http://www.emckanata.ca/20110915/business/Home+inspection+provides+peace+of+mind
Home inspection provides peace of mind
Posted Sep 15, 2011 By EMC News
EMC Business - When you are buying a home, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all and not see any flaws the house may have. A home inspection can give you the peace of mind of knowing what to expect and can help you make an informed decision about the value of the home and its future upkeep.
In its free booklet, “How to Buy Your Home,” The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) recommends homebuyers hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly check out a property before buying.
Not only will a home inspection help you determine the condition of the house, its structural soundness, and its mechanical systems, but it also brings any problems to the seller’s attention at a time when they can be resolved before closing a sale. If you are making an offer on a house before it’s inspected, talk to your Realtor about including a clause that the sale is contingent upon a satisfactory structural inspection, and specify when the inspection is to be carried out.
A typical inspection includes an examination of the structure from top to bottom, including the heating, air conditioning systems, the interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure. A home inspector will go through the property and perform a comprehensive visual inspection.
Your Realtor will likely accompany you and the inspector during the process. This can give you an opportunity to learn about any problems first-hand and become more familiar with your new house at the same time. The inspector may also be able to share some valuable maintenance tips with you during the inspection.
Following the examination, the inspector will provide a report that not only points out possible defects or areas of concern, but also the positive aspects of the structure as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep the home in good shape. The home inspector should be willing to answer any questions you have as well as clarify any limitations of the inspection to avoid misunderstandings. Avoid firms that issue only a verbal report. The report should be more than just a checklist of items inspected. The home inspector should also issue a written report with accurate cost estimates for any major defects discovered during the inspection.
A professional assessment will provide complete information about the condition of the property you are considering and will help avoid any unpleasant surprises after the sale. In addition, a home inspector can remain totally objective, while you as the prospective homebuyer may be emotionally involved.
When interviewing potential home inspectors, carefully inquire about the specifics of their work and company. Ask how long they have been in business, and ask for references from previous customers. Find out what type of insurance they carry and if they guarantee inspections. Inspectors should be licensed in building-related fields, architects, contractors, and structural engineers are good examples.
It’s a good idea to choose a home inspector who is a member of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) and/or the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI). To become a member of these associations, inspectors must meet professional and educational requirements, successfully complete comprehensive written exams and practice professionally during a trial period followed by a review. Members must also meet annual education requirements to maintain their membership.
To obtain a free copy of How to Buy your Home, contact OREA at 1-800-265-HOME or visit us online at www.orea.com.
This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association for the benefit of consumers.
Added my coments … Roy
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Having been a member of OAHI/CAHPI I met a lot of good Home Inspectors, Many like me Have found that other associations also have great Home Inspectors .Like NACHI and Cannachi, These other Associations are much better at Giving help to the industry with more and better training for Inspectors . They also have open web sites where the public can ask questions get answers and learn to maintain their homes , These Associations have grown much larger then OAHI/CAHPI and many of the more experienced HIs have joined the non profit Group [(http://www.nachi.org/forum/#)
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