A home inspection is one of the first investments a buyer makes in a property.  The purpose of a home inspection is to check out the home for potential problems before the buyer purchases the home.  Many real estate purchase offers contain a home inspection contingency clause.

A typical home inspection can last up to three hours.  The home inspector makes a thorough examination of the accessible areas and systems of the property.  The fee for a home inspection in the LethbrLethbridge area covers a standard list of items.  If additional tests are requested or required, an extra charge may apply, and you may need another professional or specialist.  A radon test would be an example of this. 

A Lethbridge home inspector will take you through the home step-by-step, pointing out potential and necessary repairs, and the good ones will be happy to do it with you there.  This information can be invaluable when re-negotiating the purchase price of the home because in most cases you would have already made an offer.  The inspection also gives the buyer a fantastic opportunity to become familiar with the details of the systems of the home. It also will give you a very clear sense of what maintenance fees you can expect in the future of the home.

The standard systems of the home to be inspected include the structure, electric, heating/air conditioning, and plumbing systems. The framing and foundation of the home is considered the structure.  The heating and air conditioning system will also be tested during the inspection as well as the vent systems. The plumbing system will be tested including all fixtures and faucets and the drains and plumbing vent systems will be inspected.  If the home has a sump pump, it too will also be tested. If you are looking at purchasing a home in Lethbridge that has been built in the last 15 years, chances are very high that it will have a sump pump.

In addition to the standard systems, the home inspector will inspect all accessible areas of the home including the exterior, interior and basement of the home.  The exterior inspection includes the roof, foundation, doors, decks, balconies, porches, and any walkways or driveways leading toward the entrance of the home. The interior inspection includes walls, ceilings, floors, stairways and railings, basement, doors and windows.  Additionally, the home inspector will often test major kitchen appliances such as the oven, stovetop, and microwave oven.

After the inspection you will receive a comprehensive report and supplemental material.  This educational material is often in the form of a book or binder.  The report will list any issues uncovered during the inspection. Your home inspector will also be an ongoing resource for you with regards to any questions you have relating to the home inspection and the things that you will need to do to mainain your home for years to come.

There are a number of outstanding Lethbridge home inspectors that we could refer you to. Please don't hesitate to contact us for the names of these companies.

There is also a lot of property for sale in Lethbridge and having a real estate professional on your team can help you to navigate the difficult process of buying or selling a home in Lethbridge. Call me at 403.795.7777 or email me at info@courtneyatkinson.ca to discuss Lethbridge real estate or Lethbridge land for sale and I will be more than happy to answer all your questions. Or, if you would like instant access to information about buying, selling, or building a home in Lethbridge, including Lethbridge real estate values and more, please visit the most complete website dedicated to everything Lethbridge real estate at http://www.courtneyatkinson.ca.

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