What happens if you don't have a home inspection ?

Choosing not to have a home inspection before purchasing a property can have significant consequences. Here are some potential risks:

Unforeseen Repairs: Without a home inspection, you might miss underlying issues that could lead to costly repairs in the future. These could include structural problems, plumbing or electrical issues, or other hidden defects that aren’t apparent during a casual walkthrough.
Safety Hazards: A home inspector can identify potential safety hazards, such as faulty wiring, poor ventilation, or the presence of harmful substances like asbestos or mold. Without an inspection, these hazards could go unnoticed.
Negotiation Leverage: A home inspection can provide valuable information that can be used to negotiate the price of the home. If the inspection reveals issues that need to be addressed, you might be able to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to make necessary repairs before closing.
Peace of Mind: A home inspection can provide peace of mind by confirming that the home is in good condition or by identifying issues that need to be addressed. Without an inspection, you might always wonder if you missed something important.
Remember, buying a home doesn’t come with a money-back guarantee. The bigger the investment or decision, the bigger the consequences ¹. It’s crucial to do your homework and choose a competent home inspector. In Ontario, anyone can call themselves a home inspector, but licensing should be in place within the next year or two. So, it’s essential to ask about the inspector’s education, experience, and license.

Can you be part of the inspection and walk with the Inspector?

Of course you can ! Your inspector at 1st Call Home Inspections welcomes you to participate in the inspection. You get to view first hand all of the items being investigated and reported.

Is your inspector licensed and Insured?

Yes! Your inspector is a Registered Home Inspector ( RHI ) with the inspection association OAHI. www.OAHI.com Ontario Association of Home Inspectors.

Do not use an inspector or company that has uninsured inspectors. Insurance for the Home Inspection industry has extremely high costs, and many Home Inspectors have decided to get out of the buisness all together or do not pay for liability insurance. This is why the cost of a home inspection has risen significantly in the last 3 years. If you are being quoted a low ball inspection cost then there is a reason that it is much lower than most others. Check out the inspector for licensing and insurance coverage.

How long does an inspection take

Based on a 3 bed 2 bath home approx 1500 sqh ft with finished basement, an inspection takes appeox 2-3 hours. The report is provided normally 3 hours after completion of inspection.

What certifications do your inspectors have?

Our inspector is an RHI ( Registered Home Inspector ) certified by www.OAHI.com, the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors in the GTA area. This level of certification is the highest level in Ontario. Your inspector has spent approx 5 years of training and proctored exams to attain this certification. So, not all inspectors are equal. This is not a licensed profession in Ontario - Yet ! Unfortunately, the government has not seen the need for such. However, if you use an inexperienced non professional inspector it may be at your own peril. Those inspectors are not registered with a professional association and are generally not covered by liability insurance.

How do I get my report?

Your report is provided by electronuc means send out by email. It contains a very detailed report with photos, colour coded defects and recommendations. The software also allows you to make a sub-report in pdf format of the more important defects of your choosing; where you can also add your comments to each defect. This sub-report pdf can be a file that you send to the Seller agent for discussion. Saves a lot of misunderstanding and allows seller a better review of your concerns. I have seen this style of communication offer substantial reduction in the purchase price.

Do I have to sign a contract to get an inspection ?

Yes, your inspector will send you an email with contract link for you to read and accept on-line. It is a simple process. The need for a contract is to ensure that both parties ( client and inspector ) are on the same page as to what the inspection is about and what actions will be offered. All professional home inspectors have a contract for you to sign. Contract is signed prior to the inspection.