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Points for Purchasers

• What is a home inspection?
  A home inspection is an objective, in-depth visual examination of a home's structure and operating systems, and should result in a detailed report describing the condition of the home.

• Why do I need a home inspection?
  The main goal of a professional home inspection is to educate yourself about the home you intend to purchase, so that you can make a wise decision and help ensure that there will be  fewer surprises later on.

• Tell me more...
  The true cost of a home is the purchase price plus whatever it takes to restore or maintain the home in serviceable condition.  Without a thorough, professional home inspection you may not be aware of the total cost of the home you are considering.  It is essential to have an idea of what to expect - which defects are major, which are minor and the approximate cost of repair, before you commit yourself.   Of course, a fair home inspection should also point out the positive aspects of a house, as well as whether or not the existing systems and structure are capable of providing for any changes or renovations you may have in mind. 
  
  In short, a home inspection provides you with the knowledge you need to make informed and confident decisions.

• What should a home inspection include?
  A professional home inspection should include a thorough examination of the home, inside and out, from top to bottom.  The resulting report should cover topics including the roof, exterior, structure, interior, plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical.  Insulation, ventilation, the lot grading and any potential for basement dampness should also be addressed...  practically, everything that can be seen with out emptying or dismantling the house.

• Couldn't I do it myself?
  You may have extensive knowledge and may have been involved in repairs or renovations; you might even be a building tradesperson... but most people do not have the kind of knowledge and experience required to effectively perform an inspection and analysis of a complete building.
  
  Moreover, the excitement and the processes involved in buying a home do not usually afford the the opportunity to make a calm and objective assessment of the property.

• What is Electrospec?
  Electrospec is a full-service inspection company specializing in resale residential inspections.  Our inspectors are well-trained, experienced professionals who bring to our company and to you, many years of combined education and background.

• Why Electrospec?
  The fact is, the best way to learn how to do inspections and write reports, is by doing them and writing them.  We have performed thousands of inspections.  We provide a prompt, thorough and impartial home inspection at competitive rates. 
  
  You also get the HORIZON Online Inspection Report, widely accepted as the best reporting system in the business.  The result is a clearly written, understandable report that you can use to learn about your house and how to look after it in the most cost-effective manner - as well as assisting you in making decisions at the time of purchase.
  
  And you have access to us for as long as you own your home.  If after you move in, you have questions about the house or your report, or questions about products, materials, methods - just pick up the phone and give us a call.  We'll be glad to help in any way we can. 

• What else do you do?  Can we call you for estimates?
  We can offer consultation and assistance in making decisions about repairs & renovations, but we cannot provide repair or renovation work - however, if you need assistance in locating reputable contractors, we can usually help you along the way.

• How much does it cost?
  We charge a flat fee of $400- to inspect any detached single-family home up to 3000 sq.ft., regardless of age or value, and provide a written report.  Homes over 3000 sq.ft., and homes with more than one self-contained living unit are assessed a nominal extra fee.  A downloadable version of the Home Reference Book is included.
  
  Pre-list inspections of detached single dwellings, for sellers only, are also $400- including the written report.
  
  Condominium townhouses and apartments are usually assessed at $350-, and freehold townhouses are are $400-.

• What kind of guarantee do I get?
  An inspection in Ontario is described as, "...an opinion of the present condition of the property, based on a visual inspection of the readily accessible features of the building." 
  
  An inspection is not a guarantee, warranty or insurance policy.  Without dismantling a house or it's systems, and not having built or assembled the house, there are limitations. 
  
  We can substantially reduce your risk, but we cannot eliminate it, nor do we assume it.

• When do I call in the home inspector?
  You can make your offer to purchase conditional upon the findings of a home inspection, and most inspections are booked immediately after acceptance of the conditional offer, although the inspection could be booked at any time.  We usually require as little as 24hrs notice, and inspections can sometimes even be booked for the same day you call, but it's better to call as soon as possible to be better assured of getting the appointment time you prefer.

• Do I have to be there?
  Attendance is not necessarily required, but we recommend that you do attend.   In fact, we encourage you to attend the inspection.  It represents an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the property's technical features, and the opportunity to ask questions and learn all kinds of things first-hand, from your inspector.  In short, there's nothing quite like being there!
  
  Of course, due to some unavoidable circumstances we do frequently conduct inspections without our clients present.  In this case, we call you at the end of the inspection and relate the highlights of our findings to you.  We upload the report PDF file to our secure server and send you an email with a link to the report. You can fetch the report from anywhere that you can get on the internet.
  
  Also, if there are home-care questions or items of interest that cannot be clarified over the telephone, after you move in we can schedule a short visit to discuss those items.

• What if the report reveals problems?
  Almost every report reveals some minor repair and maintenance concerns, even if the property has been well maintained, but these flaws should not normally affect your purchase decision.  If however major defects are revealed, you may decide to re-negotiate your offer.  And it is possible that you may decide that the nature of the work required is beyond your means or ability and that the house is not for you.   The choice is yours.
  
  However, if you can hold that any problems or defects are not necessarily something "terribly wrong" with the property and look at them simply from "how much will it cost to have it work properly", then you will have a better, more objective understanding of the true nature of the situation.  Frequently, apparent shortcomings in homes are 'part in parcel' with an area or item which you would like to change or renovate, and unless an item is of immediate concern to your comfort or safety, correction is therefore a redundant consideration.

• If the report is OK, did I really need an inspection?
  Sure, why not?  Aside from the obvious point that we didn't know everything was OK until we did the inspection - the inspection has given you the opportunity to learn about your new home and how to look after it.
  
  Invariably, our inspectors note areas which are not of immediate concern at the time of the inspection, but which could typically become of concern at some later date.   When we point out  preventive measures to you, which you can implement and thereby save money in the future by eliminating or reducing failures, you will have acquired value from your inspection.
   

  Your own walk-thru inspection

   

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