Inspecting Century Homes

Century homes are a marvel in construction. People are attracted to these beautiful old buildings and they usually do not remain on the market long. Most buyers want the assurance of a qualified home inspector before buying, what could be in some cases, a potential “Money Pit”. Usually just the age of the building is a testimony to the quality of construction, but there are some items that need to be verified prior to committing your hard earned dollars.

Here are some areas of the inspection that might be of interest to potential buyers. These are just a brief overview and by no means an indication of what a complete inspection entails.

Foundation

The grade of the foundation is extremely important to the condition of framing members and perimeter framing etc. Having a foundation wall that is too low to grade level is just inviting moisture and water to attack your structural framing members and subsequent rotting.

Water penetration of foundations is another cause of deterioration which can be repaired but only after removing water source. This can be caused by improper grading, eave troughs discharging at foundation or sump pumps discharging beside foundation walls.

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Many of the pre-delivery inspections that I do are usually delayed because the builder tries to deny access to the buyer when he has a home inspector with him. Sadly, this is not the way things are supposed to work. I always ensure the buyer notifies the builder in writing as required by the Tarion rules.

HOME INSPECTORS ARE PERMITTED TO PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTIONS.

Builder Bulletin #42 from the Tarion Warranty Program issued August 2003 states that all new home owners whose homes have a possession date after Oct. 1, 2003 are entitled to bring a home inspector with them to their pre-delivery inspection with the builder. In the past many builders have flatly refused to allow home inspectors to attend this very crucial inspection with their clients. Builders can no longer say this, they must allow a Home Inspector to attend if the client wishes.
Some builders have stated that they will not permit inspectors or that either the client or the inspector may attend but not both – This is not the case and this very important Builder Bulletin clearly states on page 5:

“Builder Responsibilities… 2. Make an appointment with the purchaser well in advance to conduct a PDI at a time that is mutually convenient. Purchasers may attend in person, send a designate to conduct the PDI on their behalf or attend with their designate.”

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