“Waterfront properties sold between $380,000 and $1,900,000 to date in 2019.”
Home Inspections
Getting a Home Inspection is always a smart idea when you make a home or
cottage purchase. Having a better understanding of what you just bought is By Steve Irvine smart, but there are things that are not normally included in the process. This Home Sweet Home is especially true for a rural property. These are usually extra costs that may not Inspections be expected. Make sure you ask what’s covered. A septic system can only be checked when it is cleaned out. Pumping the tank or checking the results from the last service (if it was recent) is important. You don’t want a problem there. Water quality and flow rates are also important. A well flow test & a water quality test can keep you hydrated & healthy. A water softener will primarily cycle through in the wee hours of the morning so there is ample soft water available for those early showers. This makes inspecting them unlikely during the available time. Wood burning fireplaces make heat & great atmosphere, but most insurance companies require a WETT test to ensure your fireplace is safe or you can’t use it. These tests must meet current standards and the standards may have changed since the original install. Metal chimneys used to be an inner pipe with a 1” insulated outer pipe. Current codes require a 2” insulated pipe, which may require that you replace it, but that there may not be room for the larger pipe in a wall. Knowing is important. There are things that Home Inspectors generally do not take on liability for, such as mould, asbestos & termites. I always look for them & report on findings, but a contract usually exempts repercussions for the Inspector. Not every property has these items, but if yours does, ask questions. Stay informed. Steve Irvine has been a Home Inspector in Brampton for 17 years, and has an Engineering Degree. When he’s not working, you will probably see him on the road riding his Triumph Storm or on the ice pretending to be a goalie. You can reach Steve Irvine at www.steveirvine.ca or by email at steve.irvine.1960@gmail.com. Follow Steve on Facebook at Steve Irvines Home Sweet Home Inspections Inc https://www.facebook.com/Steve-Irvines-Home-Sweet-Home-Inspections-Inc Page 45
