Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Home Inspection Questions
What type of report do I get?
Verbal inspections with no report offer absolutely no recourse for the home buyer. Obtaining your report at the time of home inspection may prove beneficial in the event that you need to make a quick decision on your purchase. The report however, is only part of the home inspection process.
Many consumers mistakenly judge the quality of home inspectors by the length of their reports. Regardless of the report format, a good report should contain comments specific to the subject property and should offer both observations and recommendations. Any report is only as good as the person completing it. Equally as important, is the information and explanations that you receive during the home inspection process! It’s not the length of the report; it’s the information in it that is important!
BLT provides the Home Reference Book (HRB) to clients for standard home inspections. We customize each report with specific findings, recommendations and digital images for your home.
The HRB, Home Reference Book, contains a wealth of information regarding the construction, operation and maintenance of your home. It will remain a valuable reference and asset-management tool for as long as you own your home.
What standards does BLT inspect to?
Home inspectors must inspect to the Standards of Practice and adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, CAHPI. These standards of practice do not cover an engineering analysis of a property.
Should I attend the inspection?
Yes. You will learn far more about your home by attending the home inspection and accompanying your inspector. The benefits to you include:
- Hear a first-hand explanation of your home inspector’s concerns.
- Ask the home inspector questions based on your own observations.
Consumers often assume that a home inspector will simply pass or fail a home. A home inspector is not allowed to make that call. Their job is to provide their clients with all the information necessary for the clients to make an informed decision about their purchase. To simply be handed a report may prove confusing and findings could easily be misinterpreted. It is in the consumer’s best interest to attend the home inspection. Most consumers find this is the perfect opportunity to understand a homes condition so they can then decide why they do or don’t want to continue with their purchase. A home inspector should be able to point out problems areas and offer recommendations for solutions. Good inspectors should also be able to offer maintenance tips and suggestions. If the client decides to finalize the purchase, they should have a good understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of their future property. Future homeowners finish an inspection knowing more about the property than the current owners of several years.
However, if you are unable to attend the home inspection and meet your inspector at the scheduled start time, please advise BLT. We can make alternative arrangements to send you the Contract via fax, or you can read the Contract form on BLT’s web site prior to the start of the home inspection.
Is there a guarantee?
After a standard visual examination of your home, subject to the limitations of access etc., we will tell you what we see, what we think, and what we recommend, based on our training and experience. For example, we will estimate the years of service remaining in the roof and furnace, and we will propose strategies to reduce the risk of water leakage into the basement. However, we cannot warranty the performance of any component or system, nor can we predict with certainty when any given component will fail to perform adequately.
Do I need to hire an engineer to inspect the home?
No you don’t! You need a Defect-Recognition Specialist. A formal engineering analysis of a home involves sophisticated equipment, hours of assessment, and may cost thousands of dollars. If you hire an engineer to conduct a residential home inspection, a full engineering analysis is NOT what you will receive as part of a standard home inspection.
Who books the inspection?
A standard home inspection can be booked by either the buyer or their agent, or by the homeowner. To book an inspection, please call 905-902-7786.
How long does the inspection take?
The time required for a home inspection depends on how thorough the home inspector is. A standard BLT inspection requires approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete, including on-site report preparation and presentation to the clients. Home buyers usually have the home inspection done after they have made a conditional offer to purchase, but before the deadline to waive the inspection condition. Vendors may choose to have a “pre-listing” inspection done prior to placing their home on the market, or shortly thereafter. BLT offers morning and afternoon appointments, 7 days a week.
Can I call at a later date for information or advice?
Yes. Follow up advice is part of good business practice. Often clients want to talk directly to the home inspector prior to booking an inspection, or may have questions afterward.