Building inspections for new property buyers.

Make sure your new home isn't lemon.

A critical part of purchasing a home is determining the condition of the house prior to closing your home buying transaction.

Home Inspectors are trained professionals who evaluate the structure of the house, as well as the condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating and air conditioning systems, doors, windows etc.

A pest inspection is a separate report which will indicate whether there is present or past evidence of termites or other wood destroying insects.

When buying a home, home inspections are an extra expense and usually optional. Still, this is money well spent; imagine moving into your new house and discovering that the air conditioning doesn`t cool the house, or that the electrical system is substandard, or that the chimney needs urgent repairs.

What if your Inspection Uncovers Problems?

Firstly, your offer to purchase should have included a detailed statement regarding your rights to a home inspection. The standard contract used by your real estate agent may give you the flexibility to back out of the contract if a home inspection uncovers more problems than you are willing to deal with. If it does not, the wording should be added in the form of a contingency.

The seller may refuse to undertake any repairs that you, as the purchaser, feel are warranted. Read your contract carefully before signing so that you understand the rights and obligations of all parties.

Advice for the home seller.

Almost all home buyers engage a professional home inspector to examine their new house prior to closing. You can speed this process along by analyzing the condition of your home and making necessary repairs now, before the house is under contract.

Whole-home inspections cover various systems within the house, but there are some `hot spots' that seem to worry buyers the most :

Mould & Mildew -

Mildew stains and odors are a worry for buyers, and chances are you won`t get a reasonable offer if this is present. Kill the mould immediately and fix the source of the problem.

Damp Basements & Crawlspaces -

Mildew odors indicate that a basement is too moist. Buyers and home inspectors will look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness. The inspector may use a meter to determine how much moisture is present in these spaces as moisture deteriorates building materials and attracts insects.

Cover exposed earth in basements and crawlspaces with plastic to help keep moisture levels down.

Roofs & Chimneys -

Deteriorated shingles or other roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements underneath the shingles are moist or rotted, you can be assured that repairs will be requested.

Make sure that flashing around the base of the chimney is watertight, and that mortar and bricks are in good condition.

Inspect the fireplace to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Plumbing Problems -

Fix any leaks before the home inspection is carried out. The inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple faucets and flushing toilets at the same time. The dishwasher will also be checked and possibly the septic system.

Inadequate Electrical Systems -

Ensure that the electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration are adequate for the needs of the house.

Other Relevant Home Inspection Checks -

Heating and cooling systems

Structure and foundations

Appliances that will stay in the house, including smoke detectors.

Before the Home Inspection -

Do everything you can to get the house in good condition prior to selling, but don`t be discouraged if the inspection report contains a few negative statements. The home inspector will take a note of everything they see.

Remember that the home inspection report is not a wish-list for buyers. Read your contract carefully, it indicates those systems which should be in good working order at closing. If the roof is older, but doesn`t leak, it`s in good working condition. The same will be true for older appliances.

Your contract may state that you are under no obligation to make any repairs at all; although the buyers may withdraw from the contract. Don`t feel that you must comply with unreasonable demands for repairs.

If you are selling you really should read our tips on selling page click here

If you would like information on what to look out for when applying for a home loan click here.

Thank you for your interest, I wish you the best of luck with your real estate transactions and remember the old saying "Knowledge is Power". I hope you are able to negotiate a better deal on real estate based on the knowledge you have gathered here.