Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I have a home inspection?
If I'm an experienced homebuyer/seller, should I
invest in a home inspection service?
How should I choose a home inspection service?
What is included in a home inspection?
How long does an inspection take?
Why is it important to hire an O.A.H.I. Inspector?
How much does on inspection cost?
A home is a large investment. Most people do not have the expertise in recognizing deficiencies in the hundreds of components that make up a house. A home inspection by an accredited home inspector will identify deficiencies and provide recommendations or solutions possibly avoiding future costly repairs. A home inspection cannot eliminate the risk of buying a home but will reduce the risk substantially.
Considering the amount one invests when purchasing/selling real estate, a few hundred dollars invested in a home inspection is money well spent considering it could draw attention to potential outlays of cash down the road. Unless you are a certified home inspector yourself, then you should seriously consider a home inspection service. Whether you're a buyer or seller, experienced or inexperienced, a home inspection service could potentially save you thousands of dollars through identifying potential problems when purchasing a home and allows you to correct problems making your home more saleable to buyers.
There are so many home inspection services to select from that it can be very confusing. You want an inspector that preferably has attained R. H. I. accreditation from the O. A. H. I. John Peters of At Home Building Inspection Services has that accreditation. You want someone who has credibility and has solid experience and you want verification from some of their clients that
they are legitimate; referrals are the best way of finding out who's the best in the business. Your real estate professional might be able to suggest someone.
Basically, your home is examined from top to bottom. A home inspection will look at your home's systems including: Roofing/Flashings/Chimneys, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling/Heat Pumps, Insulation, Plumbing, and Interior.
Depending on the size of the structure to be inspected and how complicated it is. Typically it takes 2 1/2-3 hours for a thorough residential inspection.
The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (O.A.H.I.) was established in 1986 to set performance standards and qualifications for home inspectors. Effective December 9, 1994, the Government of Ontario passed Bill PR158 to recognize the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors as the designated self-regulating body for home inspectors in Ontario.
The O.A.H.I. is responsible for setting minimum education qualification and performance standards for its members. They are responsible for granting the designation "Registered Home Inspector" and "RHI" to individuals meeting qualification requirements. The O.A.H.I. investigates any complaints and disciplines its members and they also liase with government, real estate, community colleges and other professional bodies to ensure that the needs of the public are met.
Hiring an O.A.H.I. Inspector ensures that the Inspector has:
- Met the highest qualification standards for a professional home inspector in Ontario.
- Provides a qualified and unbiased opinion, which can be trusted in a real estate transaction.
- Participates in ongoing education.
- Meets the performance standards of O. A. H. I.
- Is bound by a Code of Conduct that ensures fairness to all.
This depends on the type of inspection or services you are interested in. Why not contact us and have one of our representatives speak directly with you and discuss the services you require?
Residential Inspection Fees
At Home Building Inspection Services offers competitive pricing.
Please contact us for new home prices, (pre-delivery & 1 year warranty), indoor air quality investigations and wood stoves.
