Halton Hills Home Inspections
Questions and Answers
By Lia and Bill McNally
Why should I get a home inspection?
For peace of mind. Buying a home is often an emotional experience so it's important to have a trained and unbiased home inspector educate you on what could likely be the biggest purchase of your life. With a home inspection you reduce the risk of unwanted surprises and learn how to maintain your home in the process.
What can I expect from a home inspection?
A home inspector will thoroughly examine your home, including a check of the moisture levels, grading, roof, insulation, and ventilation. The electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling systems are also scrutinized. You will receive maintenance tips and a comprehensive report to take home, filled with information about your home and the repairs you can expect to make, along with a timeline and estimate of their cost. Resale homes don't come with an owner's manual, making home inspections an invaluable source of information.
What are the limitations of a home inspection?
Not every area of home is accessible for inspection. Since a home inspector can't see into the walls, where much of the plumbing and electrical work is hidden, there are limitations to the scope of inspection. Also, a home inspection is not an appraisal and it is not a warranty. There are no guarantees that every problem will be picked up.
If I'm a buyer, can I use a home inspection to renegotiate the price of my home?
That depends. When you buy resale, you need to expect deficiencies in your home- after all it isn't new and finding a home without any problems is next to impossible. Attempting to use these normal issues to reopen price negotiations is likely to be met with resistance. If the inspection uncovers major issues or an unusual amount of deficiencies, it would be entirely reasonable to initiate renegotiation. The seller may agree to lower the price or make some repairs. If your offer was conditional upon the home inspection, you may opt to walk away from the house all together. In a buyer's market you'll probably have better luck having your requests met.
How much will it cost?
It depends on a variety of factors including your home's age, location and size but you can expect to invest around $325-450.
How can I find a good home inspector in Halton Hills?
Your realtor will be able to recommend a few home inspectors for you to choose from. It's important that your home inspector is properly qualified as a Registered Home Inspector. For more information on home inspections or any aspect of the home buying process, feel free to call your local realtor, Bill McNally at 905-877-5165.
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