As exciting as the thought of buying and moving into a new home is, it can also be a little scary. Unless it’s a brand new build covered under a Tarion warranty, every house has a history of some kind, and that can create stress for buyers. We’ve all heard horror stories about properties with major defects that weren’t discovered until after closing when it was too late. The good news is there are steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure the house you’re looking at is as sound as it appears to be.

For example, one of the most common action steps is having a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified professional. But how do you interpret the results once you get them? In this post, we’re sharing what you should look for in a home inspection report.

Do you have more questions about buying a home in Toronto’s West End? Download our Complete Guide to Buying a Home in West Toronto right here.

1) Foundation cracks

A home’s foundation is crucial to its structural integrity. These types of problems can be an absolute dealbreaker no matter how low the price is. For this reason, your inspector will look closely at it during their assessment. That said, some cracks are far more serious than others.

Vertical cracks are common and not usually something to worry too much about. Often, they’re more an indication of the house settling rather than a foundation issue. Horizontal cracks are a different story. They are more likely to be indicative of potential future problems, and expensive ones at that! Even if the foundation doesn’t fail completely, cracks can still cause other damage throughout the house, including doors and windows that won’t open and close properly.

When in doubt, follow up on your results. In some cases, your inspector may advise bringing in a specialist who can paint a clearer picture. Alternatively, talk to your real estate agent about finding another listing – minus the structural damage.

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Where in the West End should you begin the search for your new home? The posts below will give you some ideas:

• Best Neighbourhoods In Toronto For Young Families
• 5 Reasons To Love Living in Swansea
• Why The Junction is Perfect For Families

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2) Faulty Wiring

When you’re purchasing a home, it’s essential to know what to look for in a home inspection report. One of the most critical steps is to ensure that the electrical wiring is up to code. This is far more serious than a cosmetic issue like old paint or out-of-date wallpaper. If a house has electrical problems, you could be looking at a potential safety hazard.

One thing to be on the lookout for in your inspection report is knob-and-tube wiring. This outdated method doesn’t always pose a danger, but issues can arise if a previous owner tries to repair it on their own. Homeowners may also find that knob-and-tube wiring is more difficult or expensive to insure. Think carefully before purchasing a home that’s been wired this way, and make sure you know your insurance options before placing an offer.

3) Grading Issues

Grading issues are probably the last thing on your mind when you’re evaluating a potential home. That said, the slope of a piece of land can have a significant impact on a home’s drainage, as well as its foundation.

Unfortunately, improper grading can make a property more prone to flooding, which can mean more than the inconvenience of a wet basement. In some circumstances, foundation leakage and even mold may arise.

You might be able to fix a minor negative grade by adding more soil to allow moisture to drain away from the foundation. An extensive slope could require installing drains or water retention tanks, which could get costly. Our advice? Read the section of your home inspection report that deals with grading carefully, and talk to your inspector if you have any questions.

Are you on the house hunt? Read our post about 5 Little Known Things to Look for When Touring a Home right here.

4) Roof Damage

Your roof protects you from the elements, which is why a severely damaged one is a major red flag. This crucial component can cost thousands of dollars to replace. That’s why you should pay special attention to any notes in your inspection report that deal with the age and condition of a home’s roof.

How old is the roof, when was the last time it was repaired, and are there any signs of water damage? If any major issues are found, you may choose to pass on buying the property, make repairing it a condition of your purchase, or negotiate with the sellers for a lower price.

5) HVAC Problems

A functioning heating and air-conditioning system is a must in our Canadian climate. Without it, you may have long, sleepless nights sweltering away in the summer while everyone shivers in the cold all winter.

HVAC problems won’t just mean the temperature is never quite right, but they can also be very costly to repair or replace. If the heating and cooling system has been poorly-maintained, it could also have a major negative impact on your energy bills.

Your inspection report will help you understand the functionality of a home’s HVAC system, and you should carefully consider this information before making a purchase decision. If any significant problems are discovered during the inspection process, you may choose to use it during negotiations. Alternatively, you can move on to the next home on your list.

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Have you found a home you love that passes a home inspection with flying colours? The resources below can help you make it your own:

• Variable Versus Fixed Mortgages: What to Know When Rates Change
• Innovative Strategies To Make Toronto Real Estate More Affordable
• What Buyers and Sellers Should Know About Bank Appraisals

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A home inspection report can be a useful tool when you’re thinking about purchasing a piece of property. The more data you have, the more informed your purchase will be. Fortunately, an experienced real estate agent can help you find a qualified inspector. If the market allows it, we might even add an inspection contingency to your offer to protect you if any major defects are found.

Preparing to buy a home? We know the process inside and out, and we’d love to walk you through it! Get in touch at info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to get started.