McClelland Minute - September 26, 2010

McClelland Minute

Dear MG,

I plan on buying a house soon and my Realtor is recommending a professional home inspection.  I feel I am reasonably good at handyman type things, do you really think it is worthwhile?

Vern:  The short answer is “yes”.  Unless you have skill in plumbing, electrical, and heating systems I believe it is money well spent.  I also don’t see a lot of buyers going up on the roof or crawling into the attic, like the inspector will!

Robyn: I always recommend a professional home inspection, especially to a first-time home buyer. A home is the largest purchase most of us will ever make. Now is not the time to get cocky and tell your wife you can do the inspection to save some money! Your Uncle Jim may say he’ll do it for free, but sometimes you get what you pay for. When you consider that the inspection is a small cost relative to the purchase of the home, leave it to the professionals and buy yourself some peace of mind.

Mike:  I consider myself to be a pretty savvy DIYer, and I have paid for a home inspection on the homes that I have bought for my family.  I believe the inspection is cheap insurance before I commit to a major purchase like that.  It can help me find hidden defects like moisture problems, or a small gas leak, which are issues important to the health and well-being of my family. 

Vern:  One of my clients had offered on an older revenue property but was able to withdraw from the contract when her inspector found several significant foundation issues including a cracked main beam.

Robyn: Be there to meet the inspector if you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re lucky to have some excellent home inspectors in our region; they look at hundreds of homes each year and have a lot of knowledge to pass on.

Mike:  I have heard some people say that the inspector didn’t tell them anything they didn’t already know.  Well then, I say you have found a good house.  I have witnessed a client find out there was NO insulation in the attic of a new construction home, and another found out the electrical service was arcing against the chimney creating a potential fire hazard.  I would say that for the cost of the inspection the good far outweighs the bad.

Fast Facts:  Home inspections may indicate that a more in-depth examination is warranted, for example, a thorough furnace check-up by a heating specialist or the need to bring in a journeyman electrician, particularly if you are not sure if improvements in the home were done in accordance with the National Building Code.

Got a question or comment for the McClelland Group, RE/MAX of Lloydminster?  Contact Vern, Mike, or Robyn at 780.808.2700 or visit our website www.mcclelland.ca 

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