What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a professional,
visual examination of the condition of a home. It is a way for home buyers to
gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. A home
inspection will tell buyers whether there are any major defects or system
inadequacies at the time of purchase, so that there will be no unpleasant
surprises or financial burdens upon moving in.
Home Inspections are not intended to
point out every small problem or defect in a home. Routine maintenance and
cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent without the aid of a
professional.
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Home Inspections Increase
Purchaser Satisfaction
A purchaser who decides to buy a
home based on objective, professional information will know more about the
property and be more satisfied with the property, than one who does not. He or
she will understand that no home is perfect and will know in advance that some
maintenance and repair work will be necessary. The home inspection will answer
their questions, and put to rest any fears they may have.
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Home Inspections Maintain
Impartiality
Many home purchasers may have a
relative or friend in the building trade who may offer the benefit of their
experience with friendly advice. However, it is usually not to the purchaser's
advantage to rely on opinions which may not be completely objective.
Only a trained home inspector is
equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and the proper
installation, maintenance and function of those elements.
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Home Inspections Impart Good
Will
A home inspection helps to improve
the relationship between the agent and the purchaser, which is important in
developing a solid long-term client referral network. This relationship is best
served by the recommendation of thorough, unbiased professional home inspectors.
An inspector's membership in the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHI)
assures the necessary level of professionalism.
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CAHI Inspectors Meet Tough
Standards
To properly spot and interpret signs
of age, damage or unsafe housing components, a home inspector should have
knowledge gained from actual home inspection experience. The home inspector
should also be up to date with the latest materials, building techniques, and
equipment. Membership in the CAHI assures both.
Members must perform inspections
according to an internationally recognized Standards of Practice. The Standards
list the many elements and requirements of a typical pre-purchase home
inspection.
CAHI member subscribe to the
Associations' Code of Ethics, which eliminates the possibility of conflict of
interest activities and demands fairness and impartiality towards clients. For
example, a CAHI inspector will not comment on the market value of a home, enter
the negotiation process, or solicit repair work as a result of the inspection.
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