A home inspector is typically contacted right after the
offer to purchase has been accepted as the inspection usually must be preformed within a
specified time limit. For the sale of the house to be conditional on an
inspection it must be included in the offer to purchase. Because time limits are
imposed for the inspection to take place I would suggest negotiating for the
longest period possible. By researching and choosing a home inspector before you
make the offer to purchase you will save time and avoid stress once the offer
has been accepted. To ensure that the home inspector is working for your
interests alone I would suggest avoiding using an inspector recommended by the
seller or an agent. It is highly recommended to use an inspector who is a member
of the AIBQ who will follow the
Code of Ethics and The Standards of Practice.
For a complete description of what is
inspected and included in the written report please refer to the AIBQ Standards of
Practice.
Most inspectors do not inspect
private waste disposal systems because these
systems are hidden and there is no definitive method for testing them. I
would suggest that the offer to purchase include an inspection of the waste
disposal system by a specialist and that the sale be contingent
on this inspection.
Private water
supplies are also not included in the inspection. I would suggest that the offer to purchase
include a test of the potable water by a specialist and that the sale be contingent
on this satisfactory result.
Swimming pools are
excluded and should be verified by a pool specialist.
Mold, fungus, mildew
and pyrite contamination are excluded from the inspection.
An important part of
the home inspection is the seller's divulgation. A short visit of 2 1/2 to
3 hours cannot reveal the history of a building which may be hidden behind
finished surfaces. Many conditions may only become apparent after many months of
living in a home. If the sale is being made using the services of a real estate
agent I would suggest requesting that a completed and signed "Declarations
By The Seller Of The Immovable" form be provided to the inspector at the
time of the inspection. A
specimen of this form can be viewed at http://woapp.acaiq.com/PDF/An/DeclarationsSeller.pdf
If the form is not available
or if the sale is not
using the services of a real estate agent I can provide a similar form to be
completed by the seller.
The report will be
prepared within the time stated in the Inspection Service Agreement, this is
normally two days. As soon as the report has been prepared a copy will be sent
by e-mail followed by a printed copy by Xpresspost. The courier service does not
deliver on weekends. Should you not have an e-mail address alternate arrangements
can be made.
About 2 1/2 to
3 hours. Please ensure that the sellers are aware of this as you do not to be
rushed and there would be added fees for returning to complete the inspection.
Except for exceptional
circumstances you should plan to attend the onsite inspection. While the written report is detailed
but it
cannot replace hands on experience. While onsite is an excellent time to as
questions about any building components you do not understand.
Because I like
ensure that my customers receive the best service possible and are
satisfied. You will not be rushed at the inspection which normally takes
between 2.5 and 3.5 hours and I will try to answer all your questions. The written
report is not a check list but a comprehensive narrative style report with
photos and is very complete.
