SKIPPING A HOME INSPECTION IN THIS HOT VANCOUVER MARKET

The market is so hot with no signs of cooling down. Properties are going way above asking and subject free. 

WHAT CAN I DO?

SELLER’S DISCLOSURE – Sellers are required to fill the Property Condition Disclosure Statement. The Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS) is a disclosure of what a Seller knows about their property. 

If you could discover potential problems with a house by reading a form, you wouldn't need a home inspection, would you? The seller may not know everything that’s wrong with the house. A lot of homes are flip homes or rented, hence the seller may not know everything that's wrong with the house.

Let’s discuss in brief some of these issues that commonly show up in a Home Inspection.

• Roof Issues: 
• Until rainwater shows up in the living areas of the home, the seller has no idea the roof is bad. 
• The roof is recommended to be professionally inspected at least every 2-3 years, but majority do not.
• If a seller doesn't know his roof is failing, he won't note it on the form.

Foundation/Drainage and Grading

• Do u have a foundation crack or settlement issues? 
• Are there problematic drainage potential problems? 
• These are normally very expensive and frustrating to fix. 
• Seller(s) may have lived in the home all their lives and would believe its not an issue.

Mold In Attic

• How many people get into the attic of their homes? Most do not even know it exist.
• A lot of homes have mold issues and damage which is a health concern and expensive to fix.

Electrical Hazards

• Its amazing homeowners have been living with electrical hazards in the homes without knowing it. 
• Reverse polarity, damaged and unprofessional wiring, basements made with no GFCI’s, missing smoke alarms etc- the list goes on. 

Plumbing

• Water damage happens very quickly and often with such intensity that normally results in expensive insurance claims that can drive up your premiums.
• These may include leaky pipes and faucets, POLY B plumbing, washer and dishwasher leaks, poorly maintained shower stalls and MOLD that show up at inspections all the time 

HVAC

• HVAC means- heating, ventilation and air conditioning. 
• Most homes in Vancouver do not have air conditioning but it’s becoming more common now.
• You may have a boiler or a furnace that needs replacement or simply a service call. 

If you bought the home (and decide to forgo the inspection)- you have very little recourse. You are pretty much out of luck (and money wise). 

Hiring a lawyer will cost you a ton of legal fees with no guarantee you will win the case. Its probably cheaper to fix the problem yourself. 

The PCDS exists to help buyers make an informed decision but recognize its only part of the picture. You'll learn much more from your home inspector than you ever will from reading any sellers disclosure form.

By hiring a Home Inspector, will help you by giving you an impartial opinion of what’s wrong with the house you are putting an offer on. 

Whatever you do, always discuss with your Realtor as he/she is there to guide you all the way.

Peter Jesal is a Licensed Home Inspector and BC Approved Trainer with over 12 years’ experience and has completed thousands of inspections all over the Lower Mainland. Visit his website or call 

778.552.8095