Why Do You Need a Home Inspection 

A home can appear to be well maintained while still having defects that may not be noticed during a typical viewing. Problems involving electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, moisture intrusion, insulation or structural components can sometimes be difficult for a home buyer to recognize.
A professional home inspection provides a closer examination of the readily accessible systems and components of the property, helping identify visible concerns before they become unexpected problems after you take possession.

Unexpected repairs can add significant expense after purchasing a home. A home inspection can identify visible problems with roofing, heating equipment, electrical systems, plumbing, foundations and other major components before you complete the purchase.
Knowing about these concerns in advance gives you a better understanding of the property's condition and allows you to consider potential repairs and maintenance when making your purchasing decision.

Some defects are more than maintenance issues and can present potential safety concerns for the occupants of the home. Problems such as unsafe electrical wiring, missing railings, improper heating-system venting, damaged structural components and improperly installed wood-burning appliances may require prompt attention.
Identifying these conditions during the home inspection allows you to better understand which items may require repair or further evaluation by a qualified professional.

Water intrusion can cause significant damage to a home and may not always be obvious during a viewing. A home inspection looks for visible signs of roof leaks, foundation moisture, plumbing leaks, condensation and poor exterior drainage.
Identifying moisture concerns early can help prevent further deterioration of building materials and may reveal conditions that require repair or additional investigation before they become larger problems.

Older homes can contain building materials and systems that are no longer commonly used in modern construction. These may include knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, galvanized plumbing, older electrical panels, asbestos-containing materials and vermiculite insulation.
Renovations completed over many decades can also conceal defects or include work that was not completed properly. A home inspection can help identify visible evidence of these conditions and determine when further evaluation or testing may be appropriate.

A home inspection gives you valuable information about the property before you complete your purchase. Understanding the significant defects and concerns identified during the inspection can help you decide whether the home is right for you and better prepare for repairs or maintenance after taking possession.
The purpose of the inspection is not to determine whether you should buy the home, but to provide clear, practical information about its condition so you can make your own informed decision.

After the inspection, you receive a detailed computer-generated report with photographs documenting the significant defects and concerns identified during the inspection. The report helps explain which components may require repair, maintenance or further evaluation.
Having this information in a clear written report also provides a useful reference when discussing inspection findings with your real estate representative or appropriate contractors before completing your purchase.

Every home inspection includes free thermal imaging to provide additional information about conditions that may not be readily visible. Thermal imaging can reveal temperature differences associated with missing insulation, possible moisture concerns, electrical hot spots and heating-system issues.
Thermal imaging is used together with the visual inspection and other inspection tools. When a suspicious area is identified, additional investigation may be recommended to help determine the cause.

Choosing an experienced home inspector is an important part of the home-buying process. Years of inspecting different types and ages of homes provides practical knowledge that cannot come from classroom training alone.
With over 20 years of experience and more than 9,000 home inspections completed, The Barrie Home Inspector combines extensive field experience with professional training and certifications to provide a thorough assessment of the property.