You’ve heard it before perhaps from a friend, a co-worker, a cousin maybe your next door neighbor. Home inspections are … fill in the blank. The truth is like any myth, rumors are spread around without any real basis and sometime without logic. Over the course of a couple of years, I’ve heard many a bantering and the following were the common statements found:
Myth 1: A new home does not need a Home Inspection
- FACT: There is no perfect home. Period! A brand new home is far from perfect. Tarion Warranty given to new homeowners for new builds is important but an accredited home inspector can help further identify the level of concerns. New construction homes can have serious defects. Sometimes builders have been known to build at minimum requirements while some are not so lucky. Issues can be subjective, but when you are faced with structural issues, ventilation inconsistencies and mold development it is very important to have a trained home inspector to identify such problems. Perhaps the Tarion warranty will force the builders to fix their minimum efforts.
Myth 2: A Home Inspection will determine the value of your home
- FACT: Value in terms of $$$’s is associated with appraisals. Value in terms of condition (i.e. serviceability, functionality and potential hazards) is associated with home inspections. Appraisals are determined by the size of the house, the general condition and the neighboring property value. Home inspections do not determine the market value of a home but the relative functionality and to recognize possible hazards. Another key difference is the time allotted. Typically an appraisal will take 30-45 minutes, while a home inspection will take over 2 hours.
Myth 3: A Home Inspection Report will capture every issue within a home
- FACT: A home inspector should be able to identify the main concerns visible to the naked eye. Therefore within the walls, under the ground and areas out of reach, observations cannot be made. If a home inspector has the appropriate tools (i.e. infrared camera, moisture meter) then a more competent report is possible. Unfortunately, the home inspection is a “point of time inspection” and what may follow might not be indicative of the initial inspection. It is advised to have a follow-up inspection a couple of years later to provide a “period of time” inspection. Therefore having a timeline, a home inspector can better identify the condition of a home.
Myth 4: A Home Inspection Report is only for buyers
- FACT: A home inspection is for everyone; buyers, sellers and homeowners. While a buyer can find obvious value for a new home purchase it might not be too clear for a seller and homeowner. Having a home inspection done for a seller has a great advantage. The home inspection (i.e. pre-listing) allows the seller to fix items before the house is ready for the market. Sometimes a first impression is a lasting impression and if problems are obvious to a potential buyer then they may wonder what else is wrong with the house. Another advantage is a home inspection report will alleviate concerns a buyer may have and possibly provide an appreciation in a selling price. For a homeowner, it’s simply to maintain or address any concerns. Hiring a home inspector will allow for an independent view on your home. You can’t see what you don’t know. We at Superior Home Inspectors believe in assisting each client by keeping them informed. Our motto is “Identifying concerns before they become expensive ones!”
Myth 5: A Home Inspection Report will determine whether a home passes or fails
- FACT: A home inspector and their report will never state whether a home passes or fails. This will always depend on a buyer/seller’s tolerance. A similar experience is one’s pain threshold. The severity will differ from one person to the next. The purpose of a Home Inspection report is identify the serviceability, functionality and any potential health or safety hazards. At Superior Home Inspectors we utilize the latest technological tools to identify potential problems. Further we believe in addressing best practices as well. It’s always important to address both the concerns and shining stars.
I hope this sheds some light on our industry. I believe it’s important to be informed. Happy shopping and best wishes in your new home endeavors!
For further inquiries or quote, feel free to email at info@superior.bluedotproduction.ca
