Home Inspector for PDI?

[smartsexystylish]

Hey Everyone,

I was asked just now (by another forum member) if we will be getting a home inspector to go with us for the PDI.

We haven't put much thought into it really but I guess we should.

My question to you is, Are you going to hire one for your PDI? (Why and why not)

It looks like it will be around $400 (And yes, for piece of mind $400 isn't really that much but I still want to get my pros and con's!)

Thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!

[Gillian & Mike]

Hey Everyone,

I was asked just now (by another forum member) if we will be getting a home inspector to go with us for the PDI.

If you go on the Milton discussion forum, there are good thoughts on this. Pretty much what it boiled down to was that you should have an inspector go through the home prior to the one year mark and prior to submitting your Tarion year evaluation form.

We won't be getting an inspector until then. They said that sometimes on your PDI, things will not be connected, such as your gas. Therefore, they can't do a full inspection.

Really I think it is a personal choice whether you do it on the PDI or wait until later on but before on year being in the house.

[Alex&Vanessa]

The guy that is recommended on the Milton Forum, DOESN'T do a home inspection on the PDI he assists you in completing the PDI form, there are some things that have to be reported on the PDI form and if not the builder does not have to do anything about it,

I bought a new build condo and I missed alot of things on the PDI and had to fix it all myself, I rather spend a few bucks and get it done right

The guy I mention does have a package deal listed on the Milton Forum

http://www.haltoninspections.com/main.htm

[justmed]

I just got off the phone with Andy from the Halton inspections...

very personalble guy.

Anyways, if you get the PDI from him, you MUST get the home inspection too, its part of the package deal.

He explained the PDI and he would be looking for more structural stuff, and shotty taping etc that would be a concern. Dings in the hardwood, chips in the tiling etc. Stuff we might not see.

He usually doesnt travel out of the Halton region but would add 50 bucks for travel / gas etc to the posted cost.

Then with the home inspection at 30 days or a year or both you'd get a book that would cover everything, he'd help you fill out the Tarion forms and actually get up on the roof / attic since he technically cant with the PDI since its not our property. Mostly with the PDI he is an extra set of eyes with a knowledge of builders / what they do.

We're going to do it. 5-600 bucks overall is worth not having thousands of dollars in headaches in 2 years

[oakvillehomes]

Considering that a home is one of the largest investments you will make, spending money on a house inspector would be a smart move. In my case, my children were put at risk by Mattamy Homes because I got talked out of hiring a house inspector. Do not depend on the local municipality for an impartial and professional inspection.

For the whole story, visit www.oakvillehomes.wordpress.com

[Dave]

Considering that a home is one of the largest investments you will make, spending money on a house inspector would be a smart move. In my case, my children were put at risk by Mattamy Homes because I got talked out of hiring a house inspector. Do not depend on the local municipality for an impartial and professional inspection.

For the whole story, visit www.oakvillehomes.wordpress.com (http://www.oakvillehomes.wordpress.com)


Would you care to provide a synopsis?

[oakvillehomes]

Re a synopsis:

When I bought the home, I did my PDI on the closing day amongst a number of workman finishing off the house. While touring the home (no electrical power), I noticed that the furnace was wired in an odd way. The electrical wire (normal inside house wire) was strung below the basement joists, through a hole in the basement wall and across a walkway (used by family and workmen) and through a hole in the basement of an adjoining, unoccupied house. I made a comment that this wasn't legal and the Mattamy representative pointed to the permit on the furnace (signed by a Town of Oakville Inspector) and stated it had been inspected and was legal. Not being an electrician, who am I to argue.

Later research showed this was highly illegal and dangerous to my familly and anyone walking on the walkway. Although the town did nothing (Mayor Ann Mulvale was actively pursuing donations from Mattamy Homes), the building department is on record stating that they would not allow this (they did) and would not issue an occupancy permit under these circumstances. Thus Mattamy Homes was able to close a sale with illegal methods that put my children at risk.

I can't mention other matters due to a gag order but, based on my experience and the experience of others I would highly recommend a house inspector, no matter who the builder was. On top of an inspection during the PDI, I would recommend having it written into the purchase that a house inspector be able to monitor the construction. It will cost more but, at least you will know exactly what is behind the walls and how it was put together. A friend of mine always wondered why his one staircase was cold until he took the wall down and found no insulation - City of Missisauga told him it was too late to complain.

I wanted to hire a house inspector but was talked out of it. Instead of that extra upgrade (it can always be put in later and probably cheaper too) spend the money on an investment that will save you grief in the future.

Remember, it is your house, your investment and a builder still wants to maintain its profit; so the only person who will protect YOUR investment is someone YOU hire to watch over the guy selling YOU something.

The longer version is at www.oakvillehomes.wordpress.com

[babymaeby]

Wow - we were blogged about today...

http://oakvillehomes.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/mill-pond-post-an-interesting-forum/

That's a first. At least he said nice things about us.