Your REALTOR® will likely advise you; depending on the age and the condition of the property (detached, semi, townhome) you are presenting an offer on in Georgetown, Acton, Erin, Halton Hills, Norval, Ballinafad, Hillsburg, Rockwood,Guelph or anywhere, to include an inspection clause.  This clause is there for your benefit and may be waived by you once you are satisfied the condition has been met.  Should things come out as a result of the home inspection that could prove costly or worrisome you may not want to proceed with the transaction.

While there is a fee to complete a home inspection, it may prove to be the best money ever spent, if it stops you from making an unwise purchase...one that would not be visible to the untrained eye.  Home inspections usually are in the $300 to $400 range; however, it really depends on the age of the house, the size and the condition; therefore, the time spent.  I would suggest that you get at least 2 if not 3 home inspection companies to quote.  Go with the one that you feel most comfortable with...where you feel you will get the most for your money.

Things that a home inspector will look at are outlined below.  While this is not a complete list, it does give you a fairly good idea why having a home inspection is a prudent decision.

• The Foundation & Structure
  • Is the foundation structurally sound?
  • Have any past renovations damaged the structure of the home?
  • Are there any deficiencies? What would be the cost to repair?
  • Is there anything that could prove worrisome to the lot or the grounds?
• The Roof
  • Based on its current condition...how long should it last?
  • Are there any structural issues? What would be the cost to repair?
• The Electrical System
  • Is it up to date? Homes should have a minimum of 100 amp service
  • Is aluminum wiring present? Fuse based? Knob & Tube wiring?
  • Are the correct power outlets in the house? Different appliances use different styles of outlets.
• The Heating System
  • What type of heating system is used?
  • Has it been serviced on a regular basis? Is there a service record?
  • Is it fuel efficient?
  • Is a central air condirioning system present? 
  • This will be tied into the heating system...the same questions will be asked.
• The Plumbing
  • Is the plumbing up to date?
  • Is there galvanized piping present?
  • Do faucets run easily and shut off completely?
  • Is the water heater in good working order?
• The Ventilation System
  • Is mold present in the house?
  • Is there evidence of rotting wood, cracked plaster or drywall?
  • It is important to examine problems associated with the ventilation within the house as repairs can often prove costly
• A Grow House
  • Is there evidence that this property has ever been used as a grow house?
  • Repairs that result from the damage caused by grow houses is always expensive and there is concern that some of the issues may in time resurface.
• The Windows
  • What condition are they in?
  • Are they sealed properly or can air get in and heat escape?
  • What life do they have left or will they need to be repaired or replaced?
• Drainage
  • Are there drainage issues?
  • Is there evidence in the basement, efflorescence or wet ceilings or walls?
  • Throuhout the house is there evidence on the walls, floors or ceilings?
  • Are leaks evident around sinks, tubs or water-using appliances such as the dishwasher or the washing machines?
  • Is there evidence outside of drainage problems?
• Environmental Cincerns
  • Is UFFI (UREA formaldehyde) present?  Was it ever present?
  • Is there now or evidence that asbestos was ever present in the house?

Please note that a Home Inspector may give you guidelines on costs for repairs or replacement of issues that are discovered but they are just guesstimates.  you should always contact a professional in whatever field of work to obtain a concrete quote.

Should you desire more information please Click Here to contact a reputable Home Inspector.

         Deborah Gilmore...Your Source For Anything Real Estate!