4 Reasons To Never Skip A Professional Home Inspection

4 Reasons To Never Skip A Professional Home Inspection - Edmonton Commercial, Home Inspectors and Building Consultant | Admirable Inspection Services

You have months of searching, negotiating, paperwork and stress. Now you are just about to sign the final documents for your new home. Wait! there is one more important step to complete before you sign. A professional walk-through home inspection. A proper home inspection will verify that everything that is stated in the contract is true and there are no significant expensive issues that were missed.


You have months of searching, negotiating, paperwork and stress. Now you are just about to sign the final documents for your new home. Wait! there is one more important step to complete before you sign. A professional walk-through home inspection. A proper home inspection will verify that everything that is stated in the contract is true and there are no significant expensive issues that were missed.

Why Is A Professional Home Inspection So Important?

24 hours prior to the closing of the potential new home is the last chance to check for anything that might have happened between initial inspection and final closing. It is important to check the home at this time because once you sign the closing documents any issues or problems are now your responsibility.  As the buyer you should have two inspections in your purchase contract. One to check 24 hours prior to closing and a second one in case anything is found in first inspection. The second inspection will give you time to negotiate with buyer in case any potential issues show up.

Here are fours things that could go wrong between the initial purchasing process to the final closing documents:

  • Unexpected Damage including flooding, lightning strikes , a collision with an automobile, plane, or equipment, vandalism, and break and enter can all  cause minor to massive damage to the home
  • Verify Appliances –  I have seen some sellers try to switch out appliances just prior to the home closing. A professional home inspection will record all serial numbers so it can be verified later.
  • Weather Changes – Changing weather can help identify issues not seen during initial inspection. Rain can help identify leaks not seen previously. Colder weather can help identify broken seals on windows by showing fogging.
  • Unobstructed View – Staging furniture or sellers having their items in storage  in basement or various rooms can hide potential damage or signs of damage. Doing a home inspection just prior to to closing can identify any potential issues.

While another home inspection may seem like an unwanted expense. But finding expensive and potentially dangerous issues like mould or structural damage prior to closing can save you the buyer tens possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How To Select The Right Home Inspector

  • Be sure to check if your home inspector has the proper documents to operate. In Alberta a home inspector is required to have a business and inspector license with the Alberta government.  As well your home inspector needs to be an active member of a inspector association( this should be listed on his website). Liability and E&O  insurance are also mandatory.
  • The background of your home inspector is also important. An inspector with a varied background in real estate and real estate construction can be a valuable asset when looking for potential issues with a property.
  • Talk with the home inspector prior to the inspection. A person will reveal a lot about themselves and their business with a simple conversation. They might have been in business for a long time but ask how many home inspections they have completed.
  • Ask if you can attend the inspection. If the home inspector says no, this is usually a red flag. If you are a first time home buyer or don’t know much about how your home operates it is suggested to be there during the home inspection to learn about your potential future home.
  • View a sample inspection report if possible. It should be clear and easy to understand. Modern home inspection software allows colour pictures and videos to be added to inspection reports now as well. Also ask how long to deliver the report. Ideally it should take less than 24 hours and in most cases the same day.

What You Should Expect In Your Final Walk-Through Inspection

While doing the final walk-through inspection you will want to have your inspection report, and the seller’s property condition disclosure or   “contingincies”. These contingencies specify what is covered for both parties before the buyer signs, and can include subjects such as financing, inspections, insurance, etc. If any renovations or repairs are disclosed you will want copy of receipts and permits if required.  This process can be daunting but when all said and done you can be assured of a good nights sleep when you move into your new home.

We would like to hear about any home inspection stories you had in the past.

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