Mar 31 | Posted by Barry

Home inspections are a natural part of the purchase of a home, and in some cases mandatory for a purchase with a mortgage. Interestingly, it is not just the buyer that orders the inspection: a seller may order a home inspection and provide it to the buyer in advance to accelerate the transactional process.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides an extensive list on their website of aspects that should be included in a home inspection:

• Foundation
• Doors and windows
• Roof and exterior walls
• Attics
• Plumbing and electrical systems (where visible)
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Ceilings, walls and floors
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Sewer lines (if inspector is qualified)
• Out buildings such as a detached garage or pool house
• The lot, including drainage away from buildings, slopes and natural vegetation
• Overall opinion of structural integrity of the buildings

In addition to the traditional inspection list, buyers may also want to learn more about. Specialized inspection services are often available.

• Swimming pool
• Specialized electronic control systems for lighting and sound
• Alarm and security systems
• Sprinkler systems
• Home theatres (if part of the sale)

Currently there are no mandatory certification or legislated requirements for home inspectors in Canada. When choosing a home inspector it is wise to use someone who belongs to a provincial or regional industry association such as the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspections (CAHPI), who has demonstrated competence through the completion of a certification process.

Questions about home inspections? Ask me!

Sources: the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Hiring a Home Inspector