I'm about to sell my house and then buy another, and my sale depends on the buyer having a house inspection done. What does the inspection entail and how does this differ from a house assessment, which we had done before moving into this place 30 years ago.

A home inspection is distinctly different from a building and property assessment / appraisal. For instance, an appraiser helps to establish the current approximate value or worth of a particular property. Private individuals and lending institutions are the most common clients for appraisers. Their most frequently used services are to establish the immediate value of a property for a vendor or a purchaser. But more often it is a bank or lending institution that needs an appraiser’s opinion on the market value of a property. This professional opinion on value is used by the lender to establish the amount they are prepared to risk on a loan. As well, professional appraisers often provide property appraisals to establish current property values for expropriations, court cases, or business mergers. In other words, a property appraisal is all about establishing value in an ever changing market place.

The function of a building inspection is quite different. An inspector is wise to avoid discussions about the value or the market price of a building or property. This is a subject best left to appraisers and realtors. The function of an inspector is most often compared to the role of a doctor. At the end of a home inspection a good inspector should be able to identify the apparent major and minor weaknesses, faults and flaws in a building. But, like a doctor, the inspector should also be prepared to provide a variety of cures for a wide range of building failures. As well, the inspector’s prescriptions should be tailored to the needs of the property, the building and the client. Recommendations should be practical, appropriate and affordable for the person who will undertake the repairs. This is where an inspector’s years of hands-on construction and inspection experience are invaluable.

The thought of having a home inspection is often terrifying for a home owner. Of course, we all anticipate that there will be problems. Every house, newer or older has defects; there is no such thing as the flawless house.  However, an experienced and well trained inspector will also observe and discuss the strengths, features and highlights of a home with a client because it is important to provide the potential purchaser with a balanced assessment of a building. In other words, defects should always be put in a broader context that helps the purchaser make an informed decision.             

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This article was written by Steven Cannon, a Registered Building Official and partner in Lynch Building Inspection Services Ltd. of Nelson, British Columbia. It originally appeared in The Nelson Express.

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