In a perfect world, we wouldn't need a home inspection. We could take everyone's word that their home was in perfect condition - and their home would be. However, any way you slice it, the reality is that the world is not perfect and neither is any home on the market. Home buyers, particularly those entering the market for the first time, need to be warned to take precautions when buying a home.

The reasons for having a home inspection (by an experienced professional) are the following:

1. A home inspection gives prospective home buyers the opportunity to have their future home examined by a qualified professional who can locate possible trouble spots in the building's structure and tell you what to expect in the way of future maintenance costs, whether that may be roof replacement or rewiring, etc.

2. A thorough home inspection may save the buyer from making a serious purchasing mistake. Also, some lending institutions may require a home inspection before approving a mortgage because of the potential risk involved.

How & when does one arrange to have a home inspection?

A conditional clause is inserted into the Agreement of Purchase & Sale which indicates that the purchase of the property is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a building inspection within typically 2-4 banking days from the date of acceptance of the offer by all parties. Once the inspection is satisfactorily completed, the buyer then signs a 'waiver' removing the condition and making the offer 'firm and binding'.

Where do you find a home inspector?

Shopping for an inspector is not a difficult process. An inspector should be licensed in a building-related field such as architecture, contracting or structural engineering, and typically should not be your next door handy-man. Important things to know are the firm's qualifications and length of time in business. Ask for references and a guarantee.

How long does a home inspection take and what do they look at?

A full inspection may last anywhere from two to three hours and should include all aspects of the house: wiring, plumbing, foundation and overall structure, roof, heating system, windows and doors.

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