| Asbestos: You may want to test for Asbestos in the house. Electrical: The general home inspection usually covers a basic electrical system inspection comprising checking amperage, checking for exposed wires, determination of type of wiring, wiring and outlets adequacy etc. If your inspector determines that there is a problem in the electrical system (for example, aluminum wiring which has been declared by the federal government as an "imminent hazard"), an inspection by an electrician might be in order. New Home Inspection: Some of the inspections described above also apply to new homes. In addition, you may also want to perform an inspection for construction type and material used, ensuring that the new appliances are installed as designed, ensuring that all fittings and equipment are used as per specification and agreement, chances of water seepage in the basement, possibility of roof leakage, any new land grading issues etc. Note 1: This checklist is meant to give you a sense of inspection areas to look into when considering purchasing a property. It is by no means an exhaustive list of all the different kinds of inspections that can/should be performed. There may be other types of inspections as well and you must carefully consider all your options. Not all home buyers perform all the inspections. You have to make your own decision as to which ones are of value to you and are relevant. Consider obtaining additional information from professional home inspection services, home inspection books, CAHI *Canadian Association of Home Inspectors), etc. Note 2: Some provinces and states require the seller to fill-out and sign a Property Disclosure Statement. Ask your realtor for a copy on the home that you are interested in purchasing. Buying Tips Stick to budget. Shop around for a good mortgage rate. Account for future variations in income. Pay off as much debt as possible. Get your Credit report and correct errors. Pre-Qualify for your mortgage. Seek services from a well-informed Real Estate Agent. Get a buyer’s agent if you are not comfortable with the idea of working with a seller’s agent. Find a reputable Home Inspector. Get prices of similar houses in the neighborhood from your Real Estate Agent. You can make an offer contingent upon certain conditions (like getting an acceptable home inspection, etc.) Home Buyers Checklist Zoning Check zoning, building regulations and municipal plans for the area. They may affect any plans you may have for additions of renovations. Resale Value Estimate the resale potential of the house. This is an important consideration, especially if you may need to relocate again soon. Community Features Drive through the area and evaluate the level of essential services. Check transportation and shopping facilities. Look at the proximity and types of schools in the area. Is the house a solid investment? Carefully examine all aspects of the house’s construction, including plumbing, wiring and foundation walls. Bring along an expert if you feel unable to assess these properly. Ask your agent for the names of three building inspection companies. An investment of a few hundred dollars could save you thousands. Possible repair costs Try to determine what repairs you m ay be faced with over the coming years. Check the condition of the roof, capacity of electrical services, age of furnace and driveway paving. If you think your space needs change, look for renovation potential – size of lot, exposure, room layout and so on. What will the added costs be? Consider all expenditures you may have to make over and above the actual purchase cost; repairs, furniture, landscaping, renovations, decorating and moving. Buyers Costs Be prepared for unexpected costs such as legal costs, survey, appraisal fees, land transfer tax and adjustments on closings such as heating oil, hydro and property tax (Property Purchase Tax and Goods and Services Tax). | 
