| Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) |
 |
Can
I do it myself? |
| |
Even
the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise
of a professional home inspector, who will typically have inspected
hundreds of homes during his career. An inspector is equally
familiar with all the elements of home construction and with
the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationships
of those elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult
to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house
they really want. This may lead to a poor assessment of the
target home. |
|
What
will it cost? |
| |
The
cost of the inspection should not be a factor in the decision
whether or not to engage a home inspector, BUT the quality of
the inspection should be. You could save many times the cost
of the inspection if the inspector makes you aware of significant
problems he reveals in the course of his inspection. Generally,
the cost is 1/4 of one percent on a $100,000 purchase - a small
price to pay to be a better informed buyer. |
|
Can
a house "fail" an inspection? |
| |
A
home inspector will not "pass" or "fail" a house. He will simply
describe its condition and indicate which items would be in
need of immediate or near future repair or replacement. |
|
How
do I find a home inspector? |
| |
It
is very important that you are totally comfortable with the
inspector you choose. Make sure you select a qualified and recognized
Home Inspector, a professional who has the necessary experience
and background. An ideal inspector need not be an engineer or
architect, but will have been in the building industry most
of his life, have acquired a working knowledge of all subjects
related to residential construction work, have good communications
skills and enjoy dealing with the public. If he is a member
of the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors®, you can be
sure that he is experienced, impartial and professional. |
|
What
is CAHI®? |
| |
The
Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHI)
was formed in 1982. One of the major goals of the Canadian
Association of Home Inspectors is to enhance the technical
and professional performance through education. It is also
devoted to promoting the Standards of Practice and Code of
Ethics, as the broadly accepted requirements for home inspections.
The Standards of Practice provide inspection guidelines and
the Code of Ethics stresses the home inspector's responsibilities
to act in a fair, impartial, and professional manner.
Membership in CAHI
requires a proven technical background in construction and
building science. In order to for full membership to be granted,
the prospective inspector will be required to pass a series
of exams, be approve by the board of examiners and complete
250 paid inspections that meet CAHI
standards.
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