Tips for Hiring a Home Inspector in Fredericton

If you’re in the market to purchase a home in Fredericton, you’ll want to know absolutely everything—inside and out—about the home you’re considering. After all, real estate is the most expensive purchase you’ll likely ever make. So, make sure it’s a smart investment by hiring a home inspector!

1. Why Do I Need a Home Inspector?
2. How Do I Hire a Home Inspector?
3. What Can I Expect from a Home Inspection?
4. What if the Home Inspection Reveals Problems?

Why Do I Need a Home Inspector?

A home inspection provides a general overview of the home you’re looking to purchase. The Right Choice Realty recommends a home inspection so you’re not caught off guard after a house closing. It’s a way to fully understand what you’re purchasing so you’re prepared to fix, improve or replace items as the home’s proud new owner.

How Do I Hire a Home Inspector?

Work with your real estate professional who can connect you with a trustworthy home inspector. You can expect to pay between $500-700 for the home inspection, depending on the size and location of the home. This is a small price to pay considering the importance of the purchase. Once you have purchased the home inspection, you own it. Home inspection reports are not public.

A home inspection is part of the buyer’s due diligence so it’s typically paid by the buyer; it’s not included in the closing cost or tax-deductible. That said, it’s sometimes recommended that the vendor do a pre-inspection on the home. That way there are no surprises for the vendor when negotiation takes place.

What Can I Expect from a Home Inspection?

A home inspector will conduct a complete inspection of a house from top to bottom. They’ll examine the structural integrity of the house (including the foundation, roof, walls, ceilings and floors), the plumbing and electrical, as well as the heating and cooling systems.

The home inspector will make note of safety concerns in the home, so they will report obvious signs of water damage and the possible presence of mould. However, a home inspection usually does not include a mould test. If you have mould allergies, we recommend making the purchase and sale contract subject to an air quality test.

Depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the property, a home inspection can last anywhere between two and six hours. It’s best for the owner not to attend the home inspection so they can fully inspect the house without interruption. 

Once the home inspection is complete, the agent and the buyer will meet at the home to go over the inspector’s findings. At this time, the home inspector can take the buyer to any place in the house where they’ve found a deficiency.

What if the Home Inspection Reveals Problems?

Most home inspections include a long list of deficiencies. That’s because they’re thorough and no home is perfect. Scrutinize the home inspection report and, armed with this information, determine whether the property is worth the price. 

Be aware that you have the right to back out of any contract if said contract is subject to a home inspection clause. A “deal-breaker” is at the sole discretion of the buyer and not that of a seller. In most cases, a compromise can be made by both parties using professional REALTORS® as mediators.

Buyers beware: get a home inspection! A professional home inspection helps people avoid buyer’s regret so you can have peace of mind and be confident in your decision to make a house your home. We’re happy to help you throughout the home inspection process. 

At The Right Choice Realty, we’re a team of passionate real estate agents in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with a focus on personalized service and local expertise. We’re here to help you achieve your buying or selling goals, whether you’re looking for a commercial or residential property. Our team is highly familiar with the different neighbourhoods in the area and can offer personalized recommendations you can trust.

We have a Client Care Manager to help with administrative tasks and an in-house photographer to capture high-quality images of properties. Our marketing specialist helps us understand and plan how to best market listings and make informed decisions for buyers, and we use innovative multimedia marketing tools such as Matterport 360 and a drone to showcase properties to their full potential.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Fredericton, don’t go it alone. Call The Right Choice Realty and see how we can help you reach your real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more.