Ask The Inspector

Should I have a pre-purchase home inspection and should I attend?

• by Ron Rivard

I believe it is crucial for the buyer to have their prospective home professionally inspected before they purchase and to attend that inspection whenever possible. Think about what happens when you buy a car. Cars are more expensive than ever now. Most people wouldn't consider purchasing a car without first taking it for a test drive. And, if it’s a used car, you would probably want an auto mechanic to give it a thorough going over before making a final decision. A home inspection is like a test drive or a mechanic's review, but on a much larger scale. For most of us, buying a home is the most expensive single purchase we will ever make, so why not get as much information as possible about the property before you finalize the deal?

Every house, whether new or old, contains features and flaws - some more than others. Our inspectors treat every inspection as an opportunity to first and foremost, determine the safety of the structure and second, educate you, the buyer. We don’t just critically review the home. We teach you about it. This may include operational and home maintenance tips such as demonstrating how to turn the heating system on and off, or showing you where the air filter is, and explaining why it must be changed regularly. We also give you a detailed report with photos - a summary of the condition of the house at the time of the inspection including concerns and recommendations.

Remember: Once the purchase is complete, the house is yours, along with all its features and flaws. There are no exchanges or returns. So, before you buy, get a professional inspection. Attend. Ask questions. Learn as much as possible and PLEASE READ YOUR INSPECTION REPORT. Getting the facts before you make your biggest, most important investment will help you decide if this is truly the right home for you.