2022 home inspection checklist PDF
Are you buying a new house sometime soon? Show We’ve put together the ultimate home inspection checklist for Canadians looking to buy the house of their dreams. What is a Home Inspection?Sometimes, when we’re looking for a new home, we tend to get a superficial glance at all the beautiful aspects of it, such as a pretty lawn in front, or a fireplace that looks appealing and ready to keep us warm through the long and cold Canadian winters. However, we may not always get the full picture from the person who is selling the house to us, whether it be the homeowner or the estate agent in charge of the property. Buying a home is a massive investment, and one of the biggest decisions a person can make in their lifetime. Therefore, a proper home inspection is recommended before you move in. The American Society of Home Inspectors defines a home inspection as “An objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis and recommendations.” A home inspection makes sure that beyond what you can see with your own eyes, an expert helps to investigate and check that if there are foundation cracks, ancient plumbing, dangerous wiring or broken appliances, they are then revealed through the home inspection, and need to be rectified by the homeowner. How to Prepare for a Home InspectionNormally, there are four things that you should prepare before doing a home inspection at your (potential) new home: When you’re inspecting the new house, you want to make sure that you cover all the necessary items, but don’t waste time by analysing the items that you’ve already checked. See below in this article, for a PDF checklist that you can download to take with you to the inspection. Whilst this may sound obvious, have a look at the size of the house, and then have a look at the size of your family. Will you be having more children in the future? Is the house large enough for your needs? These are important questions to ask, that can save you a headache in the long-term. Nobody can spot all the issues by themselves. We recommend bringing a friend/lover/family member along with you for the inspection. That way, if you miss anything, hopefully your companion can also lend a pair of eyes to look out for the necessary items on the checklist. Making use of a qualified home inspector will give you tremendous peace of mind, and satisfaction in the long-term. Their job is to look at houses, and ensure that everything is in working order. So while you may have a good eye for things by yourself, they are likely to look for things that you’re not even aware of, and will save you from needing to pay for those potential repairs from your own pocket in the future. Common Home Inspections ProblemsWhilst there are many things that may cause a home inspector to worry when doing a home inspection, there are certain problems that are frequently found, and it’s wise for you to arm yourself with this knowledge before attending your home inspection. That way, you can also contribute to the home inspection, along with the inspector. A roof is probably one of the most important aspects of a house, since it protects us from the elements, and gives us a sense of comfort and security. Unfortunately, roofing issues are very common, and are costly to repair. That’s why you should ensure that the roof in your new house is in mint condition. A new roof in Canada is estimated to cost at least $1.17 per square foot for a new roof (including materials and installation). That’s the low-end estimate for an asphalt shingle roof, which is the cheapest material. With a roof over your head, you’ll be protected from the rain, sunshine and the snow. However, if your home’s foundation is shaky, then it stands a chance of collapsing in on itself, which is extremely dangerous, and can safely be avoided. When you’re going through the house, there are certain signs that you can look for when doing the inspection, such as cracks in plaster walls, a basement wall crack that extends from floor to ceiling, doors that stick, sagging floors, pooling water near a slab foundation, or a wet crawl space after precipitation falls. There are some signs that are less subtle, such as strange smells coming from the basement or uncomfortable indoor humidity. However, sometimes signs of foundation problems are not immediately associated with foundation damage and go unnoticed by the untrained eye. When we look at a home, we normally see the foundation, the walls, and the exterior beauty. Beneath it all, lies a maze of wiring and pipes that ensure that we have enough heat, electricity and plumbing that works. When a home inspection is done, often the major issues lie in these areas, because they are not apparent to the blind eye. Therefore, you might need to bring in an expert in each of these areas to get their professional approval before purchasing the house. What a Home Inspection Checklist Should IncludeHere are some of the most common items that you should include on your checklist: The Kitchen
The Floors, Walls and Ceilings
The Bathrooms
The Windows and The Doors
The Basement (If There is One)
The Attic (If There is One)
Plumbing and Heating
The Exterior of the House
Using Our Printable Home Inspection ChecklistWe’ve put together the most user-friendly home inspection checklist in Canada. It has all the instructions you’ll need to do a thorough home inspection. Get the Checklist (PDF) Visit REW for an extensive list of homes for sale & MLS® listings in Canada. Enjoy your new home, and may it bring you much happiness!
This printable home inspection checklist can help you identify problem areas before bringing in an official home inspector. Sellers can use it before listing their home for sale. Buyers can have it in hand while doing a walk-through prior to buying a new home. Advertisement This inspection checklist provides a way to make notes about the condition of important features in your home, room-by-room. Before doing a walk-through, see some of the resources listed below to learn about what types of things to look for as you are doing your inspection. Important: This checklist is for personal use only. It should not be used in place of an official home inspection. This list may not be comprehensive. Contact a qualified ASHI certified home inspector for an official inspection. Home Inspection Resources
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