Home Inspection Checklist: What to Expect
While it’s not mandatory, a home inspection is something that most buyers will arrange prior to closing on a new property, and it’s one of the most vital steps to buying a house.
The goal of a home inspection is to assess whether a home is safe and livable before the buyer proceeds with the purchase.
A home cannot “pass” or “fail” a home inspection. Instead, the inspection may reveal major issues, minor issues, or no issues at all. The types of issues that are highlighted, and the way they’re characterized, may vary by inspector.
A buyer uses the home inspector’s findings to decide whether they still want to buy the home. The buyer can also ask the seller to fix any issues identified in the inspection, or reduce their offer to offset the cost of repairs.
What buyers can expect from a home inspection
Once you’ve chosen a home inspector, they will make an appointment to visit the home in question.
The inspection itself typically lasts two to three hours. You’re allowed to be there during the process, though it’s not required. You can also ask your real estate agent to be present.
What inspectors look for
The home inspector will do a thorough visual examination of the indoor and outdoor components of your potential new home, including the structure and systems, such as heat and electricity. The inspector will identify any problems, needed repairs, evidence of past issues, and anything that might need to be updated or is considered unsafe.
If any big problems are found, the inspector might suggest an additional evaluation by a more specialized professional, such as a plumber or structural engineer.
“Visual examination” is a key term here. Home inspections are non-invasive, meaning that an inspector won’t look behind walls or remove flooring. If the home inspection takes place in the winter and the roof is covered in snow, the inspector may not be able to visually examine it. They may also be unwilling to move furniture or debris that blocks access to certain areas.
Home inspection cost
The cost of a home inspection depends on the home’s location, age and size. It will also vary by province, but you can expect to pay around $500 for a home inspection in Canada.
Home inspection checklist for home sellers
Since the goal is for the home inspection to go as smoothly as possible, you might want to DIY your own home inspection first so you can prepare (and perhaps even fix any minor issues before the professional inspector comes).
Before a home inspection: |
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☐ Thoroughly clean your home, which immediately makes a good impression. |
☐ Leave all interior doors unlocked since the inspector has the right to look in every room. |
☐ Make sure that there is unobstructed access to the attic hatch, electrical panel, furnace, hot water tank, main water line and air exchanger. |
☐ Unclog any slow drains in sinks or showers, and make sure there are no leaks. |
☐ Trim any bushes or trees that are too close to the roof or foundation. |
☐ Clean gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation. |
☐ Have paperwork ready to document any recent checkups of your heating and air conditioning systems. |
☐ Ensure all electrical systems are working properly. |
☐ Ensure all doors and windows open, close and lock properly. |
☐ Repair any cracks or issues in the outdoor masonry. |
Finally, you should make arrangements for family members and any pets to be out of the house while the inspection takes place.
Is a home inspection required?
Technically, no. But there are two good reasons to get a home inspection.
Reason 1: To assess whether the home is safe and livable, and to document any necessary repairs. If a home needs a series of expensive fixes, it may affect how much you want to pay for the home — or whether you want to buy it at all.
As a buyer, you can ask your real estate agent or broker to submit an offer with a contingency clause based on a home inspection, also known as a subject. If the report comes back as less than favourable, such a clause allows you to rescind your offer. You can also get quotes regarding the necessary fixes and use them to try to negotiate a different price.
Reason 2: As a seller, getting a home inspection can reveal existing issues you can repairs before putting the house on the market. In this case, you would pay for the home inspection, but you are not obligated to show the results to any potential buyers, who are still free to order their own inspection.
Aren’t sellers required to disclose potential issues?
Legal requirements around property disclosures vary from province to province, so you should always ask the real estate professionals you’re working with what the requirements are where you live. Even if disclosures aren’t required in your area, it’s common practice for real estate agents to work with home sellers to describe a home’s condition to potential buyers on a standardized form.
Agents and sellers are unlikely to be construction experts, however, and they may not be aware of potential issues. Even when everyone is acting in good faith, getting an expert opinion is important.
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Clay Jarvis
Clay Jarvis