Pre-purchase inspections are typically performed prior to the "real estate contract" becoming ratified. A large percentage of contracts are
written with a contingency clause, something like "this contract is contingent upon the buyer receiving an acceptable home inspection within (a
specified number of) days of this contract". Time periods vary from region to region, but we have found 7 - 10 days to be average. It is likely the
days counted would include Sundays, so it is recommended to ask your agent or broker. It is important to remember that if you go beyond the time
allotted, you forfeit your opportunity to either re-negotiate for repairs needed or cancel the contract.
Remember it is your right to pick your own independent home inspector.
The inspection report represents the results of a limited visual examination of certain readily accessible systems & components using normal
operating controls & opening readily operable access panels. Equipment, items and systems will not be dismantled. Personal property (e.g.
occupant’s furniture, clothing etc.) will not be moved, covered or disturbed in any way.
Inspecting a building with its thousands of components is a difficult task. Inspector Associates are similar to family doctors. Like a
general practitioner who can conduct a general physical exam, our inspectors can examine cursorily the ‘vital’ components of a building to
identify patent glaring problems. Neither the family doctor nor the inspector can guarantee that the patient or house is not ‘sick’ at the
time of the examination or will not become ‘sick’ in the future. In some cases when a problem is detected, the doctor or the inspector will
recommend a specialist for further examination (e.g. cardiologist, ophthalmologist, roofer, electrician etc.). As patients, it is our
responsibility to evaluate regularly our own health & to consult specialists as necessary. As homeowners, it is our responsibility to
monitor regularly the condition of our homes & to call upon specialists as needed.
Your Home Inspector will investigate any particular aspect of a property, at the client’s request. A typical home inspection covers the following:
- Roofing: (Your Inspector gets on the roof where possible & safe to do so)
Gutters, spouting, slates, shingles, rafters, sheathings, overhangs, cornices, drainage, flashing, roof vents, chimney
- Attic: (Your Inspector climbs into attics & crawl spaces where possible) Insulation, ventilation, framing, storage
- Basement: Dampness, sumps, joists, beams, foundation walls, concrete floors, settlement cracks
- Electric: Service capacity, interior wiring, polarity, open-grounds, circuit distribution, lighting
- Heating: Type, age, condition, capacity, heat pipes, radiators, heat controls, thermostats
- Cooling: Central air systems, compressor/condenser, coils, filters, room units, attic fan
- Plumbing: Interior piping, condition, pressure, drains, fixtures, water heater
- Interior: Condition of walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, bathrooms, fireplaces
- Exterior: Foundation, siding, additions, patios, driveway, walks, garage, porches & decks, windows & doors
- Kitchen: Appliances, cabinets, exhaust fan, flooring
- Overall: Structural, mechanical, electrical, maintenance rating, potential problem areas and other pertinent information
Important: Cosmetic (blemishes in drywall finish, paint finish, stains etc) issues are not part of our report.
Inspections are an interactive process between inspector & client; it is therefore recommended that you make every possible attempt to
accompany inspector through your inspection (except for on roof & in attics).
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