20 Must-Ask Questions During a Home Inspection!
Buying a Home? Don’t Skip the Home Inspection!
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. A home inspection is an important step in making sure your investment is a good one. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test drive, and you shouldn’t buy a home without a proper inspection.
A home inspection helps you find problems, from weak foundations to faulty wiring, before you commit to buying. In Ontario, home inspectors are not required to be licensed, so asking the right questions is key to making sure you get a thorough check-up of the home.
Why is a Home Inspection Important?
A home inspection can save you a lot of money in future repairs. It also gives you peace of mind that your home is safe and in good shape. There is really never a pass-or-fail inspection report; it’s used to help the Buyer understand the state of the home at the time of purchase.
With this in mind, we estimate an average of about 1% of the purchase price for items that may need to be addressed in the foreseeable future. This is typical—homes are lived in and never stay in a brand-new state.
We get home inspections to identify big-ticket items that we haven’t seen or that were not disclosed prior to visiting the home.
Should I Skip the Home Inspection?
Skipping a home inspection might seem like an easy way to save time or money, but it can lead to big problems. Without an inspection, you might end up with hidden issues like leaks, bad wiring, or foundation problems. These can cost thousands to fix. A home inspection is a small price to pay for the security of knowing what you’re buying.
Typically, an offer is made on the home with a condition of Buyers having a home inspection. In a Seller’s market, we see some Buyers still do an inspection; however, it’s completed prior to submitting an offer. This may give a Buyer a competitive advantage over other Buyers that are competing for the home.
Questions to Ask Potential Home Inspectors
Since Ontario does not require home inspectors to be licensed, it is important to check their background before hiring one. Ask these five key questions:
1. What Are Your Qualifications as a Home Inspector?
Look for inspectors with experience in construction, engineering, or related fields. Membership in a professional group like the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is a plus. A strong background in home systems ensures that the inspector can accurately assess potential issues.
2. What Certifications Do You Have?
A good inspector should have certifications from groups like the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) or the National Home Inspector Certification Council (NHICC). These organizations set high industry standards and require ongoing education.
3. Are You Insured?
A home inspector should have errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and general liability insurance to protect both themselves and their clients. This ensures that you are covered in case an issue is overlooked during the inspection.
4. How Long Have You Been Inspecting Homes?
More experience means better knowledge. An experienced inspector is more likely to catch problems, recognize patterns of damage, and provide a thorough report.
5. What Does Your Home Inspection Cover?
Make sure the inspection covers the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC units. Ask to see a sample report to understand what details are included. Some inspectors may also offer additional services like radon testing or thermal imaging.
What to Ask During a Home Inspection?
Being at the inspection helps you understand your home better. Here are ten important questions to ask:
6. Have Any Modifications or Renovations Been Made to the House?
Some changes may not be up to code. Ensure any renovations were done properly and have the necessary permits. Unpermitted work can lead to legal and safety concerns. We see many homes in the Ottawa area that don’t have permits for basement renovations, so it’s best to have an inspector look closely at the electrical and plumbing.
7. What Is the Condition of the Roof?
A damaged roof can cause leaks and expensive repairs. Ask about the roof’s age, condition, and any signs of water damage. A well-maintained roof should last 15-20 years, but missing shingles or sagging can indicate bigger issues.
8. Is the Foundation Structurally Sound?
Foundation issues can be costly. Look for cracks, shifting, or signs of water damage. A weak foundation can lead to uneven floors, cracked walls, and major structural issues over time.
9. How Well Is the House Insulated?
Good insulation helps save on energy bills. Ask about the insulation in walls, attics, and basements. Poor insulation can lead to high heating and cooling costs.
10. Is the Electrical System Up to Code?
Old wiring can be dangerous. Make sure the electrical system meets Ontario safety standards. Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring can be fire hazards and may require an expensive update.
11. Are There Any Plumbing Problems?
Check for leaks, water pressure issues, and outdated plumbing materials. Older homes may have lead pipes or corroded plumbing that needs replacing.
12. Are the Heating and Cooling (HVAC) Systems Working Well?
An inefficient HVAC system can lead to high energy costs. Ask about the furnace and air conditioning unit’s age and condition. HVAC repairs and replacements can be costly, so it’s important to know the system’s expected lifespan.
13. Is There Any Sign of Pests?
Look for rodents, or other pests, especially in basements and attics. Pest infestations can lead to significant damage and expensive extermination costs.
14. Is There Any Evidence of Water Damage?
Water stains, mold, or musty smells can mean past or ongoing water problems. Mold can cause serious health issues and maybe is expensive to remediate.
15. Does the Property Have Good Drainage?
Poor drainage can damage the foundation. Check if gutters, downspouts, and landscaping direct water away from the house. Standing water around the property can indicate a future problem.
Questions to Ask After the Inspection
Once the inspection is done, ask these questions to understand the home’s condition better:
16. What Are Your Biggest Concerns About the Property?
The inspector’s concerns can help you have a better idea of the condition of the home. A home with many issues might not be worth the investment. Speak with your agent to see if the concerns can be remediated by the Seller.
17. Are There Any Red Flags I Should Know About?
Some issues may not be deal-breakers but could lead to bigger problems later. Ask if there are any concerns that could become costly repairs in the future.
18. What Should I Fix First?
Knowing what to prioritize helps with budgeting for future repairs. Safety issues should always be addressed first.
19. Should I Ask the Seller to Fix Anything?
If there are major issues, you may want to ask the Seller to handle them before closing the deal. Structural problems, HVAC issues, and plumbing leaks are common negotiation points. Your agent would be the best person to help guide you through the inspection results.
20. Would You Buy This Home in This Condition?
This question gives you a clear idea of how serious the issues are. If the inspector hesitates, you might want to reconsider your purchase.
A home inspection is a key step in buying a home. Asking the right questions before, during, and after the inspection helps you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected costs.
Thinking About Buying a Home?
At PREMIER, we help Buyers make smart choices. Our experts can guide you through the process and connect you with trusted home inspectors. Contact us today to find your dream home with confidence!
