In the last several years, it has become customary to obtain a home inspection before making a final commitment to purchase a property.

You, the buyer, may put a condition on the "agreement to purchase" subject to satisfactory home inspection before a given date. I will help you with information about home inspectors and the costs involved--usually about $350 plus GST.

Some of the things a home inspector will check are:

• The central heating system and its components;
• The central cooling system and its components;
• The interior plumbing system and its components;
• The interior electrical system and its components;
• The roof and its components;
• The siding and its components;
• The walls, ceilings, and floors, and their components;
• The foundation (and basement) and its components; and
• The built-in kitchen appliances and their components.

Your inspector may perform or be able to arrange for additional inspection and analysis services, including:

• Termite inspection;
• Septic system evaluation;
• Well system evaluation;
• Environmental evaluation;
• Radon screening;
• Water quality testing;
• Swimming pool inspection; and
• Geological evaluation.

Many inspectors provide a guarantee. We can provide information and make recommendations, or give you brochures and let you select your own inspector.

This information was provided by RE/MAX House Calgary.