Why a Home Inspection
The main reason for getting a professional home inspection is “Peace of Mind“. Savy buyers do not want to purchase a property that has the potential of being a “Money Pit”. Although your home inspection is just a visual
inspection of the property a seasoned veteran can deduce a lot of information just using his eyes and relying on years of experience. Poorly installed electrical wiring or plumbing fixtures could indicated that work was done on the home without a building permit. As a buyer when buying a home that has had renovations done without a permit you will be assuming responsibily for that work and could possibly have to take out a Building Permit and fix any deficiencies at a future date.
inspection of the property a seasoned veteran can deduce a lot of information just using his eyes and relying on years of experience. Poorly installed A Buyer and Seller in Ontario is protected legally by the rules of Patent and Latent Defects.
Patent Defects
A patent defect is a defect that is obvious enough that it should have been discovered during a reasonable inspection of the home. The legal principle of caveat emptor, or “let the buyer beware” applies to patent defects.
Examples of Patent Defects: These are defects that a professional home inspector would be able to spot. Patent defects include cracks in the drywall or plaster, doors that don’t close, or water stains from a leaking roof.
Latent Defects
A latent defect is a defect which would not have been discovered by a non-invasive home inspection. Because latent defects are very difficult for a seller to discover, caveat emptor ( buyer beware) does not apply. If the latent defect was not known by the seller, the seller cannot be held liable for the defect.
Examples of Latent Defects: Electrical work done without a permit, rotted structure behind attached wood deck, leaking roof with no oblivious signs of water damage.
Note: When making a claim for Latent Defects a lawyer will most likely have to be retained.
Price Negotiation
Any deficiencies discovered during the Home Inspection can allow the buyer to request either a repair or monetary compensation by adjusting the offer. Most home sellers will adjust the price to save the deal but they also have to option to refuse and possibly accept another offer. Most Realtors will suggest buyers ignore the small cosmetic defects and concentrate on big ticket items like a roof that is at its end of life and will require re-shingling.
Pre-Listing Inspections
During the recent “hot real estate market” may buyers had to waive their home inspection condition in order to have their offer even looked at. Many sellers opted for a Pre-Listing Inspection which provided buyers with a feeling of comfort when making an offer. Pre-Listing Inspections are also used by many veteran Realtors to prepare their listing for market. Identifying and repairing deficiencies can make a home much more appealing and often results in a higher selling price.
Common Sense
The Home Inspection is the first time many Home Buyers really get a good look at the property they have just offered to purchase. Many home buyers may look at 10 or 12 homes in a short time and until their offer is accepted will not know which home they may eventually live in. When first viewing a property it is common to focus on the features that attracted you to the home in the first place. Spending time in the home during the home inspection and reviewing your Home Inspection report at the home will ensure you are aware of any items that may require repair or replacement and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the property you are buying.
Remember that some homes may not be suited for you or your families needs and walking away will save you money and un-wanted stress in the future.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections.
FREE Themal Imaging
Your home is scanned with an Infrared Camera which can detect hidden moisture, missing insulation and electrical hot spots. This service is included with every Home Inspection. 
Orillia Home Inspector Experience
- Over 20 years experience as a Home Inspector
- Performed over 8,000 inspections
- Certified Building Code Official with Ontario Building Officials Assoc.
- Certified Master Inspector
- 7 Years experience as Project and Plan Reviews
- Commercial & Residential Inspections – Plaza’s, Apt Buildings, Churches and Strip Malls
- WETT Certified for Wood Stove and Fireplace inspections
Call Roger today for more information or to book an Inspection 705-795-8255
Send Roger an Email – [email protected]