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Is a Home Inspection a Good Investment of my Money?

Do I Have to waste money on having a Home Inspection?  This question crosses the mind of many home buyers.   When making the largest investment in your future, knowing what your buying can never be a bad thing.   Why You Need a Home Inspection A Professional Home inspection will identify issues and deficiencies with a home that may otherwise go unnoticed.  Small items on a home that are ignored can often become a very expensive repair and project.

Do I Have to Attend the Home Inspection?  Yes, if at all possible attend the home inspection.  This will be opportunity to become educated about your home and its major systems.  With over 10 years of home inspection experience and 40 years of building inspection experience the Barrie Home Inspector can provide valuable advice and point out deficiencies, explaining their importance and any recommendations for repair.

Is There a Pass or Fail of a Home Inspection? 

No, there is no such “bench mark” which can be given to any home.   A home inspection points out existing deficiencies and any potential expenses, such as roof life expectancy or remaining life for your gas furnace for example.  Every person has a different view point on each and every item covered by a home inspection.  For a professional inspector to impose his point of view to a client would be very unprofessional.  The home inspection identifies the major and minor deficiencies in a home, the inspector will provide professional information about the issues but in the end it is the buyer’s choice whether to buy the property after being informed about the overall condition of the home.

Home Inspection Waiver – Typically home owners will have from 5 to 10 days to have a home inspection on the home they are purchasing.  This contingency provides that if conditions are found during the home inspection that are significant, you can back out of your offer free of any penalties.  In a Seller’s Market sometimes conditions are waived by buyers when facing a “bidding war” on a property they want to purchase.

View Home Inspection Price List

Importance of Building Permits – If a renovation was completed on your home and no building permit was taken out you will be assuming responsibility for all the deficiencies that may be present.  When a building permit is issued the builder or contractor will submit plans for approval to the local building department.  Inspections are then carried out prior to any electrical, plumbing, structural or heating systems are covered in.   A final inspection is completed and if there are no problems the Permit is closed with the Final Inspection.

An important part of your home inspection is having all exterior surfaces scanned with a Thermal Imaging Camera ( Infrared Camera )  This service, which is included FREE with every home inspection, can find hidden moisture, missing insulation and electrical hot spots.  Read more about Thermal Imaging and Home Inspections

Air Quality Testing is another service offered by the Barrie Home Inspection Service.  Using a Certified Air Pump, samples are taken in one or two locations inside your home, with a base sample being taken outside to use as a base sample.  Sample are sent to laboratory and written report is typically available within 48 hours.  Mold is the number one cause for triggering allergies for some people and symptoms may include nausea, stuffiness, and eye irritation. Roger Frost can identify & rectify mould, asbestos, bacteria, high levels of CO2 and more. If you need help now, please contact the Barrie Home Inspector for quality and ethical service at a reasonable cost.

WETT Certified Inspections are now required by most home insurance companies.  We provide Certified WETT Inspections in Barrie, Orillia and Alliston.  When conducted as part of Home Inspection fee for Certified WETT Inspection is only $75.00

Free Thermal Imaging is provided with every home inspection.  Thermal imaging can help detect missing insulation, hidden moisture and electrical hot spots.

Asbestos Testing Service is also provided to Barrie, Alliston and Orillia.  Many older homes may have asbestos on heating or plumbing equipment.  Older 9 inch floor tiles for example will typically contain asbestos.  Paint and older lath and plaster may also contain asbestos.   Asbestos cannot be identified by the human eye and has to be sent to Certified Laboratory for testing.  The Barrie Home Inspector collects samples and provide a Certified Written Report within 48 hours.