Building inspection

It is therefore important not only to have your property inspected, but to have a qualified, objective and professional home inspector accompany you through the process.

The building inspection will provide you with a detailed written report on the current state of the property following a visual inspection, detailing the state of the electricity, plumbing, foundations, roof, etc. The report will normally inform you of the repairs required in the short, medium and long term, helping you to budget for them.

You should not see the inspection as a way to renegotiate the sale price; it is normal for the inspector to find 2 to 4% of the sale price in repairs to be made. These repairs are mostly just advice, and you should plan in your budget for these repairs before you even make an offer on a property. However, if major problems are revealed, the inspection condition attached to your promise to purchase by your real estate broker will allow you to discuss the problem with the current owner, or even to withdraw if an agreement proves impossible or if the work to be done is too extensive.

It is important to understand that an inspection does not protect you against ""hidden defects"". These defects, as the name suggests, are often difficult to detect and the inspector cannot always see them with a visual inspection. A hidden defect may appear after a few months or even a few years in the property, and if you want compensation from your seller, you will have to prove, with the help of various professionals, that the defect existed at the time of the transaction.

According to the CMHC, here is the list of elements evaluated during the building inspection:

• Roof;
• Exterior walls;
• Foundations;
• Ceilings, walls, and floors;
• Attic or loft;
• Plumbing or electricity (visible parts);
• Insulation (visible parts);
• Ventilation septic tanks, wells, and sewer lines (visible parts);
• Land, drain, slope, and vegetation;
• General integrity of the structure;
• Other attached documents;
• Common areas (in the case of a condominium).

Ask your real estate broker to recommend a few home inspectors to ensure that you hire a professional who will be able to answer your questions and advise you on what to do if a major problem arises. As in any field, some inspectors are better than others, and your broker will have some to recommend!