Several frequently asked questions are answered below. For more information, please contact Homestead directly.
T: 905-730-7441 or 519-221-7441
E: info@homesteadinspections.com
Why have a home inspection?
A home is where you live and share time with your family – the most important purchase you ever make. It also represents a large fraction of your net worth. You want reliable, independent advice on the condition of your investment before you buy, sell or renovate.
Your Homestead inspector brings an impartial perspective to the home, to give you unbiased advice on what type of work is required, where and when. The written report indicates priorities for improvements and assists your cash-flow planning.
Home buyers – a “pre-purchase” inspection provides an impartial perspective on your planned purchase, helping you enjoy peace of mind before you buy, and save time and money after you close.
Vendors – a “pre-listing” inspection allows you to proactively identify and address any concerns that prospective purchasers may have, helping you to enhance the appeal, value and liquidity of your home in a competitive market.
Home owners and renovators – an objective assessment of your primary asset is a valuable investment that can pay for itself by identifying priorities and cost-effective opportunities for home improvements.
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How do I find a reliable home inspector?
In Ontario, anybody can call themselves a home inspector. The onus is on you to find an inspector with legitimate and meaningful experience and qualifications. To ensure you find the inspector you want, it is wise to begin your search before you make an offer to purchase.
The only government-accredited professional body of home inspectors in Ontario is the self-regulating Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), recognized by a provincial Act of Parliament in 1994.
A Registered Home Inspector (RHI) is a qualified practitioner who meets the provincial criteria of education, training, and practical experience, as well as the ongoing requirements for continuing education established by the OAHI.
To hire a reliable home inspector who meets the OAHI provincial standards, choose a Registered Home Inspector (RHI). To find a list of qualified RHIs in your area, visit the OAHI website (www.oahi.com) and choose Home Inspector Search from the menu. You can search either by name, or by geographic area, using an interactive map.
Homestead inspections are conducted by George Eastwood, P.Eng., RHI. You are invited to verify our credentials with the provincial regulatory bodies;
When is the inspection done?
Home buyers usually have the home inspection done after they have made a conditional offer to purchase, but before the deadline to waive the inspection condition. Typically, there is a 5 to 7-day window to arrange and complete the inspection. With deadlines fast approaching and hectic personal schedules, it is prudent to interview and select your inspector before you make an offer to purchase.
Vendors may choose to have a “pre-listing” inspection done prior to placing their home on the market, or shortly thereafter.
Home owners considering renovations are advised to have the inspection done at an early stage of the planning process, to ensure that all of the findings and recommendations of the inspection can be incorporated into the final plan.
Homestead offers morning and afternoon appointments, 6 days a week. Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate 3 to 5 days notice if possible, but will attempt to accommodate all requests.
How long does the inspection take?
The time required for an inspection depends on how thorough the inspector is. A standard Homestead inspection requires approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete, including on-site report preparation and presentation to the clients. Larger homes, multi-occupancy buildings, commercial and rural properties may take longer.
Multiple copies of the report can be provided to vendors for pre-listing inspections, typically within 24 to 48 hours of completing the inspection.
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Should I attend the inspection?
Yes. You will learn far more about your home by attending the inspection and accompanying your inspector. The benefits to you include;
- See just what your inspector sees.
- Hear a first-hand explanation of your inspector’s concerns.
- Ask the inspector questions based on your own observations.
However, if you are unable to attend the inspection and meet your inspector at the scheduled start time, please advise Homestead to make alternative arrangements to send you the Authorization Form via fax, so that you can read, sign and return the Authorization form to your inspector prior to the start of the inspection.
Homestead clients appreciate the personable and patient manner of our Principal Inspector, George Eastwood, P.Eng., RHI (see Testimonials from previous clients on the “About Us” page).
What type of report do I get?
Homestead provides the Home Reference Book (HRB) to clients for standard home inspections. We customize each report with specific findings and recommendations for your home. Digital photos of specific issues within the home can also be included by special arrangements.
The HRB, produced by Carson Dunlop Associates, contains a wealth of information regarding the construction, operation and maintenance of your home. It will remain a valuable reference and asset-management tool for as long as you own your home. You may even use it as a selling feature in the future.
Who books the inspection?
A standard home inspection can be booked by either the buyer or their agent, or by the homeowner. To book an inspection, please call 905-730-7441 or 519-221-7441 – these lines are answered live 24/7. For more information, select “Book an Inspection” from our homepage menu.
What geographic area does Homestead cover?
From our office in Dundas, Ontario, we offer standard home inspections within a 50 km radius, including Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Brantford, Caledonia, Smithville & Grimsby. Investors requiring inspections of larger properties (e.g., multi-occupancy and commercial) are invited to inquire about our availability throughout southern Ontario.
How much does it cost?
The fee for a standard home inspection depends on various factors, including the size, age and location. Typically, the cost represents between 0.1% and 0.2% of the total investment, returning tremendous value to the purchaser. Please call Homestead to receive a free quote on your inspection, with no obligation; 905-730-7441 or 519-221-7441 (24/7).
Is there a guarantee?
After a standard visual examination of your home, subject to the limitations of access etc., we will tell you what we see, what we think, and what we recommend, based on our training and experience. For example, we will estimate the years of service remaining in the roof and furnace, and we will propose strategies to reduce the risk of water leakage into the basement. However, we cannot warranty the performance of any component, nor can we predict with certainty when any given component will fail to perform adequately.
We do guarantee your satisfaction at the time of the inspection. In fact, if at the completion of the inspection you do not feel that the information and advice provided in the written report are worth the fee, then we will not accept payment for the inspection services rendered – we only ask that you tell us what more we could have done so that we can endeavour to serve our clients better in the future. And we will retain the report.
Where do I find more information?
For more information, you are invited to contact Homestead directly.
T: 905-730-7441 or 519-221-7441
E: info@homesteadinspections.com
