Four common questions about inspections

Answers to questions we’re being asked lately

What repairs are mandatory after a home inspection?

There are no mandatory fixes after a home inspection in British Columbia. Even if there are outstanding problems, buyers and sellers are free to discuss the problems and reach an agreement on their own terms. For example, some buyers may insist on the sellers correcting any deficiencies prior to closing date or possession date, while other buyers may be willing to do the repairs themselves in exchange for a lower asking price. Every transaction is different and it’s up to the parties involved, sometimes with some guidance from their real estate agents or lawyers, to negotiate and come to an agreement. Technically, no repair is “mandatory”, but in many cases a mandatory fix after a home inspection would be anything the buyer requires as a condition to purchase the home. Repairs that most buyers would consider mandatory are typically related to water damage, leaks, moisture & mold, or safety issues like electrical problems or missing smoke detectors.

Can a home fail a home inspection?

No. In British Columbia, a home inspection will not provide a pass/fail outcome for the subject property. The inspection report is objective and doesn’t offer a grade, score, or pass/fail judgement. It’s completely up to the buyer to use the information provided by the inspector and decide whether to proceed with purchasing the home. In cases where the buyer walks away after the inspection and the sale falls through, some people would consider that a failed inspection, however, others would consider it a successful home inspection, as the inspector’s findings influenced the buyer in a proactive way. Sometimes the home inspector finds significant issues in need of repair and the prospective home buyer chooses to walk away from the deal.

Why’s someone telling me not to get a pre-listing home inspection?

When you’re selling a house, some real estate agents will recommend not getting a pre-listing inspection because if the inspection reveals any problems, you have to disclose them to the buyer. The reality is, if the prospective buyer finds out about any problems or deficiencies on their own, it could harm the negotiations and it might make the buyer wonder what else you’ve been hiding. We feel that getting a pre-listing inspection is always a good idea; Sharing the findings with any prospective buyers builds trust and helps you and the buyers understand what your home is actually worth before agreeing to a price. Further, the pre-listing inspection gives you a chance to address any problems before you sell.

How much does a Home Inspection cost?

In British Columbia, most home inspections cost between $400 to $1,000, and it depends primarily on the size of the property, but also its age, location (travel time), or other factors. A Kelowna home inspection typically costs around $575. If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced home inspector in the Okanagan and surrounding areas contact Daylight Inspections today.