25 Years as a Home Inspector in Surrey and all over - Gary Poirier has seen it all.
What is a home inspection?
First things first, a home inspection is a visual evaluation of a home’s condition. Home inspectors typically provide inspection services to determine the performance of the home. The inspection isn’t just about identifying problems with the house. When you're on the inspection with me, it's going to be like a master class in your home.
All kinds of things can contribute to keeping your home well maintained, including this rainy weather in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver. We'll have a close look at the parameters (such as where the outside perimeter drains are) and so much more.
I want to teach you how to maintain the property, because it’s the biggest investment you'll ever make,” says Gary Poirier, owner of Walkabout Inspections. I've been in business for 25 years this year, primarily serving Surrey, Langley, North Delta and White Rock, but also going farther afield to North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, and as far east as Hope, Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Believe me, I've seen a lot in those years. I've been through the "UFFI foam insulation" crisis, the "leaky condo" crisis, and the "poly-B" piping crisis. That's the thing. As our home-building and construction techniques change, often it's really for the better. We just have to look at an older home that has potential problems that we never see anymore in a new home - things like asbestos, knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring. But sometimes, products or design flaws are introduced that are detrimental in the end. It's important as a home inspector to get continuing education in order to stay on top of the problems that we might find, but also, just as important, the solutions to those problems.
Getting a home inspection? Here are the 5 mistakes to avoid.
5 home inspection mistakes to avoid
- Not researching the inspector.
- Not attending the inspection.
- Not reading the inspection report.
- Not getting a presale inspection.
- Not prepping the home.
1. Not researching the inspector
Too many buyers and sellers take whatever name is recommended without doing research. The inspection is only as good as the inspector doing it.
A few questions to ask:
- How long have you been inspecting homes?
- How many inspections have you done?
- What are your qualifications, certifications and training?
- What was your job before you were a home inspector? (Ideally, your pro was in contracting or building.)
You want a certified professional who stays current. There’s a lot of stuff you have to know, and you want someone who’s keeping up with ongoing education. An inspector who belongs to HIABC, particularly has stiff requirements that including ongoing education. Although I've been in business for 25 years, I also know that things can change in the business, and it's very important to keep apprised of these changes, so that I can be the best inspector for my client,.
You’re looking for an inspector who can analyze the home’s strengths and weaknesses — then explain them. It's not about passing or failing. There are lots of variables, such as why are you buying? Are you buying to stay in the house short term, and then when the permits are through, removing it and rebuilding on the lot? Obviously, in that case, making sure you have a long guarantee on some items in the home might not be applicable. But what if this is your "forever" home? Then the parameters change to making sure the home has great bones (construction details). You can add the fancy stuff as you can afford it.
2. Not attending the inspection
Attendance may not be mandatory, but it’s a good idea. In fact, I pretty much insist on it, unless there are very unusual circumstances that make that impossible. Have someone you trust can talk to you about what was discovered attend the inspection with me.
Just reading that inspection report isn’t enough for most homeowners to get the full picture Gary says. "It's like this. Imagine I go to a movie for you, and then after I see the movie, tell you about it. Obviously, it's not the same as you seeing the movie with me. There's going to be things, however subtle, or obvious, that can't be covered in a written report. I talk all the time while I'm performing the inspection with you, showing you things that can't easily be written down".
Gary says, “Any home inspector who doesn’t let you follow him around? That’s weird. Ask me any question you want.”
Set aside enough time for the whole thing, The inspection will take an entire morning or an afternoon. I will sit with you after the inspection to explain things and answer questions, he says. Most of the time, I'll only allow two inspections in a day. I want to allow enough time for the inspection to be done properly. The only time I may break that rule is in the spring and summer, where dusk is much later and the light is good enough to see everything I need to see on the outside of the property.
It's good to know that once you've made the decision to purchase, and you've moved in, and you have a question, I'm there for you. I'm only a phone call away when you discover that you can't remember why I suggested this or that, or where the hot water shut-off is, etc. For the entire time that you live in that house, Walkabout Inspections will remain your resource for home maintenance and improvement ideas.
3. Not reading the inspection report
Too many buyers and sellers just glance at the inspection report. You need someone who uses “clear, concise” language in person and in written report. That's another reason why I like you to be on the inspection. No amount of words can suffice for one of your questions during the inspection of something that you might see and wonder about. Obviously, if you're not there, how can you ask the question. My reporting system not only shows you the general aspects, but in detail will give you the reasons why there's a problem, and a possible solution (if there is one).
4. Not getting a presale inspection
Many sellers elect to leave the presale inspection to the buyers
But that’s a mistake.
When the buyers get an inspection (and if they’re smart, they will), the sellers will have little time to complete repairs and keep the sale on track.
But if sellers have the home inspected before putting it on the market, they have more time to get repairs done, he says. With the extra time, they can shop around and control costs.
Both buyers and sellers often wait too long to engage an inspector. You should find an inspector long before you have (or make) an offer, he says. Some buyers and sellers will wait for the second-to-last day before they even call. Any good inspector will be booked out.
5. Not prepping the home
Inspectors are peeved when homeowners don’t prepare the house.
“Please, don't t force the home inspector to empty the closet to get into the attic, If you have a crawl-space hatch, move anything sitting on top of it.
Got a lock on a utility closet, basement or shed? The inspector needs access. So open it or provide keys.
For homeowners, inspections “are invasive,” Gary says. “I get it.”
For a seller, the best tack is to be at home to meet the inspector, introduce yourself, provide your cell number — and then you can take off, and avoid the stress of being there. To reduce the need for repeat inspections, hire professionals to do repairs, Too many times, when faced with a list of needed repairs, a seller will DIY or try to get them done on the cheap, he says. But that shows up during the re-inspection and could mean another round of repairs.