![]() Len Inkster |
![]() Inspecting New |
![]() Inspecting Old |
Why you should get a home inspection in Niagara Falls
What a home inspection gives you
First and foremost it gives you contingency.
Second, and whether you are buying or selling, a home inspection gives you valuable information
- You get an accurate and up-to-date health check on the home you are considering buying or selling.
- Previously undiagnosed problems and avoid unpleasant and surprises and expenses in the future can be identified
- The inspector can indicate the average costs to spend maintain and repair your home. If you are buying and are on a tight budget you might be able to buy the house, but do you have the cash flow to keep up the value of your investment? If you are selling you may want to have the decision as to whether to repair a defect or reduce the price according to your requirements leaving you in control of the sales process.
- It allows you to establish what needs to be fixed immediately and what can be viewed as longer term maintenance, and the time frame for that work.
What a home inspection examines
In Ontario, at the time of writing, Home Inspectors are not regulated. Their is no such thing in Ontario as a Licensed Home Inspector and so inspectors vary in experience, ability and thoroughness.
Our inspector Leonard (Len) Inkster is a Certified Master Inspector, a Certified Professional Inspector, is Certified in InfraRed examinations, and is a Certified Indoor Air Consultant. He has completed both on-line and college training in the Home Inspection and associated fields and is a board member and trainer with the Ontario Association of Certified Home Inspectors. In addition Len sat on the expert panel that developed recommendations for the regulation (licensing) of Home Inspectors in Ontario and he works with other associations helping develop profession standards and educational requirements for the Inspection profession.
The typical inspection lasts two to three hours and you should be present for the inspection to get a firsthand explanation of the inspector’s findings and, if necessary, ask questions. While any problems the inspector uncovers make more sense if you see them in person instead of relying solely on the snapshot photos in the report Len provides online reporting that includes pictures AND videos where he feels it requires advice or information a photo alone will not suffice. This type of report helps tremendously if the purchase goes through as the video, photograph and narrative reporting are easier to follow, especially after lengthy closings.
Len also provides all his clients that decide to complete the purchase 12 months following the inspection independent consultancy, free by phone and email or where required personal visits at nominal cost to cover expenses, on items specific to the property and the findings either in the report or those that may not have been visible at the time of inspection.
- whether each concern he has is a safety concern, major defect, or minor defect
- which items need replacement and which can be repaired or serviced
- items that are suitable for now but that should be monitored closely
He will even tell you about routine maintenance that should be performed, which can be a great help if you are a first-time buyer.
While it is impossible to list everything an inspector could possibly check for, the following list will give you a general idea of what to expect.
Home Inspection Limitations
Specialist Inspections