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6 building inspection myths

#Building inspectors

Last update : 2023-03-03 15:31:25

While some describe building inspections as essential, others continue to argue that they are a waste of both time and money. Faced with these two totally opposing views, what should we believe?

With so much information out there, it is not always easy to make sense of it all. To help you out, we have demystified some common misconceptions about building inspections.

Myth 1: anyone can inspect my house

The profession of building inspector is not regulated by any law in Quebec. However, this does not mean that you have to hire the first person who turns up and claims to be qualified in this area!

Although an individual may have good experience in the construction sector, they may not have the expertise and knowledge to conduct a professional inspection. You must therefore exercise caution and carry out several checks to ensure that they are competent.

A building inspector has the expertise to thoroughly inspect your home

Before you do business with the first person you encounter, learn how to find a good building inspector. Here are some criteria that can guide you.

In particular, a qualified building inspector will have undergone prior specialized training. In addition, they will have liability insurance and will generally be a member of a professional association (AIBQ or InterNACHI-Québec AIIICQ).

A qualified inspector will also possess a thorough knowledge of the multiple systems and features of a home. They will know from experience what to look at during the inspection and will be able to interpret what the observed elements reveal about the condition of the property.

They can also offer an impartial opinion, based on concrete and precise information.

Myth 2: Requesting a pre-purchase inspection may cause me to lose the sale

In an increasingly overheated housing market such as that of the last few months, many buyers have deliberately skipped their pre-purchase inspection. This decision may be motivated by the desire to reduce sale times or to stand out from other interested individuals. However, this is not such a great idea.

Pre-purchase inspections constitute a step that should never be overlooked, regardless of the context in which the transaction is taking place. It is there for your own protection.

The inspection of a property usually identifies one or more potential problems that would likely have gone unnoticed without the intervention of a professional. In some cases, these discoveries may lead you to question your decision to purchase the property. As such, the importance of inspections should not be underestimated!

The pre-purchase inspection is an important step before buying a home

Myth 3: New houses don't need to be inspected

Even if they have just been built, new houses can still have problems or defects. It is therefore advisable to have them inspected before purchasing them, even if they fall under the seller's warranty plan.

To learn more about this, you can check out Everything you need to know about pre-purchase home inspections.

Myth 4: As a buyer, I should not be present during the inspection

It is, in fact, in the buyer's interest to be present during the inspector's visit and to follow them during the inspection, provided, of course, that you make sure not to interfere with their work.

Being on site will allow you to know the condition of the building before the report is even written up. It will also allow you to ask the inspector questions in order to further your own knowledge.

And if you do not want to attend the entire visual examination (which may take hours), try to at least introduce yourself before the end. You will then be able to talk to the professional in person.

Myth 5: Pre-purchase inspections represent a guarantee against hidden defects

Although pre-purchase inspections can reveal potential defects and problems, they are by no means a guarantee against hidden defects!

A building inspection is not a guarantee against hidden vices

An inspection is a visual examination of a building. It merely involves the examination of easily accessible systems and features. In some cases, this inspection may raise doubts about issues that warrant your attention. The inspector may then recommend that the review be further conducted with another specialist.

However, as the name suggests, hidden defects are not visible to the naked eye. Even the most thorough visual inspection can never guarantee that potentially serious complications will not occur after you purchase the property. It does, however, help to identify any apparent flaws, which reduces your chances of facing a serious problem.

Myth 6: The inspection allows you to ascertain whether the property complies with building standards

Although inspectors have a good knowledge of the building, it is not their job as part of a home inspection to determine whether the property meets all the standards of the building regulations. Rather, it focuses on the condition of the building and its systems.

Verifying compliance with current building standards is instead the role of a municipal inspector. As such, you must speak to an expert in the field or to the urban planning department of your city.

Cover image : Freepik.com (vectorjuice)

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