Your home is likely the biggest purchase you will ever make, so it worth investing in it to ensure that it will serve you well for years to come. Before you finalize the sale, you should have a home inspection included in the conditions of your offer. This will cover you in case there are issues with the home that you didn’t notice upon your initial viewing. Here is what you can expect during a home inspection:
Finding a home inspector
A home inspection is conducted by a certified professional who is specially trained to find any underlying issues in a home that could affect its safety or livability. There are many home inspectors out there so finding one can be overwhelming. Ask friends or family who have recently purchased a property for advice, or ask your RealtorⓇ if there is anyone that they recommend.
Condition of sale
The cost of a home inspection is always covered by the buyer, as it is to the buyer’s benefit to have a home inspection completed. When you finally find that perfect home and are ready to make an offer, your RealtorⓇ will draw up an Agreement of Purchase and Sale outlining all the specifics of your offer. These will include certain conditions, such as securing financing and insurance and conducting a home inspection. By including the home inspection within your conditions, you have the ability to back out of the offer if the home inspection highlights lots of issues with the home.
During the inspection
It is recommended that you are present while the home inspection is being conducted. You may also want your RealtorⓇ to be present as well. The inspector will guide you through the home, point out any repairs or improvements, address your concerns and discuss any plans you may have for renovations. They will also be able to give you an approximate idea of any costs involved. The home inspector will look at all the major systems and components of the house, including roofing, structure, electrical, heating, insulation, plumbing, air conditioning, interior, exterior, property and site.
After the inspection
Once the inspection has been completed, you will receive a comprehensive written report outlining any issues found and what needs to be done to address them. Depending on the severity of the issues and the potential costs involved, you may either choose to move forwards with the sale as previously outlined or go back to the seller to renegotiate. You could request that the seller fix the issues before purchase or request a lower selling price. A situation such as this is best discussed with your RealtorⓇ. If you do decide to back out at this time, your deposit will be returned to you in full.
Do you have any more questions about home inspections? Are you looking to purchase a home this year? Our experienced team of RealtorsⓇ are ready to help you! Contact us today for a free home evaluation, or browse through our hundreds of real estate listings in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.
