3 Tips for Choosing a Home Inspector

Canada has some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in the world. The opportunity for outdoor recreation is abundant, from hiking and biking to skiing and fishing, kayaking and sailing. Canadians have a worldwide reputation for being polite, kind and welcoming. Canada now boasts the world’s 10th largest economy. The housing market is hotter than ever - Whistler homes for sale are selling at record rates, prices are escalating to record highs, driven by investor activity and solid demand from first-time buyers.

Before you buy a home, it’s always a good idea to get a professional home inspection. In most cases, you can make your purchase contract contingent on the inspection. That means if something major comes up during the inspection, you can cancel the contract, get your deposit back and walk away from the deal. Or you can negotiate with the seller to cut the price or make repairs to problem areas uncovered during the inspection. Below are 3 tips for choosing a home inspector.

1. Get a reference from your real estate agent

Obviously your agent will have experience with many more home inspectors than you will - get a few references from your agent. Your agent should want the best for you and know what inspectors will give the most accurate inspection. Your agent should not worry about a ‘bad inspection’ causing a sale to fall apart. A good home inspector will not only be thorough with his/her inspection - but he/she will take the time to explain any issues he/she found. If the problem they have found is a common one and not something to be genuinely concerned about, they should explain this to you. 

2. Can you be present with the inspector

It is recommended that you (the buyer) be present during the home inspection. Walk around the home with the inspector, this will allow you to ask questions. An added benefit is this will 

help you better understand the inspection report — which can feel pretty intense, especially if you're a first-time home buyer — and learn more about your potential new home. 

3. Compare costs

Buying a house is expensive. From the down payment, appraisal fee, taxes, closing fee…these fees can easily add up to several thousands of dollars. Oftentimes buyers start looking for ways to cut costs. Do not cut costs with home inspection. There is nothing wrong with wanting to save money and find a good deal. In fact, we recommend that you talk to 3-5 inspectors and compare costs.

Buying a home is likely one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your lifetime. It makes sense to hire the best home inspector possible. The extra money you spend getting a top home inspector will be well worth it in the end.