Bourne, Jenkins & Mulligan

September 19, 2003
Home inspections

by Amy MacMillan

For most people, their home the largest investment they will make in their lives. In order to ensure a sound investment, obtaining a professional home inspection is an important pre-purchase consideration. A home inspection allows a buyer to make an informed decision and can prevent unexpected expenses in the future. An inspection also provides valuable information about the construction, operation and maintenance of the house.

A home inspector should be retained immediately after you have made an offer to purchase. Your lawyer should make your Agreement of Purchase and Sale conditional upon obtaining a satisfactory inspection report. With a properly-drafted conditional clause, you will be able to get out of the transaction in the event that the report is unsatisfactory.

Your real estate agent or lawyer can provide you with the names of qualified home inspectors. Ask potential inspectors exactly what they will inspect and how detailed a report they will prepare for you. You should consider asking them for references. It is wise never to hire an inspector who will not allow you to watch the inspection.

A thorough inspection includes a systematic examination of the exterior and interior from the roof to the basement. The inspector will report on such things as the condition of the roof, structure, foundation, drainage, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, insulation, walls, windows, doors and the electrical system. A reputable inspector will provide you with a complete and detailed written record of the inspection.

If the inspector discovers problems of which you were not aware, you will have the information you need in order to decide to terminate the offer, ask the vendor to fix the problems or reduce the purchase price to compensate you for correcting the problem yourself after closing.

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