What to Expect

What to Expect from a Home Inspection.

A home inspection is designed to determine whether all of the essential components of a house are present and doing their job as evidenced by a visual inspection.

  • -for buyers and sellers
  • -how to prepare your home for an inspection
  • -what to expect the inspector will find during an inspection
  • Home inspections are visual inspections only so do not expect the inspector to find hidden or latent defects. We do our best to find any and all defects but do not have X-ray vision or a 6th sense.
  • -we use moisture meters and infrared to look for moisture in places we cant see
  • -we simply have vast experience looking for clues and conditions that may indicate deficiencies. Eg – cardboard boxes on basement floors, moisture meter readings in shower stalls.

Outside

The inspector should inspect the roof but may not go on the roof.

  • -not required to climb more than 1storey (labour laws prohibit climbing higher without extra equipment and precautions)
  • -enquire to know how the roof will be inspected, the inspector may use binoculars or extended camera

Siding, Windows, Caulking should be inspected.

  • -if its an easy repair complete it before the sale starts, its going make the process smoother
  • The inspector should inspect the foundation for cracks and comment on the type of cracks if any are visible- visible is key here, the inspector can’t report a crack if he can’t see it
  • -have minor settlement cracks repaired, this is part of regular home maintenance. Foundation cracks are the most disturbing defect in a home inspection report. They are not well understood so likely to hold up the sale of your home while they are investigated further or repaired.

Railings and Decks.

  • -Any stairs with 3 risers or more requires a railing
  • -Very little in the building code about decks, this is changing and may be reported on

Inside the home.

The inspector will need to access the attic, basement walls, electrical panel, the furnace, the hot water tank, the main water shut off, under sinks, closets and fireplaces. The inspector may also test any or all appliances that are included in the sale.

When the inspector cannot inspect any of these areas it becomes a limitation- stating what was not inspected. At this point the sale may be delayed until a particular area or component can be inspected.

Basements

  • Wet basements will kill the deal- get them fixed, might be a simple grading drainage repair.
  • Cracks – repair or be prepared to repair- understand what they are
  • Floor cracks are not structural
  • Furnaces, hot water, AC

Discuss with your realtor or lawyer how to reply to a request for Home Inspection. It is best to accept with the condition that the owner shall be given the opportunity to repair any defect, condition or situation found in the inspection report.

Aluminium wiring- Buyers will likely require an electrical Safety Standards Certificate. This means wiring has been checked by an electrician and is deemed to be safe. Sellers can get this completed before hand to make the deal go smoother. Many Insurance companies will require this.

60amp panels are not insurable

Plumbing- fix the leaks

Kitec may be an insurance issue

Galvanized plumbing not insurable

Oil Heat not insurable