A walk-through inspection is not a comprehensive home inspection with a report! It is a much more informal inspection than my usual property inspections. As a result, I perform a visual inspection the same as for a comprehensive inspection of the home/building and provide you with comments summarizing my observations. However, I do not provide you with a written report with photographs as I would do with a comprehensive inspection.
Most Affordable Inspection
A walk-through is also very affordable. This type of inspection is mainly for a client who does not (at this point) want a full home inspection. Because a walk-through inspection is less formal, I do not adhere to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice. You will need to be present at the walkthrough because I do not generate a written report. I communicate my observations orally to you.
If you cannot attend the inspection
However, if you can’t be present during the walk-through, I will generate a checklist during the walk-through by using specialised software for your information.
Agreement
However, we will need to have a Walk-through Inspection Agreement with each other. This is to protect me against liability as a result of deviating from the requirements of the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
Do you believe that you are protected by buying from a reputable developer or builder? Will you be able to identify all the snags without a professional snag inspection?
What buyers don’t realise is that other building contractors subcontract to the developer or builder. Both the developer and builders are under pressure to complete the units or homes within a contractual timeframe. Often, the builders take shortcuts resulting in best building practices falling by the wayside.
In addition, most new homebuyers believe the NHBRC, bank and municipal building inspectors provide them with this sort of protection.
This is not the case!
Inspectors duties
Bank inspectors
Your bank inspector determines the market value of property, land, and improvements for the bank. Therefore, the inspector is not concerned with the state of the property unless it affects the value of the property. If the valuation is within bank requirements, you will qualify for the bank loan. They don’t issue the builder or developer with a snag or punch list!
Municipal Building Inspectors
The municipal building inspectors check your building to ensure it complies with approved construction drawings, local bylaws and zoning regulations. In addition, they are also responsible for ensuring compliance with local and national building regulations. They will issue an occupation cetificate if they judge that the building is compliant. Snags and defects to finishes are not their problem!
Engineers
Structural engineers inspect and evaluate the structures of your home only. These are the foundations, slabs, walls and roof. They are not concerned with the snags and defects in installations and finishes which make up more than half the value of your house.
NHBRC inspectors
NHBRC inspectors inspect all new homes to check that the builder is complying with the NHBRC requirements on-site
The NHBRC Warranty Fund covers you against major and defined structural defects for up to five years. Enrolling your new home with the NHBRC is a statutory requirement. Theoretically, this affords you protection against contractors who deliver substandard design, workmanship and poor-quality materials.
As a new homeowner, you have the right to instruct your developer or builder with a snag list or punch list to rectify shoddy and defective work. This includes non-compliance or deviation from the terms, plans and specifications of your building agreement with him.
However, all the required NHBRC inspections are seldom done.
