As the housing market continues to pick up, more homes are being bought and sold. Home inspections are an important part of this process, and not having the right home inspector can have homeowners dealing with a serious headache – and possibly issues with home insurance. Here are some questions to ask before hiring your home inspector.
What is Their Experience?
How long have they been in the industry? How many home inspections have they performed? These are all great questions to ask. Our principal inspector, Keith, has years of experience in the construction, renovation and industrial sectors. He has also conducted 5000+ residential and commercial inspections. This kind of security is earned, not given and should be something you look for in a home inspector.
What are Their Credentials?
Have they gone to a reputable school? Are they a member of a professional association? There are many provincial associations. Some of the more reputable ones are, The Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI), The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) and the National Home Inspector Certification Council (NHICC). Each of these associations have a code of ethics and standards of practice they follow. When looking for a home inspector, it is highly recommended to look for one that is certified by the NHICC as they are highly recommended by The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Can You Accompany Them for the Home Inspection?
A big red flag is if the home inspector you’ve chosen doesn’t allow you to tag along as they perform their inspection. While some inspectors will feel more comfortable doing the inspection solo, they should be happy to have you in the vicinity, so any issues can be observed in person. This way you can ask any questions or address any concerns directly with the home inspector.
Is There a Checklist?
A home inspection checklist is a great way to ensure every area of the house is covered and no key elements are missed. This list should cover the grounds, the home’s structure and exterior surfaces, windows, doors, wood trim, roof, attic, the interior rooms of the house including the kitchen, bathrooms, basement, and any crawl spaces, plumbing, electrical, and finally the heating/cooling systems. Building Insights offers their clients a comprehensive online report with interactive content and photographs to supplement their findings.
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