New construction or old house: have it inspected!

There are several checks that must be made when you decide to buy a house, and the building inspection is one that should not be overlooked. Talk to your broker about it .

(OACIQ article published on the Protégez-Vous.ca website , in December 2015)

Whether you are thinking of buying an old house or a new construction, the building inspection step is essential, since it allows you to learn more about the house you plan to acquire. It is therefore strongly recommended to have it inspected by a building inspector or a professional such as an architect.

Recommending inspection: more than just a duty

The real estate broker, by virtue of his regulated profession, has the obligation to recommend that you have the desired home inspected by a building inspector or a professional who meets certain requirements, including that of holding professional liability insurance. By doing business with a real estate broker, the latter will be able to provide you with a list of contacts who meet the required requirements.

If any problems are detected after the purchase, your broker can assess the damage with you and refer you to competent professionals who can help you.

Old house

Reading the Seller's Declaration of the Property form, which is mandatory for brokers, can inform you of past problems and how they were resolved, or allow you to anticipate future problems with the home you are considering. However, this document should be supplemented by a thorough inspection that could save you a lot of trouble. In addition, your broker is required to inform you of any factor of which he or she is aware that could affect your transaction.

An old house has the advantage of having stood the test of time with regard to defects that could arise during the first years following its construction. However, the home may still be subject to design, construction, flooring or other defects, known or unknown to the sellers. This is why the inspection step is essential. It will allow you to have a current portrait of the house. However, it is important to remember that an inspector only checks visible components, such as plumbing, structure, roofing. The latter will not move any furniture or open any walls.

Waiver of legal warranty

If you want to buy a house without a legal warranty of quality (in other words, without the seller's guarantee that the house is free of defects at the time of sale), an inspection is doubly recommended. However, the inspector who will carry it out must be informed of the exclusion of the warranty. Your real estate broker will explain the consequences on your future rights if any defect were to appear following the purchase.