FAQ & LINKS
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an intensive visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a dwelling. If you are considering the purchase of a home, co-op, or condominium, you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase date by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.
The role of an inspector during a full inspection is to provide a solid understanding of the building as a whole. Like a family doctor, inspectors may not be an absolute expert on any single aspect of a property. Their function is to have solid knowledge on a very broad range of issues, allowing them to offer an educated and unbiased opinion on the hundreds of building elements present.
An objective home inspection will point out both the positive and negative aspects of a home. There is no such thing as a good or bad building, and no inspection should attempt to determine this; however, it should assist you in determining whether the property is right for you. It will also help you learn the locations of important items in your home, such as water shut-off valves, electrical panels, and furnace filters.
If the inspector finds areas of weakness, don't panic! The purpose of the report is not to discourage you from buying the home, but to allow you to know in advance what types of repairs to anticipate, and the nature of the property in general.
Why Do I Need an Inspection?
Obtaining a thorough inspection by a professional inspector before you purchase a building will provide a complete picture of the property, will give you peace of mind, and will make you a more informed purchaser or home owner.
In short, an inspection provides you with an opportunity to determine the present state of the property and help you plan for the future.
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When Should I have an Inspection?
You should have a property inspection if:
- You are Planning to Purchase
You can make an inspection of the property by a qualified professional a condition of purchase. A thorough inspection will highlight priority items and help determine an appropriate maintenance program for your new home.
- You have a Newly Constructed House
Having an inspection prior to your warranty expiration can help provide a comprehensive list of items for submission to your contractor, create a maintenance plan for you and provide tips related to any improvements you are planning.
- You are Planning to Renovate
If you are planning to make significant renovations or additions, an inspection will help determine the feasibility and cost of those improvements by checking the adequacy of existing structural and system components (e.g. electrical system capacity and adequacy for the proposed renovation).
- You are About to Sell Your Home
An inspection prior to placing your property on the market can help determine conditions which, if corrected and/or disclosed, may expedite closing a sale.
- You are Signing a Long-term Lease for, or Purchasing, Commercial or Industrial Properties
The condition of a commercial building's heating, electrical, plumbing, structure, and other components are vital considerations in determining if a proposed venture makes long-term economic sense.
- You Require Development of a Detailed Maintenance Program
An independent professionally developed maintenance program helps achieve realistic budgeting and financial management. This type of inspection has been found to be particularly useful from residence owners to management boards (condominium corporations, cooperative housing groups, etc.) in assessing fund adequacy.
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How Do I Choose an Inspector?
Asking the same questions of all firms helps you compare and select the one which gives you the best value for your money. The questions below are a guide, and should be extended to cover any other particular concerns that you may have...
While some of these questions may seem trivial, purchasing a home is a very serious matter and should be undertaken with the greatest of care.
- What are the inspector's Qualifications?
A qualified inspector should have strong training and significant practical experience in the field.
- Does He/She Inspect Full or Part-time?
An inspector working full time for a certain period has substantially more practical experience than one inspecting part time for the same period of time.
- Doing Related Work or Inspections Only?
You should be confident that the inspector you choose has no possible conflict of interest which might bias their findings.
- Written Report Provided?
Without a written report you have no protection in the event of problems occurring later and nothing to refer to when deciding on future maintenance. In our opinion, reports created on site should normally be 30 or more pages in order to be reasonably comprehensive and thorough. Reports of only a few pages provide too little information, while reports of over 100 pages provide largely irrelevant information. The report should contain information regarding the procedures employed in inspecting the property, observations, and the inspector's clear summary of structure, habitability systems and safety issues.
- Does the Inspector carry Errors and Omissions Insurance?
Professionals dealing with the public should carry this insurance, as any mistakes which they may make can directly affect you.
- How Long Will the Inspection Take?
A thorough inspection takes time; 2.5 to 3.5 hours is common for an average sized modern residence, although all necessary time should be taken to ensure the inspection is done properly. Shorter inspection times can reflect on thoroughness.
- Can I be There?
Being present allows you to see and hear things first hand, ask any questions you wish, and ensure that the inspection is thorough. As comprehensive as a written report may be, it can’t take the place of understanding gained through interaction.
- Is the Inspector a member of a Professional Inspectors Association?
Inspectors who are members of professional associations are subject to codes of ethics and performance standards (technical examinations, specified number of inspections completed to association standards, continuing education, etc.). Membership in an association is certainly positive, but associations have vastly different criteria for membership. Some require years of training and experience, whereas others simply require an on-line test. As such the requirements of an association should also be researched by anyone seeking to hire a professional inspector.
- Will the Inspector Provide Follow-up Service?
A reputable inspector will maintain a copy of your report and provide support services should you have any questions after the inspection.
- What is the Cost of the Inspection?
Prices can vary but are generally within a narrow range due to competition. Minor differences in price should be irrelevant -- protection of your investment should be your primary concern. A good combination of cost and benefit is the key. A difference in price may be far outweighed by the other factors listed above.
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Why Choose Abode Inspections?
Here are some of the reasons that we excel in our business:
- We are not affiliated with any construction or home renovation firms. To ensure fair and unbiased inspections, Abode Inspection Services is not affiliated with any third party entity which could affect our objectivity. Working in the best interest of our clients is our highest priority.
- We have been providing excellent service since 1984. Abode Inspections was one of the first inspection firms to be established in the Ottawa area. Since then it has continually evolved and refined inspection methods, with an eye toward how best to serve the client.
- Our inspectors can receive second opinions, if unusual circumstances require it, at no additional cost to you.
- We continuously obtain the most recent building development information from many sources. Continuous education helps us maintain a high level of knowledge on current and emerging issues.
- Each inspection is the beginning of ongoing service. We don't disappear after the inspection is done. We are as close as your telephone.
- We maintain the highest level of standards and ethics as required by our membership in a various professional associations, in addition to meeting the company's code of ethics and standards of practice.
- We provide prompt service, competitive pricing, thorough inspections, and unmatched support to assure you of the best service available.
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Links
MLS: Information on real estate listings in Canada
Ontario Association of Home Inspectors: Assistance with verifying inspector credentials, standards of practice, locating an inspector, etc.
Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors: Umbrella association for provincial associations across Canada
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Offers a variety of information regarding housing in Canada
Hiring a Home Inspector (CMHC): What to expect, and look for in a home inspection / inspector
Ontario Real Estate Association: Offers a variety of information regarding purchasing real estate in Ontario
Tarion Warranty Association (previously New Home Warranty Association): Information regarding standards for new home building
Better Business Bureau (Canada): Allows research into businesses across Canada
American Society of Home Inspectors: Information regarding standards of practice, code of ethics, etc. for the home inspection industry across North America
City of Ottawa: Information on when a building permit is needed, and how one can be obtained
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