Home Inspection Basics – By the Barrie Home Inspector

You’ve found a home for sale that meets all your requirements, made the offer and now comes the home inspection — a vital step in protecting your investment when buying a home, particularly for first-time home buyers.

It’s important to check any home thoroughly. A qualified home inspector looks at everything with a trained eye, pointing out defects you may not catch on your own.

Your Home Inspection – BarrieHome Inspection - Barrie Home Inspector

The Barrie Home Inspector will request that you accompany him during the inspection process.  This can provide invaluable information to you about your new home.  It is also an opportunity to really investigate any issues that are of particular concern to you.

While you are viewing your potential new home with your Realtor, you can compile a list of items which you would want your Home Inspector to investigate and pay special attention to.  The supplied Generic List below is not all encompassing but is a good starting point:

Roof/Attic:


Are there shingles missing?
Is there flashing and trim installed? Are all joints and openings caulked?
Are there any signs of leaks?  Sheathing in attic spaces will have water staining.
When will the roof need to be replaced?  Average life span is 15 years.

Foundation:

Are there visible cracks on the outside walls? Any crack over ½ inch is covered by Tarion

Are there any trees near the foundation?

Landscaping:


Does the drainage slope away from the house?  Minimum of 2 inches every 6 feet.
Are there any soggy areas you can identify?  Areas of pooling or collected water?
Are the walkways and driveway in good condition?

Interior:


Are there any leaks under the sinks (bathrooms and kitchen)?
Are there any stains on ceilings below bathrooms?
Are there any signs of water leaks around tubs & showers?

Structural Elements:


Has there previously been a fire in the home?  Has attic been painted for smoke odour?
Do the walls show vertical or horizontal cracks?
Are there notches or holes in floor joists?
Have any support walls been removed or modified?

Ventilation and Sub-Systems:


Are ducts in attic insulated when passing through unheated space?
Is the heating and AC systems working?
Age of the water heater. Is it a Rental or Owned?
Is there a working exhaust fan in the kitchen? Is it vented to exterior?

Electrical:


Operate and test switches and outlets?
Is each outlet properly grounded?  Required GFCI’s tested?
Check for Federal Pioneer Breaker recall?
Inspect for aluminum or knob and tube wiring?
Are there any leaks under the sinks (bathrooms and kitchen)?
Check for grommets and standoffs when using metal studs?

Plumbing:


Are there any unusual noises? Lack of ventilation?
Do the faucets and other fixtures have enough pressure?  Supply 5/8 in or 1/2 in.
Are there any types of Pex Plumbing installed that have been recalled or there are known issues with?

Garage:   

Check all of the following elements for signs of damage or wear:

Slab – Cracks, signs of heaving, water will drain out of garage, not inside garage.
Walls – Are framing bolts installed and secured.
Ceiling – No storage allowed supported by engineered wood trusses.
Electrical – Outlets for auto door openers.
Garage Door operated correctly, safety beams in place
Lights and outlets properly installed.

Read Through the Inspection Report
The inspection should take no more than three or four hours, after which you will have a full report to pour over (an example of which can be found here)

Choosing Your Home Inspector?

Your Realtor may refer 3 home inspectors to you,  ethically they are not supposed to just use their favorite inspector.  Many people prefer to find their own Home Inspector to prevent any conflict of interest when it comes to pointing out deficiencies.

The Barrie Home Inspections has completed over 8,000 Home Inspections and will point out every deficiency whether a “Deal Breaker” or not.  Roger works for you, the Home Buyer, and no one else.

WETT Inspections Barrie, Alliston, Orillia

 

 

 

We provide WETT Certified Inspections for Wasaga Beach, Barrie, Innisfil, Alliston,Orillia, Ramara, Midland, Angus and Area
The majority of Insurance Companies now require a WETT Certified Inspection prior to insuring your home.  Many older homes have fireplaces or wood stoves which no longer comply to current Ontario Building Code or CSA B365 requirements.   Your wood burning appliance may need a minor modification or possibly an expensive repair or replacement.
For example older fireplaces may only have a 16 inch hearth extension where 16 inches is now required.  A fireplace insert is now required to have a stainless steel liner installed in the chimney.  No grandfather protection.

Barrie Home Inspector

Roger Frost is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Official Association of Ontario.   He is also a Certified Master Inspector who has inspected over 8,000 homes.  The Barrie Home Inspector offers Free Thermal Imaging with every home inspection.  Every Home Inspection comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.  Call Roger today to book your “Risk Free” home inspection.   Cell Phone 705-795-8255