Mike's Home Inspector Blog

First Time Homebuyer Mistakes

9/8/2024

There has been a lot of construction in the Halifax area over the past few years, with many new homes and apartment buildings opening for occupancy this year. With that hopefully comes long overdue opportunities for first time homebuyers in the market. Like any first-time buyer, when we bought our first home it become apparent that the wish list was just that, and many tough decisions had to be made to secure the home we were looking for.

Unicorns Don’t Exist
Despite the fact it is the national animal of Scotland, Unicorns are not real. So is the idea that you will find the perfect home. Let me dispel that myth right now: I have inspected homes of all types, and every single one is them has one thing in common: they aren’t perfect! I recently had a client who was buying an older home which could best be described as a fixer upper: as a home inspector I rightfully pointed out that while the home may not be aesthetically pleasing, the four major systems (roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) were all in great condition and have been well maintained. These homes are often passed over when with a little TLC they can make a great new home!

You can see stock photos like this all over the internet but in reality this doesn't depict the average home!

Remember to Use Facts, Not Emotion
I tend to be a bit animated when doing inspections, mainly because I love what I do. There is a surprising amount of subjectivity in a good inspection, which is why I am not worried about an AI takeover anytime soon. Ultimately, however, I am interested in hard facts as much as possible. I always look for

Electrical: Is it grounded? Is the panel properly installed and labelled?
Plumbing: Is the area known for lead pipe? Does the home use modern materials?
Roof: What type of material? Are there any missing shingles or pieces? Any signs of leaks?
HVAC: What type of heating or cooling system? How old is the unit? Is there evidence of proper maintenance?

One of the biggest challenges as a home inspector is to balance between using past experiences and knowledge to draw from, and understanding that every home is unique. One of the best-looking roofs I ever inspected had an active leak and the worst…. did not. Same with sewer inspections: the best looking sewer line I checked was 50 years old while a 1 year old line had a partial blockage! While it can be a challenge, it is important to evaluate facts and know what your bottom line is.

To Repeat, This Roof Was NOT Leaking!

Don’t Underestimate Maintenance Costs
One important quality of a good home inspector is to maintain impartiality and avoid real and perceived conflicts of interest. In addition to insurance, property taxes and other fixed costs, one of the "joys" of home ownership is having to deal with system breakdowns. Plumbing leaks? HVAC not heating? Lights flickering? That’s now your responsibility and usually nobody teaches you how to do those things.

My passion is helping home occupants from all walks of life live in a safe and healthy home but I especially like helping new homeowners. It motivated me in my first job as a fresh faced 16 year old and it motivates me to provide the best inspection services possible.

0 Comments

Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

6/18/2023

0 Comments

Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting, expensive and stressful process filled with unknowns. As a home inspector and homeowner with years of experience in both, I have witnessed the joys and frustrations that come with buying a home. In this blog post, I will share some essential tips to help first-time homebuyers navigate the inspection process and make informed decisions. By being proactive and knowledgeable, you can ensure a smooth transition into your new home and avoid potential pitfalls along the way.

It's more than a logo, its a promise!

Hire a Qualified and Experienced Home Inspector
One of the most crucial steps in the homebuying process is hiring a reputable and experienced home inspector. Look for professionals who are certified and can provide answers to your home related questions or if you live in or near Halifax, Nova Scotia just give me a call (902-209-9921) or email me directly ([email protected]). A thorough inspection will provide you with a detailed report on the condition of the property, highlighting any potential issues or safety concerns. This information will empower you to make informed decisions regarding repairs, negotiations, or even reconsidering your purchase.

Accompany the Home Inspector
Whenever possible, make it a priority to accompany the home inspector during the inspection process. While it is true some inspectors prefer to be left alone when working, I love when clients follow me around asking thought provoking questions! This allows you to gain firsthand knowledge about the property's condition and learn about any maintenance needs or repairs that may be required either now or in the future. Use this opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects that are unclear. By being present, you will have a better understanding of your new home’s systems, how to read the inspection report and can make more informed decisions. If there is one thing that stands out about me aside from my height it is how passionate I get when talking about homes and you will never get a boring inspection from me!

Understand the Inspection Report
What sets our company apart is that we not only provide comprehensive reports, but we also write them with user friendly language that is easy to understand. One of my instructors once told me “Nobody is impressed when you use acronyms and big words” and I have taken that to heart. It is important to remember that I have never written a “everything is excellent!” report and probably never will and issues can range from insignificant to potentially catastrophic, although I have never used that term in any report I have written.

An Inspection is an Education
When you hire me for your inspection you aren’t just getting a friendly giant to inspect your home (yes, I am 6’6” and no, I don't play basketball) but you get access to a walking encyclopedia or so I have been told. A home inspection is not only a check for serious issues but an opportunity to learn more about how a home works and why maintenance is so important, especially for newer homes!

As a first-time homebuyer, hiring a qualified home inspector and actively participating in the inspection process is crucial. By understanding the inspection report, planning for repairs and maintenance, and negotiating confidently, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Remember, a home inspection is not only a safeguard against potential issues but also an educational opportunity to better understand the property you are purchasing. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can embark on this exciting journey with confidence and peace of mind.

0 Comments