Home Inspection

What is the Home Inspection Process?

A professional home inspection is a visual non-invasive inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation. Before you close, you need to consider whether or not repairs are needed now and who’s going to pay for them.

 

When buying a new property there are a number of items that often appear during a home inspection and are sometimes very expensive to repair.  Water entering a basement is an issue most purchasers are concerned about.  This is where Experience & Knowledge coupled with an excellent moisture meter and thermal imaging can identify hidden problems.  Aluminum wiring is another issue that can be of issue on older homes built during the late 1960’s and 1970’s.  Many insurance companies will not insure a home with aluminum wiring.  Any structural deficiencies will most likely require an engineer or designer at a minimum and a building permit to repair.  Asbestos, whether on heating ducts  or in your attics insulation, is sometimes hard to find but can also be very expensive to have removed.   Many times I have encountered asbestos in a hard to find location because all the visible and easily accessible asbestos had been removed.  When Buying a Property always Remember Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware You only have yourself and your Home Inspector to rely on,  The Home Seller and Realtor will be long gone when a Major Problem arises.

What if the report reveals problems?

All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your real estate contract. Deciding on whether to fix an item or asking for a price reduction is a matter the buyer has to resolve with the aid of their Real Estate Agent. The Barrie Home Inspector will identify the problem and give an informed opinion on the condition and need for repair or replacement.

What does a home inspection include?

A home inspector’s report will review the condition of the home’s major systems, including the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits without the diagnostics.

What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?

A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. Major electrical appliances typically work fine until they fail. Buyers should schedule their final walk through as close to the closing date as possible and make sure all the major components of house are working and any appliances that were included. You can ask your lawyer to with hold funds for repair of any items that were not working at time of walk through.A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks “Safety” not “Code” when performing a home inspection. This does not mean you should hire a home inspector who does not have any code training because if he does not know the building codes he will not know what to look for. The Ontario Building Codes are the bare minimum requirements that a house has to be constructed to.A home inspector should not be trying to promote repair services, contractor referrals or home warranty products. He is being paid to provide you with a professional report on the condition of the property you are purchasing not trying to separate you from more of your hard earned money.

Should I attend the home inspection?

It is recommended that the client be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. The Barrie Home Inspector asks that you attend the inspection to participate and learn important information about your new home. This enables you to see, hear and read about the deficiencies, maintenance and system information about your home.

Wasaga Beach Home Inspections

Professional Home Inspections for Wasaga Beach.  The Town of Wasaga Beach has experienced phenominal growth over the last 10 years.  There are still a multitude of older “cottage type” structures that are sitting on masonry blocks on the sand.  We have inspected multiple types of buildings from brand new townhouses and condos to older wood cottages sitting on the sand.  All inspections include Free Thermal Imaging and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

WETT Inspections in Orillia

When buying a home most insurance companies will require a WETT Certified Inspection of any wood burning appliances  prior to issuing an Insurance Policy.  The Orillia WETT Inspector provided Certified WETT Inspections on Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Wood Burning Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts and Outside Boilers.  Report is issued at time of inspection.

Call Roger today!  705-795-8255 or Send Email

Using the services of a Professional Home Inspector will help identify any items of concern which could affect your decision to purchase the property.  A properly trained home inspector will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect how another component works or how long it will last. Home inspectors will go through the house and perform a complete visual inspection to assess its condition and all of its systems. They will determine the components that are not performing properly as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. They will also identify areas where repairs may be needed or where there may have been problems in the past. Inspections are intended to help purchasers better understand the condition of the house,  observed at the time of the inspection.

Visit Alliston Home Inspector for your Next Purchase in New Tecumseth

Hiring a Home inspector is an essential component of real estate transactions for buyers, sellers involved in Real Estate transactions. Whether you are shopping for a previously owned house or a brand
new house, an professional home inspection provides insight into the condition of the home you are buying. If you are putting your house on the market, an inspection helps speed up the sale and can bring the seller a higher price. And if you are a real
estate agent, a professional home inspection report serves as an ideal marketing tool that also helps protect you
against post-closing issues.

Read Article on Home Inspection Basics

A home inspection is:

  • An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in time
  • Primarily a visual examination
  • Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life
  • Documented in a written report

Learn about the Different Types of Home Inspections

View Home Inspection Training

Contact the Barrie Home Inspector

Send Roger an Email for Information or Availability

Cell Phone  705.795.8255
Toll Free   888.818.8608

Contact Information

Roger Frost

Certified Building Code Official

Certified Master Inspector

WETT Certified Inspections

Phone: 705.795.8255

Inspection Areas

  • Alliston
  • Barrie
  • Bradford
  • Innisfil
  • Orillia
  • Midland
  • Penetang
  • Ramara
  • Wasaga Beach

Barrie Certified Master InspectorBarrie WETT Certified InspectionsOntario Building Officials AssociationNorth American Commercial Building Inspectors