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
is obligated to follow a 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.
An important part of
the home inspection process is the "Declaration by the seller of the
immovable" which is a recommended form published by ACAIQ, the association
des courtiers et agents immobiliers du Québec. The declaration form is intended
as a tool to learn something of the history of the building. A two to three hour
inspection may not reveal some conditions that may only become apparent after
living in the home for several months. It is strongly recommended that you
obtain this document, filled out and signed, before the end of the inspection
period stated in your offer to purchase. The home inspection process is not
complete until the "Declaration by the seller of the immovable" has
been received.
The report will be
prepared within the time limit stated in the Inspection Service Agreement which is
normally two days. As soon as the report has been prepared, a copy will be sent
by e-mail to be followed by a printed copy by Xpresspost. The courier service does not
deliver on weekends. If you do not have an email address please make arraignments
with a friend or real-estate agent so the report may be delivered.
The inspection on average
takes 2½ to
3½ hours to complete. Please ensure that the agents and sellers are aware of this as
we do not want to be
rushed, there would be added fees for returning to complete the
inspection at another time.
Except for exceptional
circumstances you should plan to attend the onsite inspection. While the written report is detailed,
it
cannot replace the hands on experience. The onsite visit is an excellent
opportunity to as
questions about any building components you do not understand.
My fee may be higher
than some other inspectors 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 detailed comprehensive narrative style report with
photos and is very complete. I can send your a sample report in
requested.
