When you buy a property, it is in your interest to do due diligence. After the hype of finding your dream home, it’s easy to forget about structural, electrical and appliance issues. Emotions play an important role among buyers. It’s easy to be seduced by the curb appeal of a home and miss potential problems with home systems, unless you’re an expert in the field. Here is everything you need to know about building inspections.
- What is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is a comprehensive check of most structural systems and components of a building.home inspection group You can get a building inspection for most types of residential properties, including detached houses, townhouses and apartments. In Canada, home inspection professionals are not licensed, with the exception of British Columbia and Alberta. Ideally, the buyer should choose the inspector. (If the seller claims you’re using their inspector’s choice, beware.)
Usually the inspection takes 2-3 hours. We recommend that you attend the inspection so that you can ask questions, if any. After the inspection, you will receive a report including the findings of the inspector. Based on the report’s findings, you may reconsider or even rescind your purchase offer.
Inspection fees vary depending on the size and complexity of the property. Generally, you will pay around $500. Although it may seem expensive, remember that you are making a considerable investment
- What is Included in the Inspection?
Quebecers have to deal with a unique meteorological reality with extreme temperatures and varied precipitation. Over time, weather conditions can adversely affect buildings. It is in your best interest to hire a local building inspector, as he or she will be more familiar with the risks typical of your climate. For example, the west coast of Canada receives a lot of rain. A building inspector there will look at the building envelope while checking for water penetration and mould in the basement.While assessments specific to your location can be helpful, all home inspections should be comprehensive enough to pinpoint major problem areas. Typically, a building inspector will check for the following:
- Outside
Typically, a building inspector will tour the exterior of the property to begin with. He will determine if there is any damage to the exterior walls, such as cracks or the presence of insects. Also, the inspector will check the landscaping of the property, looking at slopes and drainage. (The inspector will determine if the water is flowing towards or away from the property.)
Exit points, such as windows and doors, can be expensive to replace. With this in mind, the building inspector should assess their life expectancy and indicate the costs of replacing them with equivalent products. Foundations are inspected for signs of cracking or settling (a term that means the distortion of parts of the house due to uneven compression of the foundation).
Finally, the inspector will examine the roof for signs of water penetration or shingle damage. He will also inspect the condition of the gutters. Also, the inspector should be able to estimate the life expectancy of the roof , as it is one of the most expensive parts of the house to replace
- Interior
Most of the home inspection group will take place inside the property. The inspector will examine the valves to determine if there are any leaks from the piping. It will also indicate the type of plumbing used in the house as well as the location of the main shut-off valve.
The electrical system will be examined, giving priority to the main electrical panel. The inspector will determine the type and condition of electrical wiring, and check the functionality of GFCI outlets in key locations. The inspector will list the age and life expectancy of all components, highlighting areas of concern. He will do the same for the water heater and the HVAC system in the house. Additionally, the inspector will determine the home’s energy efficiency by examining the air ducts for leaks.
In the bathrooms, he will check the ventilation and fixtures, and determine if there are any leaks. If necessary, he could check the caulking on the tiles, as well as the water flow and pressure. In the basement or crawl space, the inspector will check for signs of dampness or pests, as well as any problems with the insulation or the foundation structure. . Finally, the inspector will verify the functionality of the various security systems, such as fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
