Home Inspection
Before you commit yourself to buying an older home, it is wise to have it inspected. A home inspector is a trained professional, who will take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 and sometimes more hours to check the many components, from the basement up to the condition of the roof, that make the home functional and safe.
After checking all the elements, the inspector will produce for you an inspection report. This report will point out all the present or potential problems, and give an approximate cost to fix the defects. A good inspection report will also give you a basic home maintenance schedule.
If at all possible, you should be present during the inspection. Most good home inspectors will encourage you to follow them around. This will give you a chance to see the problem areas, and to ask questions. You will also have a chance to find where the important elements, like a water shut-off valve, are located, and to get maintenance tips.
After having the home inspected, you will be able to make an educated decision to proceed with the purchase, or, if there are serious problems, negotiate to have them rectified or abandon the deal.
Following are some links to home inspection companies.
OAHI - Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
CarsonDunlop Consulting Engineers Let our team of friendly, hands-on inspectors help you make your home buying decision. With our information your peace of mind is assured. Put your trust in a CarsonDunlop Home Inspection.
Toronto Home Inspectors
Here is a list of various home inspectors that I compiled for your convenience. My clients have used their services in the past.
AmeriSpec, David Pickerill, 416-465-8689; e-mail:
amrspec@io.orgYork Associates, Alex Welsh, 416-322-5555; e-mail:
alex.welsh@sympatico.caGuardian Home Inspectors, Terry Carson,
416-440-0062;
info@guardianhomeinspectors.comFirst Building Inspections, Robert A. Stork, 416-410-5360;
robertstork@fbi.caPappas Home Inspections, Paul Gargaro,
416-691-9900; e-mail:
info@pappas1.comBaker Street Home Inspection Services, Jeff Clarke,
416-483-3535;
info@bakerstreet-hi.caNational Home Inspection, Mark N. Goddard,
416-467-7809;
nationalhomeinspection@sympatico.caClaude Michaud & Associates, Claude Michaud,
416-409-8162;
neville-michaud@rogers.comBlueprint Building Inspections, Frank Gruszewski,
416-694-5859, mobile 905-330-2007; e-mail:
frank@torontohomeinspections.comAll Season Home Inspections, John Tackaberry,
416-752-4663;
allseasons@rogers.comPillar to Post, Ray Kornelson, 416-417-6550; e-mail:
rkornelson@aol.comPeter Yeates Home Inspections, Peter Yeates,
416-422-1571; e-mail:
peter@yeatesinspect.com
Why You Need a Home Inspection
