What every buyer should know about using a house inspector. An important part of the buying process. For more information call us today at www.sellingfredericton.com or Call Chris Pitman at 506-238-4497.
2. Buying Your Home
One of the most expensive and
important purchases you will ever
make will be your home
But, once you buy a home, you’re on
your own to maintain and repair it
This is why it’s best to about potential
problems before you buy
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3. What Home And Property
Inspectors Do
One of the best ways to understand
about a home’s condition, habitability
and safety is to hire a professional home
inspector
Property inspectors inspect commercial
properties. Many perform home and
property inspections
A home inspector reviews how one
component of your house might affect
the operability or lifespan of another
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4. What Home And Property
Inspectors Do
Property Inspectors determine the underperforming
components, items that are beyond their useful life or are
those that are unsafe.
They identify necessary repairs or areas that may have had
previous problems
Inspections to provide clients a better understanding of
property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspection
Inspections typically take 3 hours and cost $500
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5. Scope Of The Inspection
The inspector will check exterior
components including…
…roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, dow
nspouts, wall surfaces, windows, doors, the
foundation and the grading around it
If problems or symptoms beyond the
scope of the inspection are found, further
evaluation may be recommended
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6. Scope Of The Inspection
Interior systems the home inspector will
check include…
…electrical, heating, air
conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, insulati
on, flooring, ceiling and walls, windows
and doors
No warranties or guarantees are supplied
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7. Choosing A Home Inspector
Reputable inspectors often belong to a provincial or regional
industry association
These associations have set standards, some of which are
recognized by provincial governments
The Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors
(CAHPI) with the support of CMHC, Human Resources and
Social Development Canada and the Construction Sector
Council…
…developed a voluntary national accreditation and
certification program to help ensure the competency and
professionalism of home inspectors
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8. Choosing A Home Inspector
Home inspectors who have met the
requirements of this national
certification program are designated
National Certificate Holders
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and
answers have been prepared
to help you to choose a home
inspector…
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10. 1. How Do I Find A Home
Inspector?
Check association websites, the
Yellow PagesTM or housing or home
trade magazines
Ask friends or family members
Your real estate agent may also make
suggestions by providing a list of
home inspectors to choose from
Do your research and choose your
home inspector wisely
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11. 2. How Long Has The Home
Inspector Been In Business?
The competence of a house inspector can be expected to
improve with the number of years in business and the number
of home inspections conducted
Experienced home inspectors will be better prepared to assess
the condition of the house
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12. 3. What About Qualifications
& References?
Look for people who belong to a provincial
association and who have taken inspection
courses such as: defect recognition, building
sciences, and home construction
Knowledgable inspectors have a good
understanding of home systems and
components and work to a strict code of ethics
Many have practical experience or a
background in engineering, construction and
related building trades
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13. 3. What About Qualifications
& References?
Anyone can become a member of a home inspection association…
…so check that the inspector has completed the association’s
certification process
Ask for proof of membership of an association and for references
Check inspectors’ service standards with referees and the Better
Business Bureau
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14. 4. What Else Does The Home
Inspector Do/Not Do?
Many home inspectors associations have a code of ethics
preventing them from offering services to repair or improve
homes they have inspected
While they may provide you with a personal opinion based on
past experience, it is recommended you obtain three quotes
from qualified contractors
Inspections should not be conducted at night, as a vital
components of the exterior cannot be seen
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15. 5. Where Can I Find Out More?
The home inspector may point
you to the firm’s website, to their
industry association, provide
company details, list inspector
qualifications or describe a
range of services offered
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16. 6. What Happens After The
Inspection?
The home inspector generally
provides a written report
reviewing every major home
system and component within 24
hours of the inspection
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17. 7. Should I Hire A Home
Inspector For My New Home?
A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) may be a requirement in closing
the purchase of a new home
During the PDI, the homebuyer and builder inspect the home to
ensure all conditions of the sales agreement are met
Any outstanding work, and warrantable defects or
deficiencies, are identified
You may have a home inspector present if you wish
Enquire if the inspector has the knowledge/experience to
conduct this type of inspection
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18. A Final Note
CMHC does not recommend or endorse any individual home
inspector or association. CMHC supports national uniform
standards of competency for home inspectors
For more information on the inspection industry’s National
Certification Program, please refer to the National Certification
Authority’s website
http://www.nca-anc.com/
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