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For the Buyer:

You have found your dream home, or perhaps a home that can become your dream home. You've made a huge decision and have wisely chosen to get the peace of mind that comes with certifed home inspection. To get the most from your inspection bring a note book of your own and have a few questions you may have for the inspector. If you have an area of concern, bring it to the attention of your inspector so that they can pay extra attention to that component. This will give you the opportunity to ease or confirm your suspicions. Either way, the power of knowledge, should never be underestimated.

It is important that the inspector knows beforehand if there are "apartments" incorporated in the home to be inspected. It takes a lot longer to inspect two kitchens than one. And full access to all areas must be arranged by your realtor.

The inspector also needs to be informed in advance if the appliances will be staying with the home. Although they are not normally part of an inspection they will be checked for basic operation.

Access to the attic seems to always be an issue when blocked by shelves, hanging bars and clothing. Please remind the realtor that your inspector will need full access to the attic hatch and ask the existing home owner to make it accessible. Having to come back at a later date to inspect the attic separately will result in an additional fee of $100.

The inspector will ask you to either take your shoes off or wear protective booties.

You may want to ask the realtor if a pre-inspection has been done on the property. They are becoming more and more popular with home owners who want to have a "heads up" as to potential deterrents to the sale of their home. It will give them time to correct any issues or adjust their price accordingly. It can also be a huge selling point if a good inspection report is available for you to read. A word of caution though: the viability of home components can change overnight and an inspection not done by the prospective buyer will not be admissible for mortage funding or used as leverage for the new buyer.

We assume that once you have had an inspection done by Town & Country Home Inspections you will be so satisfied with our service that you will refer us to your friends and acquaintances.
All due consideration must be given to respect the privacy and security of the home owners property. Town & Country Home Inspections respectfully requests that only adults be present for the inspection, and that if extra parties accompany the buyers that they stay with the inspector as "look and listen spectators" only. To date, there have been no claims against our insurance company and that's the way we like it. It means the seller appreciates us, the buyer respects us and it enhances our good reputation.

For the Seller:

Town & Country Home Inspections wants you to know that we will do everything in our power to leave your home in exactly the same condition as we found it. The inspection party will either be wearing booties or be in their stocking feet. If required, drop clothes will be used to catch any debris under your attic hatch and a hand vacuum cleaner will catch the rest.

In regards to your attic- the inspector will need access. Please assist in a smooth inspection by preparing the area below it if you can by removing the shelf and if possible the hanging bar.

If you are not in the home during the inspection please either cage or lock up your dog and advise the realtor where it is. If you pick a room, the best choice for the inspector is one of the minor bedrooms. The inspectors at Town & Country love dogs but the buyer may not.

Town & Country Home Inspections wants you to know that if the appliances are being sold with the house that they will all be operated. The dishwasher and washing machine will be put through a whole cycle.

The plumbing under sinks and all toilet bowls will be inspected. You may consider giving these areas a moment of your time.

Please be assured that we will do our best to ensure your privacy and the security of your possessions.

Becoming more and more popular are home owners who are thinking of putting their home up for sale and geting a "pre-inspection". It is the same as a buyer's home inspection but it's use is different. It gives the seller the heads up on what they might need to repair or replace before they put their home up for sale. If there are a few issues that need attention and they are not willing to invest in the repairs, it will help guide the sellers in picking a more realistic selling price. On the other hand a very good report would be an asset to the seller, and might help procure a better price. Please be reminded that an inspection report does not guarantee future performance and that you should review the conditions of the original inspection agreement.

Should your home be inspected for a buyer, Town & Country Home Inspections will leave a thankyou note in a folder in your kitchen. Upon the sale of your home, we hope that you would like to choose us for the inspection on your new home.
 
We are certified, professional and friendly. If you are in the York/Durham region call us seven days a week from 8 am to 10 pm at 416-837-5144.