What Home Inspectors Do
A properly trained home inspector will:
perform a visual inspection to assess the condition of a house and all of its systems;
look at the house in terms of how one component of the house might affect another;
find out if any components are not working properly and if any parts are too old or unsafe; and
identify areas where repairs may be needed or where there may have been problems in the
past.
The home inspector generally provides a written report within 24 hours of the inspection.
Finding a Home Inspector
Check association websites, the Yellow PagesTM or home magazines.
Ask friends or family members for a referral.
Talk to your real estate agent.
The Home Inspector's Qualifications
Usually, the longer a home inspector has been working, the more knowledge he or she has. So look for
a home inspector who has been in business for a while.
Look for people who belong to a provincial association and who have taken inspection courses. Check
to make sure that the inspector has successfully completed the association's certification process. You
should also ask to see proof of membership in a provincial association.
Reference Check
Any qualified home inspector should be able to provide three references upon request. Make sure that
you follow up and ask the inspector's references whether they were satisfied with the service they
received. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau.
Home Inspector Websites
The home inspector may point you to their company or industry association website that may provide
company details, inspector qualifications or the range of services offered.
Inspections at Night
It is not a good idea to conduct an inspection at night, since the house's exterior details cannot be seen
properly.
Repairs or Improvements
Many home inspector associations have a code of ethics that prevent them from offering services to
repair or improve homes they have inspected.
New Home Inspections
If you do not feel that you have the knowledge to judge whether or not your new home meets the
conditions set out in the agreement, you could retain a home inspector to help you. Some builders have
policies about who may be present during the pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Ask the builder during the
negotiation of the sale whether or not this is possible. If you have the builder's permission to bring a
home inspector to your PDI, ask if the inspector has the knowledge or experience to conduct this type
of inspection.
Jennifer Zammit , A.C.C.I.
Executive Salesperson
Realty Executives Elite Ltd.
7-515 Wellington Road S.
London, Ontario, N6C 4R3
Tel: 519-649-6900
Cell: 519-933-5201
Fax: 519-649-6933
jenniferzammit@rogers.com
www.jenniferzammit.homesandlan
d.com
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