Just because the home you have your eye on looks perfect at a glance, doesn’t mean that there aren’t any issues that need closer inspection. By hiring a home inspector you’ll get peace of mind and a full report on the home rather than being unpleasantly surprised by any costly issues that could occur after closing.
Get Referrals
Ask friends, neighbours and family whom they’ve hired for home inspections – and don’t forget to get recommendations from your own real estate agent. Your agent has likely worked with the same inspector(s) several times and can give them a good review.
Interview the Inspector
You should interview two or three inspectors before deciding on one. Spend some time chatting with the inspector to get to know them, and get a feel for whether or not you’ll want to work with them.
Are they Insured?
While surprisingly not mandatory to have, look for an inspector that has errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. An inspector that carries this insurance is likely to have more on-the-job experience.
Hang out in the Home
An inspector shouldn’t have any issues with the future homeowners – and their agent, too – wanting to be present for the inspection. Tell the inspector that you insist on accompanying them from room to room and have them point out features – and potential issues – as the inspection occurs. Also feel free to ask questions at the same time. After all, it will be your property and the inspector is supposed to work for you!
Remember, a complete home inspection should:
- Give you the peace of mind with your purchase
- Reveal repairs and improvements needed before you buy
- Provide invaluable details about every aspect of your purchased home
- Reduce the risk of unpleasant “surprises” after closing.
It’s the home inspector’s job to check the safety of the home and focus on the structure, construction, and its mechanical system. They should point out any issues or repairs that should be done so you’re not left emotionally and possibly financially frustrated after buying your dream home.
Contact me anytime to find out how I can help you on your real estate journey! Email me at mariongoard@kw.com or call 905-335-8808.
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