The Benefits of a home inspector during renovations

Undertaking home renovations can be costly and confusing at times. Unfortunate; they can also be risky. As a technically knowledgeable "neutral" party, a professional home inspector can advise you on important decisions to help ensure a successful project - that meets your needs and your budget. A home inspector works for you, and does not perform renovations or represent any renovation firm. The inspector helps protect your renovation investment, possibly saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Get new innovative ideas

A home inspector is up-to-date on the ever changing renovation field. Innovations in materials and methods can help bring added comfort and flexibility to your home projects. Learn more about what's available and the right questions to ask your contractor.

Assess your family needs

A home inspector can help you plan for renovations that meet the demands and challenges of your family. Are you approaching your golden years, or planning to stay in your house after retirement? Many renovations can be planned with senior's needs, mobility and accessability in mind, ensuring your house will meet your needs well into the future. Children and persons with handicaps have special needs as well that can be addressed in your renovations plans.

Protect your investment

Knowing how to select and work with contractors is critical to a successful project. All to often though the end result is far from what we expect and a dispute evolves. A home inspector can help you select potential contractors. Learn the right questions to ask and learn how to protect yourself from unscrupulous or shady individuals.

Learn about different materials that can make your home a healthy home

Find out how your project can be adapted to meet the needs of seniors, children or those with mobility impairments

Learn the right questions to ask prospective contractors, and how to avoid the fly-by-night operators.

Evaluate quotes to ensure that all of your needs are addressed. Missing items will usually show up latter as cost over-runs.

Ensure that you have the proper permits and insurance, and that all legal requirements are met.

Help prepare a contract based on your requirements and the quotation. A good contract is your best assurance of a job well done, and your best protection should things fall off the rails. Don't underestimate the importance of the contract - find out what must be included.

Inspect your renovation during and after completion to ensure that your plans have been met, with the right materials and the right methods, legally and safely.

Make your project a successful job that you will be pleased with for years to come, without the stress and worry experienced by many.

This information is provided for your general interest and is not intended to be technically exhaustive. Please consult a professional inspector to obtain an assessment of your particular situation. Provided by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association and Town & Country Residential Inspection Service. www.home-inspection-service.ca Tel: (613) 829-4900 or toll-free 1-866-522-5252