Home inspections have become a regular part of the home-buying process, and most real estate agents recommend them. Unfortunately, too many buyers have had unexpected, costly repairs that a home inspector could have caught before purchasing the home.
If you're shopping for a home in Guelph, don't wait until the seller accepts your offer to start shopping for a home inspector. Give yourself enough time to interview several candidates from reputable home inspection companies to ensure you get professional advice about the condition of the property you are buying.
Keep reading this guide on choosing the right home inspector, the benefits and risks of a home inspection, and how to understand and get the most from the results. If you happen to be buying a house in Guelph, the home inspection process is no different than the rest of Ontario.
Choosing the Right Home Inspector
While there isn't a provincial licensing requirement for home inspectors in Ontario, there are recognized associations that reputable and competent home inspectors belong to, like:
- Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)
- Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI)
- Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (CanNACHI)
First, check with friends or family who have recently purchased a home to see if they can recommend a home inspector. You can also check home inspection associations for a list of inspectors in your area. Once you find several to choose from, the interview process begins.
Ask the Right Questions
You want the best person to inspect your potential home, which likely represents the largest investment you'll ever make. Who you hire should make you feel confident when answering the following questions:
- Do you have any training or industry-standard certifications recognized by provincial or national associations?
- How long have you been inspecting homes, and do you have any experience with poor construction practices?
- Have you inspected any homes of this age range and in this neighbourhood?
- What are your typical points when inspecting a home and property?
- Can you supply any references?
- Can I be there when you inspect the home?
- How quickly can you complete the inspection and report?
- Do you have a written contract?
Do you provide a comprehensive document, and what do you include in your reports?
Benefits of Home Inspections in Guelph
Home inspections are usually associated with home buyers, but there are benefits for both buyers and sellers, such as:
- Prepare for a quicker and more profitable sale: Knowing about any major problems ahead of time allows the seller to do upgrades or repairs and avoid last-minute concessions or losing the sale. Recent renovations can also get them a higher price.
- Prevent buyer's regret: No one wants to buy a home and then realize it needs significant repairs.
- Bargaining chips: Use the inspection findings as a bargaining chip to either lower the selling price, have the seller repair the issue on their dime, or even release from the deal.
- Homeowner's insurance may require an inspection: Being a new customer, or even the age of the home, can dictate whether you need an inspection to get insurance coverage.
- Discover problems in places you might not go to yourself: Homeowners rarely venture into attic spaces. However, a thorough home inspection lets you know if there are any issues such as attic mold that need addressing right away.
- Peace of mind: A thorough home inspection gives you peace of mind in knowing what to expect and how to plan for possible costs, repairs, and replacements.
What Does a Home Inspector Look At?
Most home inspectors concentrate on nine systems in the house:
- Exterior
- Roofing
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical inspections
- Insulation
- Structure/Foundation
- Heating
- Cooling
- Interior
Understanding the Results of a Home Inspection
A good inspector will walk you through the full summary report discussing the findings and recommended repairs. The report may also include rough estimates and suggested contractors to help you remedy the problems.
Before hiring a home inspector, home buyers have the right to know what their typical home inspection report looks like. Having the chance to take a peek at an example report prior to engaging an inspector will give you the foresight of whether or not the information they present regarding the property is solid and all-inclusive.
Ontario's average home inspection cost is $500 and takes between 2 - 4 hours to complete, depending on the size and age of the home.
Getting the Most Out of Your Home Inspection in Guelph
Be present for the inspection. Follow your inspector as they go through their checklist. This allows you to see any potential problems firsthand and will give you a better understanding when your inspector reviews the report with you later on.
Then, share your inspection report with your realtor. They know what to use as bargaining chips and what's best to disregard during negotiation.
Looking to Buy or Sell a Home in Guelph?
Buying a home without an inspection can be a costly mistake that you may be unable to afford down the line. You may want to save on the cost of inspection, but our experience shows that the benefits of a home inspection outweigh the risks. Unexpected repairs, especially significant ones, can lead to regrets, disappointment, and even loss of money. A trusted realtor can match you with a trusted Home Inspector to ensure this doesn't happen to your buyer.
Andra Arnold and her team have helped countless people buy and sell homes in Guelph, Ontario. From staging and prep to expert negotiation strategies and people skills, Andra Arnold & Associates do it all. Ask us for recommendations on home inspectors that service Guelph and Wellington County.
