How to Prepare For a Home Inspection

If you’re buying or selling real estate, there’s a good chance the process will involve a home inspection. In most cases, the inspection is one of the last steps in a home sale – often an included condition or contingency in the purchase agreement. 

As they can uncover major problems with a property, home inspections have the ability to make or break a transaction. So regardless of if you’re in the market as a buyer or seller, it’s worth being prepared. 

Let’s have a look at what goes into a home inspection, and what you can do to be ready for one. 

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What’s In a Home Inspection

A home inspection is an objective and thorough analysis of a home’s systems and structure – from the foundation to the roof. Inspections are performed by unbiased and qualified professionals who share their findings with both the buyer and seller. 

The inspection process can vary slightly depending on the home itself, however, there are typically 5 primary points of each inspection. 

Foundation – One of the most important aspects of the home as it keeps you and your belongings safe. A detailed inspection of the foundation ensures the property is structurally sound. 

Roofing –  Like the foundation, ensuring the roof is in good condition is critically important as leaks or other damage can be incredibly costly to repair. 

Plumbing –  Inspectors will closely analyze anything that carries water, i.e. pipes, showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. They’ll look for leaks, cracks, or corrosion throughout the plumbing system. As well as any evidence of past leaks or water damage.

Electrical – This part of the inspection verifies that a home’s electrical panel is in good standing, up to code, and wired correctly. Electrical repairs are typically easy, however, damage to the panel or other wiring issues can pose a safety hazard. 

Heating & Cooling– In Canada, buyers will want to know that the home is consistently comfortable regardless of the temperatures outside. This step verifies that the HVAC system is up to par and can heat, cool, and ventilate the home sufficiently. 

In Ontario, all home inspectors must be licensed and insured. They also need to sign binding documentation before beginning the inspection and deliver a written report of their findings afterwards. 

If You’re Selling

If you’re selling your home, undertaking an inspection can be as beneficial for you as it is for the buyer. Home inspections can catch unaddressed problems that may impact your home while you’re still living in it. As a seller, you also have the option to have a home inspection before you list to ensure you don’t run into any surprises when closing the deal. 

Now that we’ve covered what a home inspector will look for while they analyze your home, let’s talk about a few steps you can take in advance to make their job easier. 

Inspection Preparation Checklist

• Disclose any known issues or outstanding repairs
• Clean the house from top to bottom
• Unlock any doors inside the house, including those into closets or the attic 
• Keep important areas free of clutter
• Prepare to be away from the house for a few hours
• Keep pets in crates or bring them with you 
• Check light bulbs and ensure all lights are working

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If You’re Buying

Home inspections are an essential part of ensuring the property you buy is in good health. As a buyer, the inspection process helps protect you from significant challenges in the future by identifying potential problems with the home early on. These setbacks could be financial, time-consuming or even dangerous. It’s safe to say that buyers do not want to skip out on getting a home inspection. 

Preparing for a home inspection as a buyer isn’t as hands-on as it is for sellers. But it’s important to consider the possible outcomes of an inspection in advance in order to be prepared for whatever the results show. 

Before the inspection take a moment to ask yourself, 

• What potential issues are “deal breakers”
• How much am I willing to spend on repairs or upgrades in the next 5 years
• Do I have the time and patience to wait for major repairs on my new home

Buying a home soon? Explore these helpful articles from our blog. 

• How to Buy a Home
• 5 Reasons to Get Pre-Approved For a Mortgage Before You Start Looking at Homes
• What Are The Costs of Buying a House in Greater Toronto?