4. What is a home inspection and how important is it to have one done?

It is important as an informed consumer to have a home inspection done on the home you are considering to purchase. A home inspection is a visual examination of a home which helps to determine the general condition of the home. During the home inspection, the inspector checks all major components of the structure such as roofs, ceilings, walls, floors, foundations, crawl spaces, attics, retaining walls, the electrical system, heating, plumbing, drainage, exterior weather proofing, etc. The inspector then provides the potential home buyer with a detailed written report. If the report demonstrates deficiencies, the purchaser can more than likely get a reduction in the price offered to the vendor(s) equal to the estimated cost of the deficiencies.

A home inspection helps remove a number of unknowns and increases the likelihood of a successful purchase giving a purchaser peace of mind.