possible about a home’s condition and safety prior to closing the deal.
Buying a home can be one of the most important financial investments you will ever make. But, how do you know if the house is everything it appears to be? If the home you are about to purchase does not have the structural integrity to give you peace of mind, you may be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights. A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property you are considering purchasing.
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical structure and mechanical condition of a home, from roof to foundation. The inspection is designed to identify problems that may exist, points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.
Currently, home inspectors are not regulated by any federal government agencies, and do not require licensing. It is up to the buyer to ask prospective inspectors questions about their qualifications, experience and knowledge when deciding whom to hire. When looking for a home inspector,
The Better Business Bureau suggests the following general guidelines:
· Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Check with the BBB or your consumer protection division if you have questions.
· Look for someone who is familiar with the type of home to be inspected. Does the inspector specialize in residential or commercial property?
· Ask prospective inspectors questions about their professional training, relevant experience and/or length of time in business. Find out if the inspector belongs to a professional association, such as the Canadian Association of Property and Home Inspectors www.cahpi.ca, which may offer added assurance of an inspector's qualifications and training.
· Look for home inspectors who are committed to avoiding conflicts of interest, who refuse to be involved in any real estate transaction or to deliberately obtain work in another field that could benefit them financially as a result of their inspection work.
· Be present during the inspection. The majority of inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions during or after the inspection. The inspection can last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the size of the house.
Ask what and when, you will receive once the inspection is completed. A professional home inspector should provide a written report every major aspect of the home within 48 hours of completing the inspection. Once received it is important that you review it thoroughly, after all you paid to know what the inspector found, and the best way to know is you read the report.