Before
you employ the services of a home inspector, it is important that you
know what you are getting - or not. By knowing what to look for, a good
inspection will help make your home buying experience exciting and
pleasant by giving you the confidence that your decision is a sound one.
As more and more homeowners include a home inspector as part of their
purchasing team, there is a corresponding increase in the number of
people providing this service. But all are not created equal. It is
important to do your research first.
There are many ways by which you
may hear of a home inspector. Your real estate agent may suggest one or a
number of inspectors. Other names may come to you from your friends,
relatives or coworkers. At Cornerstone, most of our business comes from
referrals. What often surprised us however is how many people do not
further their research by asking about our background or credentials.
Currently, the home inspection industry in Ontario is largely
unregulated and researching credentials of a potential inspector can be
challenging. However, there is specific information that you need to
know. For instance, there are a number of home inspection associations
in Ontario who have their own standards of practice and code of ethics.
Membership to one of these associations usually means that the inspector
carries errors and omissions insurance. This insurance may protect you
against a situation whereby a negligent inspector misses a potential
problem which develops into a costly and very real repair. It is also a
good idea to ask about an inspector's training and background.
Because
the industry is largely unregulated, it is possible to call yourself a
home inspector without being properly certified and/or registered. Also,
ask what will happen during an inspection: Will you be allowed on the
inspection? What type of report is provided and when will it be
available? Although exact estimates are not given, it is realistic to
expect some estimation of costs and the priority in which repairs should
be done. It is also valuable to have a home inspector who is available
for follow-up after you move in.
The home inspection experience should
be a positive one, arming you with the information that you need to
negotiate or providing you with the confidence that you have made a
sound investment.
Best of luck in your house-hunting ventures.
