What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a professional consulting service that determines the present condition of the home’s accessible major systems and components during a visual inspection. Inspections are most often conducted as part of a real estate transaction, but may also be done as a warranty inspection, renovation inspection, home maintenance inspection or for various other reasons.
What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
An appraiser looks at the market value of the property, this is generally done prior to the home inspection. An appraisal is often required by a bank to ensure the property value is in line with the funds being loaned to purchase it. A home inspector looks at the property structure along with systems and components, they are not concerned with what the property is worth.
Should I have a home inspection?
Let’s look at it this way, you probably wouldn’t buy a used car without having a mechanic look it over so given that most homes are priced in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Thus, it makes sense to spend the relatively small amount in comparison cost to obtain a professional home inspection that provides a report on the condition of the property and identifies possible costly concerns prior to closing the deal.
How long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection typically takes 2-3 hours. What happens during the home inspection?
How much does a home inspection cost?
The price for a professional home inspection can vary across Canada, but for an average home, the cost is typically between $350 - $700 but price is dependent on things such as property type, size, age, location, and any special additional services requested. Click to obtain a Quote.
What does a home inspector look at?
A professional home inspector will do a visual inspection of the accessible internal and external aspects of the property. This includes systems such as surface grading and drainage, roofing, insulation, ventilation, chimneys, exterior siding, windows and doors, structural integrity, foundation, electrical and plumbing.
What is a home inspection checklist?
Home inspectors use software or a paper report that itemizes the areas they need to cover when performing a home inspection – this ensures nothing is missed, however, it is the individual inspectors level of training, that allows him to accurately report on the condition of the items on this list. Canadian Residential inspectors use proprietary software that ensures your inspection report is ready immediately following the home inspection, no wait time.
I am selling my house, should I get a pre-inspection?
As part of the conditions of sale, a buyer will most often bring in a home inspector to go over the property. Hiring your own inspector when you list the property will ensure you are already aware of any concerns so there are no surprises. The inspection report you receive provides is an itemized list of potential repairs. This provides you with time to do the repairs yourself and attach receipts or obtain repair quotes. Knowing the condition of your property allows you to price accordingly, preventing eleventh hour negotiations.
Is the home inspection industry regulated?
In Canada, there are only three provinces with home inspection regulation (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario). The inspectors in BC and AB must meet specific educational requirements to be licensed including on the job training hours and have proper insurance coverage. Here in Ontario, the Act was passed in 2017 but regulations have not yet been established. All Canadian Residential home inspectors receive the same strict training program which meets government regulations in all licensed jurisdictions regardless of their location. We at Canadian Residential would be happy to see home inspection regulation adopted throughout Canada.
What is the CSA Standard of Inspection?
Each home inspection association has its own Standard of Inspection that its members must adhere to. The CSA Standard was developed by the CSA Group in hope that it would be adopted as a Canada wide Standard however, this has not yet happened. Most inspection associations have retained their own Standard of Inspection to date.
What does RHI inspector mean?
RHI is a designation provided by one of the home inspection associations - the Canadian Home and Property Inspectors Association (C.A.H.P.I.) RHI means Registered Home Inspector; the designation is achieved through the completion of continuing credit training hours and hours of inspection. There are many different associations throughout Canada and each have their own designation for the inspectors that have obtained the required on the job hours and education credits, for example: C.P.I. (Certified Professional Inspector); C.M.I. (Certified Master Inspector) both with InterNACHI; PHI (Professional Home Inspector with APHIS); AHI (Accredited Home Inspector with HIABC) etc.
Do home inspectors get on the roof?
As home inspectors, we ask a series questions before utilizing a ladder.
- Does a ladder provide the safest means of access and egress for the work location and type of work?
- Is the type of ladder available most suitable considering the workplace restrictions and conditions?
- Is the height of a roof below a height that allows for safe one-man access?
- Is there sufficient space to prop the ladder?
- Is there a safe distance from power lines?
- Is the top support safe and would the ladder damage the property?
- Is the footing support level, safe and a non-slip surface?
- Is the surface of the roof safe to climb onto?
If we are in doubt about answering ANY of these questions in the affirmative, then utilising a ladder to access the roof can be considered a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in most provinces. If we chose to ignore this and use a ladder anyway and an accident occurred, it is possible that the inspector would be charged under the Act and would also be unlikely to be able to claim any personal injury insurance.
Under the Standards of Practice of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, home inspectors are required to:
A. Inspect:
1. Readily accessible roof coverings.
2. Readily accessible roof drainage systems.
3. Readily accessible flashings.
4. Readily accessible skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.
B. Describe:
1. Roof coverings.
C. Report:
1. Method used to inspect the roof.
- Does a ladder provide the safest means of access and egress for the work location and type of work?
- Is the type of ladder available most suitable considering the workplace restrictions and conditions?
- Is the height of a roof below a height that allows for safe one-man access?
- Is there sufficient space to prop the ladder?
- Is there a safe distance from power lines?
- Is the top support safe and would the ladder damage the property?
- Is the footing support level, safe and a non-slip surface?
- Is the surface of the roof safe to climb onto?
If we are in doubt about answering ANY of these questions in the affirmative, then utilising a ladder to access the roof can be considered a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in most provinces. If we chose to ignore this and use a ladder anyway and an accident occurred, it is possible that the inspector would be charged under the Act and would also be unlikely to be able to claim any personal injury insurance.
Under the Standards of Practice of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, home inspectors are required to:
A. Inspect:
1. Readily accessible roof coverings.
2. Readily accessible roof drainage systems.
3. Readily accessible flashings.
4. Readily accessible skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.
B. Describe:
1. Roof coverings.
C. Report:
1. Method used to inspect the roof.
should i waive the home inspection?
In a highly competitive market, buyers may consider waiving the Home Inspection condition in fear of missing out on the home. Buyers should understand skipping the home inspection could be a very expensive gamble. Buyers do have some options
- If you are serious about a property, have your realtor book a showing of 2-3 hours and bring along an inspector. If you are happy with the results of the inspection you can come in with a firm bid you feel confident about.
- If you have already placed a bid without the inspection, bring in an inspector as soon as possible, so you can get a report on the home's current condition because in this case, what you don't know can hurt you.
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