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Do you inspect appliances?
No. You are just as capable of checking the fridge, stove, dishwasher etc. to see if they are operational, as well as making note of the colour, make, model, and serial number of those appliances which will be included with the house. My time is more appropriately spent on the systems of the house such as plumbing, electrical, heating etc. which require expertise, experience, and/or specialized test equipment.
I have been in the building trades for many years, why can't I inspect it myself?
Although you may be experienced in one or more areas of the building trades, it is unlikely that you would have the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. In addition to knowing how the components of a house are designed to work together, it is necessary to be able to identify the early and current signs of failure of those components.
It is difficult to remain objective about a home that you have chosen and therefore it is best to obtain an objective third-party opinion from a professional home inspector. In the event that you do find a major problem, your opinion will carry little weight in negotiations.
Do I have to use one of the inspectors on the list provided by my realtor?
No. You should call a number of inspectors and retain the services of the one you are the most comfortable with. Your best bet is to get an inspector who is a member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and/or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) in order to ensure that they have a defined level of technical competence and experience. Members of these professional associations adhere to "Standards of Practice" as a performance guide. You can locate members of these organizations through the Yellow Pages or through the CAHPI and ASHI websites.
Why should I use Buyer's Edge instead of a competitor?
In addition to being an experienced, certified member of CAHPI and ASHI, I am an Independent Inspector. This means that I work for the buyer, not the realtors or the seller. I do not market to realtors or even take inspection bookings from them, in order to remain completely unbiased and free of conflict of interest. My main focus is to ensure that you have as much information as possible about the home you are proposing to buy, so that you can make an informed decision. After all, when smart people are provided with good information, they are better able to make wise decisions.
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