No House is Perfect
Not even brand new Calgary homes are flawless. But
that doesn't mean you should give up the search for your dream home.
It does mean that when you find the right house, you need to go
one step further and find out what problems could arise in the future.
Buying a house is one of the biggest investments most people will
ever make, so it makes good sense to have it checked out by a certified
professional. That is when you should call on the services of a
qualified Integra home inspector.
What is a Calgary Home Inspection?
In its simplest terms, a home inspection is a technical
analysis of the major systems of a house. These include a checklist
of the roofing, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, cooling,
insulation, plumbing and the interior.
Why Have a Home Inspection Performed?
The unknown can be a source of anxiety for any home
buyer. A certified home inspection is for Calgary
relocations and buyers who want to know the true condition of
the house with a due diligence check. After deciding that a home
is suitable in terms of location, size, interior layout and other
lifestyle factors, it is also important to learn about the mechanical
features.
Some of the items covered during
an inspection are:
- What (if any) structural work is necessary to ensure
safety?
- How long before the roof will need replacement?
- Is the chimney safe and functional?
- How long before the furnace / air conditioner will
need replacement?
- Is the electrical panel properly wired? - any special
safety concerns?
- Are the insulation levels adequate?
- Is the fireplace safe?
- Basement leakage - causes and cures
A properly written home inspection report will identify
the condition, corrective action (provide, repair, monitor), where
to find it in the home and the time frame in which the action should
take place. We will also provide guidelines for repair costs.
How Long Does it Take?
A typical home inspection should take 2.5 to 3 hours
to complete, start to finish. This can vary a little bit given the
current condition of the home, size and accessibility of mechanical
systems.
Can I Follow the Inspector and Ask Questions as
We Go?
Absolutely. It is important for you to understand
how the house works from a technical standpoint. By attending the
home inspection, you are able to see first-hand the conditions that
will be described in the home inspection report. It also allows
the home inspector to show you what to do in case of emergency regarding
the electrical, plumbing and furnace. If you have any particular
concerns about the property, this is the time to get answers. A
good Calgary home inspector will encourage questions and take the
time to explain things off the checklist so that you can be more
comfortable with your decision to purchase the home. Some inspectors
will also show you how to perform basic maintenance on the furnace,
humidifier, water heater, etc. For that reason alone, it's important
that you intend the inspection.
How Much Lead Time is Required to Book an Inspection?
You should allow yourself at least 72 hours to be
sure of arranging a time that works for everyone involved, but certainly it is not uncommon to get next-day appointments.
The purchase of a home in Calgary is one of the most
exciting and important decisions you'll make and you can't afford
to gamble on the outcome. So, before you buy your next house, let
an Integra Calgary Home Inspector examine it first.
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