Just because you’re buying brand-new, doesn’t mean you should skip the home inspection. Although new construction homes won’t have the same wear and tear of resale properties, it’s still important to have a certified home inspector check your property to ensure it’s free from defects.
Builders are often on tight deadlines, so it’s possible that something could get missed. It’s a lot better to have a home inspector find an issue and remedy it now before you’ve moved in, rather than after you’ve occupied your new home.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspector should take about two to three hours. Condo inspections typically take less time than house inspections, as there’s less square footage to cover. Home inspectors are free to charge what they like, although home inspections usually cost about $500. What your inspector checks depends on the type of home you’re buying. For example, if you’re buying a house, an inspector should check to ensure the roof has been installed properly, the home is energy efficient and the windows are sealed property. Unlike a resale home an inspector won’t need to worry about outdated wiring and asbestos, although he should keep his eyes open for defective materials.
Although a condo is usually a lot smaller than a house, it’s still important to get an inspection done. Since your condo fees cover major expenses like the roof, an inspection should check your condo unit to make sure it’s free and clear of any issues. An inspector should look at the heating and plumbing to ensure they were installed properly. When looking for an inspector, it’s a good idea to find an inspector who specializes in condos, as they are a lot different than houses.
Certification
Home inspectors play a pivotal role in the home-buying process, so you’d think they would be regulated by the government. Unfortunately, when it comes to home inspectors it’s buyer beware in most provinces. Besides B.C. and Alberta, home inspectors are mostly unregulated in other provinces.
Since almost anyone open a business tomorrow and say they are a home inspector, it’s important to check the credentials of home inspectors. Find out if your home inspector is a member of the Canadian Association of Housing and Property Inspectors (CAHPI), Certified Home Inspector, National Certificate, Holder or Registered Home Inspector. Be sure to check on each associate’s website to see if the inspector really is certified; don’t’ just take their word for it. Some inspectors may claim they aren’t certified due to the expense, so you’ll have to use your own judgment.
Experience
A home inspector that misses costly repairs and upgrades like knob and tube wiring or a leaky roof can cost you thousands of dollars in repair. You’ll want to make sure you choose an inspector who is experienced and know what he’s talking about. The ideal home inspector will be experienced in the trades, as a builder, or as a city inspector. It’s also helpful if they have a background in engineering.
