CHOOSING AND USING A HOME INSPECTOR
January 15th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Most homebuyers will use a home inspector when they purchase their home. Below are some suggestions that will help you find a reliable home inspection company.
A home inspection is a 2-3 hour visual inspection of the home. Its goal is to identify and report any major deficiencies. It will often be accompanied by a written report that documents the inspector’s observations. A home inspection is not a guarantee that your home will not have potential issues in the future. It is just designed to minimize your risk of potential future costs and issues. It doesn’t eliminate it.
How should you choose your inspector?
Most realtors will not recommend specific companies but they can provide you with a list of a few companies for you to choose from. You can also ask family and friends for their recommendations of home inspectors they used in the previous purchases.
Make sure that the inspector is a member of the CAHPIBC (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors). This ensures that the inspector has passed a series of technical exams, follows a wildly recognized Standards of Practice of Code of Ethics and meets a required standard for continuing education.
We recommend that you call several inspection companies before making your final decision. You should always find out what is included in the inspection, the inspection report, how long the company has been in business, follow up service, limited liability etc. You should also be present during the inspection.
Once you decide on an inspection company make sure that their contract is delivered to you prior to the inspection so you have a chance to review its terms and conditions.
