What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is  visual investigation of a home’s structure and components to find malfunctioning or unsafe issues within.
Typical components to be inspected
Heating system            Central air            Interior plumbing
Electrical                      Roof                     Attic
Visible insulation          Walls                    Ceilings
Floors                          Windows               Doors            
Foundation                  Basement             Visible structure
Possible additional services
Mold testing                 Radon testing       Water testing
Energy audits

Any problems a home inspector finds during the assessment is then documented and suggested courses of action are given to the homeowner. The home inspection takes place after a buyer has made an offer on a home and the seller has accepted.
Do I need one?
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make. It is important to make sure you are making a well-informed purchase and a home inspection can help you do this. This one step can potentially save you thousands of dollars in unknown problems that could have been dealt with at the point of sale and cost the previous homeowner rather than yourself.
The inspection is there to make sure no important factors were overlooked during the negotiations as buyers can often feel overwhelmed and emotional when deciding on a new home and can therefore miss important details about the home’s health.

What are they looking for?
Home inspectors are looking for common problems such as mold and mildew, damp basements and crawlspaces, roof and chimney deterioration, leaks, plumbing problems and inadequate electrical systems.
“Water is the number one thing that we look for,” says Lesleigh Bell-Enderlein. “If water enters the house, it causes mold, rot and eventually can break down the components of the structure.”
She says that inspectors look carefully at the roof, foundation, windows and doors for any sign of water entry and for existing water damage. “We also predict conditions such as grading towards the house or other emerging wear that could allow water in in the future,” she says, noting that suggestions are then made for immediate and future repair considerations and preventative measures.

For more information, or to locate a home inspector, visit the  Ontario Association of Home Inspectors, the  Castle Group is one of our recommended Home and Property Inspectors or ask your   real estate agent for a referral.