Hiring a Home Inspector in Ontario - What is important when looking for a competent inspector?
Training:
Has the inspector had formal training from a recognized training school?
ANGUS Home Inspection - my training includes the Home Inspection Certificate (with honors) at Humber College. This certificate includes 9 courses, two of which are Ontario Building Code.
Experience:
This is can be a misleading qualification if the right questions are not asked.
ANGUS Home Inspection - my background includes several extensive home renovations and restorations. I have done extensive wiring, structural carpentry, concrete foundation as well as plumbing and masonry. My home inspection business is my full time occupation. Prior to home inspection my career was based on automotive quality management..
Continuing Education:
Even well trained, experienced home inspectors must continually update their skills and knowledge.
ANGUS Home Inspection is consistent with the requirements of InterNachi and OAHI, continuing education includes monthly seminars, specialty inspection upgrades etc. A minimum of ongoing continuing education is required.
Association Membership:
Home inspectors who have made the commitment of time, training, testing and money to belong to a reputable professional home inspection society are generally more committed to doing a high quality job for their clients.
ANGUS Home Inspection current membership includes InterNachi certification.
The Inspection:
How long does the home inspection take? As previously mentioned short inspection times mean poor quality. A thorough home inspection on an averaged sized home, (1500-2500 sq. ft.) should last 2-4 hours.
Also ask if the inspector would like you to attend the home inspection. If they say no, this should alert you that something is wrong with this particular company. A good home inspector should insist that you attend the home inspection if at all possible. ANGUS Home Inspection requires an average 3+ hours onsite. Clients are strongly encouraged to attend the inspection.
The Report:
This is why you hire a home inspector, to provide written detailed information about the house. The first and most important question, when and how will you receive the report? On site, within 24 hours, a week, by email, regular mail or delivered by the inspector. What type of report does the inspector use, what is the approximate length of the report, are there pictures included? Be wary of short reports, 10 pages or less, and long report turn around times.
ANGUS Home Inspections include a comprehensive report with photographs. The report is provided on-site at the end of the inspection. The report is the industry standard "HomeReport" and includes details addressing all major sections of the inspection (See page "What will I Receive" for more details). In addition, the report has provision for education and record keeping for the new home-owner.
Miscellaneous Items:
Will the home inspector be readily available for follow up questions? Is the inspector sensitive to your sometimes tight scheduling needs? ANGUS Home Inspection is available 24/7 for questions. Inspection schedules are very flexible and will follow your timing requirements as best permitted. Customer service and complete satisfaction is our goal. Note: It is inadvisable to do a home inspection after dark as there are so many factors that can be missed in the dark.
Home Inspection Costs:
The very last question you should ask, not the first. Put quite simply, you get what you pay for. Good home inspectors demand higher prices because of experience and money invested into training to improve their skills and their business for the benefit of their clients. Remember the money you pay a good inspector is an investment. You will very likely receive back from the seller monies well in excess of the home inspection fee. Be certain to choose your inspector wisely.
ANGUS Home Inspection competitive rates start from $250.00 upwards depending on type, size and location of building. Please contact Angus Home Inspection for a binding quote.
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