WHEN YOU MAKE AN OFFER ON A HOME
Your Agreement of Purchase and Sale will contain a provision allowing you an inspection of the property. The purpose of these inspections is to educate you as to the physical condition of the property you are purchasing. While these inspections do not provide guarantees of the condition of the property, they do provide valuable information to you as a Buyer. It is important to remember that Agreement of Purchase and Sale may provide for withdrawal from the contract if these reports are unsatisfactory to you, but inspections should not be considered an open door to renegotiate the purchase price.
HOUSE INSPECTION
We always suggest the house inspection is conducted by a registered home inspector (RHI). In addition to having the proper local, provincial and national certifications, it is important that your home inspector have a depth of experience and knowledge, not only about home construction, but general city topography, issues that may affect certain areas of the city, or particular ages of homes. Your home inspector should also carry insurance.The inspection and the resulting report provides an overall assessment of the present condition of the property.
SHOULD YOU INSPECT A CONDOMINIUM?
Absolutely! A good home inspector can easily identify issues that may need to be brought up with the condominium property management company, or items that may affect your day to day living (i.e. HVAC units above parking spaces, irregular lockers).
WHAT IS INSPECTED?
The Home Inspection covers items such as exterior siding & brick, foundations, roof, attic insulation, furnace, A/C, electrical, water heater, plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a general inspection.
WHAT ABOUT RURAL PROPERTIES?
For a rural property, not only should you have a home inspection, but we highly recommend having both the well/water tested, and the septic inspected. We have professionals available for both. It is extremely important to have both looked at for issues involving age, bacteria, flow rates, etc….
WHO PAYS?
99.9% of the time it is the Buyer paying for the inspections. It will be outlined in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
FURTHER INSPECTIONS
If conditions warrant, the Home Inspector may recommendadditional inspections by specific trades, such as roof and furnace inspections.