Thorough Home Inspection Checklist
You can’t really tell what you are buying when you buy a home – that’s why we have inspectors. A good home inspector, with a detailed home inspection checklist, will provide you with a clear picture of the state of the home. This helps you make an informed decision when it is time to buy.
A good home inspection checklist helps reduce the risk you face when making the largest investment of your life.
You should expect a qualified and trained home inspector to conduct a thorough assessment of the major systems of your house. They should also offer radon and mold testing and have thermal imaging camera.
What is the best type of home inspector to hire?
Not all home inspectors are created equal. There’s a difference between a professional inspector with years of experience under their belt and your uncle Bob. In Ontario it is not a requirement that a home inspector be licensed, but that doesn’t mean you should hire just anybody.
GET A QUOTE FOR A THOROUGH HOME INSPECTION!
Mike Holmes inspectors are highly skilled, trained professionals working in the field, many of whom have an engineering or construction background.
Our home inspectors provide service beyond the highest industry standards with the latest tools and technologies.
All this to give you peace of mind that your home was inspected by a skilled professional, committed to their work.
Mike Holmes Inspections services are now available across Canada. Book now!
Find a quality home inspector with a checklist
You’ll want to hire your home inspector early on in your home buying journey. Ideally, you’ll hire them around the same time you hire your real estate agent.
Ultimately you are responsible for the team you hire to purchase your next home.
Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
You should ask any potential home inspector a few questions before agreeing to work with them. Questions like:
- What are your qualifications?
- How many inspections have you personally done?
- How many years have you been in business?
- What kind of report do you provide? Does it include pictures?\
- What kind of tools do you use in your inspections?
- How long do your inspections typically take?
And finally, always ask for references – and actually call them!
Related: Why You Need a Home Inspection
Can I be present during a home inspection?
One of the smartest things you can do as a potential homeowner is to be on site during your home inspection.
Why? This is your opportunity to directly ask the inspector your questions about the state of the home.
They can point out major flaws and concerns directly to you. This information will all be presented in their report, but being on site can help you make sense of what goes in the report you receive.
What’s included in my home inspection checklist?
A home inspection should take several hours to complete to provide a detailed look at the state of the home on the day of the inspection. Here is what is typically included:
Exterior Inspection
- Foundation
- Grading
- Water drainage and disbursement
- Roof
- Chimney
- Waste systems such as the septic tank
- Porches, decks, and patios
- Garages and carports
- Landscaping
Interior Inspection
- Plumbing
- Electrical system
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air condition systems (HVAC)
- Attics
- Water drainage and disbursement
- Window and doors
- Basements and crawlspaces
- Ceilings
- Kitchen appliances
- Bathrooms
- Fire safety
What are the common problems found during home inspection?
Some common issues will be apparent to anyone visiting a home – but it takes a skilled inspector to spot smaller issues. Here are some of the biggest problems found during home inspections:
- Roof problems
- Plumbing issues
- Poor grading/drainage on the property
- HVAC in poor condition
- Water and air penetrating structure of the home
It’s important to note, that while an inspector can uncover these issues during a home inspection, they will not be able to provide you with repair services. Make sure you hire the right professional to fix any problems with your home
How much does a home inspection in Ontario cost?
The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on the size of the home and if you include add-ons in your inspection such as indoor air quality testing.
Remember – your home purchase is likely the most expensive investment you’ll ever make. The cost of a home inspection in Ontario will be a very small fraction of your total cost, and will increase your peace of mind when making this major investment.
Looking for a home inspector? Contact our Mike Holmes Inspection team if you would like an estimate for your next home inspection.
Is radon testing a part of home inspections checklist?
Have you heard of radon gas? Radon is a colourless, odourless gas – meaning you can’t see, smell or taste it, and it’s present in all our homes to some extent.
Is it a big deal? Yes. Being exposed to high levels of radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer for non-smoking Canadians.
Radon levels differ from home to home, so even if your neighbour’s home didn’t have large amounts of radon, your results could be completely different.
Don’t underestimate just how harmful this gas can be to the health of your family.
Radon Testing
Fortunately, our Mike Holmes inspectors are equipped to test homes for radon. Ask about our radon screening today.
