Home inspections

When you purchase a home, it’s often recommended that you have a home inspection done. This is one of the most common conditions in an offer to purchase a property.

When real estate markets are extremely active and you really want a particular home, skipping the home inspection and not placing this kind of condition in an offer can be tempting. Before you make the decision, consider the benefits of a home inspection.

If there is a Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS), you may receive a copy and have a general sense of comfort about the history of the property. However, you should keep in mind that the person selling the home may not be aware of property defects and that the information provided in the SPIS is based only on their personal knowledge.

Similarly, the real estate agent representing you in the transaction may have the experience to identify visually obvious defects, but underlying problems can exist.

A qualified and experienced home inspector will examine the major systems in the home such as:

• Electrical
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Heating/Air Conditioning
• Foundation
• Septic Systems

Many home inspection companies encourage you to attend the inspection and ask the inspector questions during the process and about the results of the inspection. The decision is yours to make, but you will be better informed and able to assess whether or not you want to invest in any upgrades or repairs that might be needed.

RECO does not regulate home inspectors. For information about home inspectors and home inspection services you can speak to your real estate broker or salesperson or refer to information about home inspections and home inspectors on the What to Know Before You Buy a Home page of the Ontario government’s website.