So you had a home inspection done. You have now asked the seller to make certain repairs before you close the deal and buy the house. However, how will you know if these changes were done or not? That is where re-inspections come in. It is essentially a home inspection Ontario inspectors conduct, but this time to check specific areas that were repaired.  

As needed as they may be, re-inspections can drive a rift between the seller and buyer. Moreover, it may be an inconvenience in terms of money and time. So, can you avoid it altogether? Yes, you can, and here’s how.

Do the repairs yourself

Perhaps the best way to avoid a re-inspection and seed of doubt lead to it by doing the repairs yourself. No, it does not mean you should pay for it. Some sellers are open to giving you credit for the required repairs. This way, you can have your trusted people do the work or do it yourself if that’s your style. Either way, you can avoid the extra expense and time needed for a re-inspection. Seller, too, benefit from this because they can get the responsibility off from their chest. 

Explain the repairs

One of the reasons for incomplete repairs or needing a re-inspection is confusion regarding the required repair. While a well-written inspection report is easy to understand, if you or the seller has any questions, you need to clear it. Moreover, the seller may not always know the right way of fixing it and may try to cut costs through adjustments. Avoid that by being specific about what changes, you need and how they need to be done. This needs to be included in your sale agreement amendment to prevent any confusion later. In most cases, the original home inspector can help explain the repairs to you and the seller to ensure you take care of them properly. 

Request for a building permit

Most repairs that follow a home inspection require a building permit. So, get one. Doing so will have a seller follow the rules and guidelines as required by the license. Moreover, you can be assured that the authority will inspect the place during and after the repairs. Furthermore, this also leaves the re-inspection costs, if needed, on the seller’s account. If you find that the repairs don’t need such a permit, the seller should not be doing them in the first place.

When re-inspections are necessary

We conduct re-inspections mainly to have no doubts about the new place before moving in. We want to be sure it is safe for us and our family. While it is an added expense, you should not avoid them when it comes to certain repairs, even if you are doing it yourself or having a trusted individual do it for you. They are: 

  • Non-cosmetic repairs [leaking roofs, damaged foundation, plumbing leaks, etc.]
  • HVAC and CO detector repairs 
  • Problems in the attic or crawl space
  • Issues with well and septic system
  • Mold growth or pest infestations

Conclusion

Home inspections are costly enough for buyers when they are set on getting their dream house. Re-inspections are added costs that they can avoid with a few steps. By getting your trusted handyman or repairmen working on the repairs, you can be assured that everything is going as you need it to. However, whether you do it or the seller, you need to be clear about the repairs to avoid unnecessary reworks. Have a talk with your home inspector, get their suggestions and tips before you take up any repair work. Doing so will save you a lot of time and effort. Above all, you can avoid re-inspections when they are not necessary.