Buying a Home in Chatham, Ontario - What to Expect from a Home Inspection
For home buyers in Chatham-Kent, there are several steps to finding a dream home. As a Chatham Ontario real estate agent, I will walk you through the process of visiting prospective homes, getting approved for a mortgage, putting in an offer, and the home inspection. In fact, the home inspection is often the most stressful part of the process. By this time, you’ve found a house you love, put in an offer, had it accepted, and can picture yourself in the house. Now, you have to wait as a home inspector looks for trouble.
So what can you expect and what should you ask? It’s actually pretty simple. Buying a house in Chatham Ontario doesn’t have to be a frightening experience, and neither does the home inspection.
What is a Home Inspection?
Generally speaking, a home inspection is a non-invasive examination of a property. Home inspections focus on the major systems of a house including plumbing, electrical, roofing, structure, and systems (furnace, air conditioner, chimney, etc). Remember, this inspection is non-invasive. That means the inspector will not open walls, dig underground, or alter any permanent structure of the house. Basically, this inspection will give you an overview of the condition of the property. It will not find defects behind walls, in ceilings, or under floors including hidden electrical, plumbing, septic systems, insulation, or air quality issues. There are however, several knowledgeable home inspectors servicing the Chatham Ontario real estate market.
What to Expect During Your Home Inspection
No home is perfect. Your Chatham Ontario real estate agent will tell you that every home has quirks and minor defects. This could be as simple as changing a filter on the furnace, fixing a downspout, or caulking around a window. Your home inspector will look at everything they can, without being invasive to the house. Likely, you will receive a binder or written report outlining every finding on the property and the inspectors recommended actions.
If you listen to your Chatham Ontario real estate agent and home inspector, buying a house in Chatham Ontario will be a less stressful process. Luckily, a home inspection usually gives you the opportunity to walk away from a deal if the findings are negative. Major issues including structural defects, evidence of pests, moisture problems, electrical dangers, or other health and safety issues, might cause you to reassess your purchase. Overall, the process typically takes 2-3 hours and will acquaint you with the nuances of your potential home. To fully understand the home inspection process, ask your Chatham Ontario real estate agent questions prior to the home inspection, and play an active role in the inspection itself. This doesn’t mean crawling around in the basement, simply come prepared with questions for your inspector.
What Questions Should I Ask?
After walking through the house with your Chatham Ontario real estate agent, you might have several questions for the home inspector. If you have concerns, ask, ask, and ask again. The majority of people buying a house in Chatham Ontario won’t be electricians or plumbers, and you will need to ask questions to ease your worries. Here are some important questions to ask on your search for the perfect piece of Chatham Ontario Real Estate:
- First, ask to see your home inspector’s certification, do they have references, how many homes they have inspected, do you get a written report, and if you can be involved in the inspection. If they answer no to any of these questions, find a new home inspector.
- Are there any issues they believe compromise the health and safety of your home and family?• If repairs are necessary, can they estimate a cost of repair?
- Finally, if you have a concern, ask your inspector to examine it. This is your potential home and you should feel comfortable with the purchase.
After your inspection, it’s time to talk to your real estate agent, because you’re now one step closer to buying a house in Chatham Ontario.