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Do I need a home inspection?

The short answer is yes. Buying a new home is an expensive investment, possibly the largest one you'll ever make. A home inspection brings more clarity to what it is that you're buying and will help to mitigate the risk involved in such a purchase.

There are many potential problems that could either go unnoticed, or could lead to bigger problems, that a home inspector is trained to uncover.

Can I inspect the home myself?

I very strongly advise against attempting to perform the property inspection yourself, for a number of reasons. Even if you do have a lot of experience with the systems of a home, it is still advised to hire a professional home inspector.

• It's far too easy to become emotionally attached to a home. It's very important to have an objective party perform the inspection to provide a professional, unbiased assessment.
• A professional home inspector has been trained to look for specific issues, and is familiar with a wide variety of situations.
• A good home inspector knows the difference between major and minor issues, and which minor issues can lead to major problems down the road.

When do I call a Home Inspector?

It would be a good idea to have a home inspector in mind prior to signing the contract, but a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, make sure there is a inspection clause in the purchase of sale contract. This would make your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of the home inspection report.

How long does a home inspection take?

A home inspection generally takes between 2-3 hours depending on the size of the home and its condition.

Do I have to be there?

While it is not required for you to be there for the home inspection, it is highly recommended to attend if possible. You will be able to walk through the home with the inspector while asking questions and becoming educated on your future investment and how to maintain it.

If I'm selling a house, should I get a pre-listing home inspection?

You're more likely to have a quick sale if the house has already been properly inspected. You can opt to provide potential buyers with a copy of the inspection report, or you can address any issues before listing the house for sale.

Major problems discovered during a home inspection may result in serious transaction delays. If you know about these problems ahead of time, you'll be in a better position for a smooth transaction.

Can a house fail a home inspection?

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home on the day of inspection. It is not an appraisal, which is used to determine the market value of the home. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, does not pass or fail a home but rather describes its physical condition and reports on which systems and components may need major repair or replacement.

What if the report discovers problems?

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems with the home it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the home, only that you know in advance the condition of the home. If you must adhere to a certain budget or if you are not in a position where you want to take on future repairs, then this information will be important to you. If major issues are found, the seller may agree to make repairs.