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Toronto Real Estate Home Inspections

Just how important are home inspections?  Would you still need one if the seller tells you the house is in great shape and they never had any major problems with it? What if the home is still covered under Tarion Warranty?

You Can’t See Behind Walls

It’s easy to walk through a house inspecting water facets, making sure they don’t drip, or turning on every switch just to ensure they work.  Sadly that’s not considered a home inspection, it’s just being difficult.

The real “bones” of the home are behind the walls and under the floors.  Unfortunately home inspectors won’t be able to look behind the walls as no seller would allow someone to cut holes in their wall.  However, certified home inspectors are trained to look for the tell tale clues that would indicate trouble spots.  Home inspectors will have a better knowledge of the house by the time he/she is done.  More importantly, you will have a better knowledge of the house you’re buying.

Tarion Warranty

Most new subdivision homes come with Tarion Warranty.  It covers defects in workmanship for the 1 year, water seepage/penetration, electrical, plumbing and other major components of the homes for 2 years, and 7 years coverage for structural defects.  However, the list of exceptions under the warranty program is exhausting.  I’ll only mention a few notable exceptions.  Tarion Warranty does not protect you against damage caused by the owner, damage caused by improper maintenance or any additions/alterations/deletions by the owner.

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is BINDING!

It’s important to understand that preprinted in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a clause that states the buyer acknowledges that no home inspection will be carried out after the offer has been accepted by both parties unless otherwise agreed to in the contract.  You’ll need to make up your mind before an offer is submitted if you intend on having a home inspection.

Conclusion – It’s up to the Buyer to be Prudent

No two transactions are ever identical in real estate so I would never try to tell you to definitely get a home inspection or not.  Note that a home inspection is not a guarantee that the structure is in perfect condition, nor is it a warranty for future damages.  It is simply an opinion on the homes condition made by a qualified home inspector.

Turn to your realtor for guidance.  If you’re not represented yet and have more questions, email me and I’ll get back to you the first chance I get.