Buying Houses - home inspections
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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