If you are a homeowner or intend at some point in the future to become one, this is critical. I teach about this in my Business Law classes. I ask how many in the class could find termites, determine if the electrical wiring is up to code and if there is a dangerous level of formaldehyde in the wall board. Sometime, I have an electrician or a contractor but generally no one has any knowledge.
A home is the most expensive purchase in most people’s lives. An undetected problem cannot be fixed. Worst, a problem that manifests itself later can cost tens of thousands of dollars. You don’t want a home that is worth a fraction of what you paid for it and is actually dangerous to the inhabitants.
So, you should hire a building inspector. In the United States, most cities have a building inspector who checks projects to see if they are up to specs. That’s a good starting place. I recognize that spending several hundred dollars on a building inspector when you have just laid out every dime you can find on the down payment for a house. But it is vital to have that knowledge. You need as much certainty as possible when you are buying a house.
It is an unfortunate fact that there are builders who take shortcuts when building a home. Generally speaking, a homeowner has seven years after the home is built to bring a lawsuit for a defect. Once you are past that time, there is no possibility of a law suit. New homes look beautiful and your new neighbors will swear it is all wonderful, but they are as likely to have any training in assessing home problems as you are. Get the facts, then make your decisions. We can’t always make the right call, but we can up the odds.
This article, blog post, talks about the in’s and out’s of hiring a professional to look at your home. If you intend home ownership, I would read every word.
James Pilant
Thanks to Oakville Homes.
For those who have read this blog for some time, you will know that my main thrust is that no matter how new or old your potential home is, it is considered good practice to hire a house inspector to protect your investment. New or resale, doesn’t matter. I think, using my Mattamy experience, along with the suffering of others as an example, that I have shown, that no matter who your builder is, a house inspector is a must. Here are a few point … Read More
via Oakville Homes
An extension of what has become business as usual. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. The more attention we bring to these issues the greater the chance that honest folks will put an end to it.
Pilant's Business Ethics Blog 
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