Home Inspections - Their Purpose and Process

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection, as defined, is an examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, which provides a detailed 'snapshot' of the condition of the home at the time of the inspection. The purpose of a home inspection is to help reduce some of the risk involved in purchasing a home; however, it cannot eliminate those risks, nor can the inspector anticipate future events or changes in performance due to changes in use or occupancy. The inspection will cover any potential health and safety issues in addition to areas in need of repair or replacement.

The best Home Inspector Mississauga is likely to have acquired considerable knowledge of common home repairs and of their costs. He may have great value for his clients as a source of general information - as one who can help them make sense of conditions the inspection has unearthed. The most valuable thing about a professional home inspection is that it is knowledgeable and unbiased.

In the report, the inspector will note which items were Inspected (I), Not Inspected (NI), Not Present (NP), and/or Deficient (D). General deficiencies include inoperability, material distress, water penetration, damage, deterioration, missing parts and unsuitable installation. Items identified on the report do not obligate either the Seller or the Buyer to make any repairs or take any other action. The decision to correct a hazard or any deficiency identified in an inspection report is left to the parties to the contract for the sale or purchase of the home.

Please keep in mind that there may be several items on the report that are related to building codes or safety issues - and very few homes will comply with these. These same conditions may not have violated building codes or common practices at the time of the construction of the home, or they may have been 'grandfathered' because they were present prior to the adoption of codes prohibiting such conditions. The inspection is still required by law to report these items as deficient if found not to comply.

Mississauga Home Inspector