The importance of a home inspection
So you’ve found a cottage you love and the view, you are mesmerized by it! But what about the foundation? The wiring? The water source? The septic? The siding? Before you buy, have the cottage inspected; no matter how experienced you are as a homeowner, it’s the best way to help you make an informed decision. The inspector will determine the condition of the cottage you’re thinking about buying, and let you know if there are any problems. (And the great thing is, the inspector doesn’t care if you buy the house or not, so you can be sure he or she is being objective, even if you’re not.) If you have to make an offer before having a home inspection, make it conditional on a satisfactory inspection.
If there are any problems, you have three options:
1. Walk away.
2. Use the results to negotiate a better price.
3. Give the seller a chance to fix the problem.
What happens during a home inspection?
The inspector meets you and or your representative at the cottage you’re thinking of buying, and takes about 3-4 hours to carefully inspect the cottage for structural, mechanical or other issues. He or she examines everything from the roof to the foundation and everything in between, including heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, insulation, roof, windows and doors, walls, ceilings, attic and basement. You can accompany the inspector as he or she goes through the cottage – it’s a good way to get to know the cottage intimately and will give you a head-start in your cottage care “learning curve.”
The inspector then prepares an inspection report that outlines problems (breaking them down into major repairs that need to be done right away and areas that will need attention in the future, with accurate cost estimates for each), highlights good points, and gives you an idea what kind of maintenance you’ll need to do to keep the place in good shape. Make sure you ask for a detailed report that’s written in a narrative style. Never accept a verbal report or one that’s just a checklist.
How much does it cost?
Most inspections cost between $250 and $500. Think of it this way: a few hundred bucks could save you thousands in repairs. It’s a pretty small price to pay for significant peace of mind.
How do I find a good inspector?
Look for a reputable, qualified company that has been in business for a while, can provide references from previous customers, is fully insured and offers guaranteed inspections. Inspectors should be licensed in building-related fields such as contracting, architecture or structural engineering. Your REALTOR® can recommend a reputable, objective inspector at your request, or you can find one by asking friends or by looking in the phone book.
When you’ve fallen in love with a cottage, it’s hard to see any faults on your own. Make sure the decision is a good one, and get it inspected so you can be sure you stay in love – for years to come.
Trademarks owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association. Used under licence.