For most Canadians, buying a home can be a dream come true. But if the property you choose ends up having any hidden – or unexpectedly pricey – surprises, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.
That’s where a home inspector can be worth their weight in gold. Having an experienced, professional home inspector thoroughly examine any property you’re considering buying will not only help you make an informed decision. It can also help protect your family, your peace of mind, and your investment.
Whether you’re actively looking to buy a home or just thinking about getting into the market, here are nine reasons to hire a home inspector before you close the deal.
1. Uncover any hidden defects
A top-to-bottom inspection can uncover hidden or hard-to-spot defects in a home’s mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other systems that could pose serious (and seriously expensive) problems down the road.
2. Benefit from objective expert advice
A certified home inspector is a source of objective, impartial and independent advice who you can trust to tell you the truth, the whole truth, and only the truth about the property you’re about to call home.
3. Get a sense of future maintenance costs
Many home inspectors include a maintenance “user’s manual” in their report that outlines the property’s likely repair timeframes, future maintenance and upkeep requirements, and the replacement lifespans for major mechanical items like the furnace, roof, hot water tank or heat pump.
4. Improve your bargaining power
Having an objective home assessment can dramatically improve your negotiating power at the bargaining table, and give you an opportunity to request a lower price, ask for certain repairs to be made – or even potentially walk away from the deal if some truly significant problems are uncovered.
5. Insure your property more easily
Many insurance companies in Canada are reluctant to offer coverage for – or might even outright refuse to insure – older homes without proof of a professional home inspection.
6. Finalize your mortgage financing
Similarly, some mortgage lenders may refuse to provide financing for properties that they suspect may have serious structural or safety issues without a professional inspection report.
7. Make your move less stressful
Moving is stressful enough without having to worry that your brand new home might spring a leak, need a big mechanical replacement, or require sudden repairs or renovations before you’re even unpacked.
8. Keep your family safe
In addition to flagging structural and mechanical issues, home inspectors can test for health and safety issues like fire separations, gas leaks, faulty wiring and carbon monoxide hazards.
9. Save money
The bottom line is, while having a home inspected may cost a little upfront, it could save you hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs over the lifetime of the home.
Find out more
To find a qualified home inspector near you, visit the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) or Home Inspectors Association BC (HIABC) websites, ask your REALTOR® for advice, or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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