The triumph of finding the Edmonton home that's perfect for you and your family can often be short lived, as problems inevitably arise once you get the home inspection done. The list you're presented by the inspector is generally heavy on problems and light on solutions, since giving detailed instructions on how to remedy the problems found with your house is not the inspector's job. If you're serious about buying the home, a few problems on the inspection need not be a deal breaker. You can turn to independent contractors for solutions.

When you're thinking about having repairs done to a house, whether it's the Markham, Ontario real estate you've owned for years or the home you like but haven't yet bought, always cast a wide net when it comes to building contractors. The best place to find reliable contractors is to ask friends who have recently had work done. If you're moving into a new area this isn't always possible, so in this case you might turn to the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for their listings and some references.

Getting work done is bound to be expensive, but you need not simply accept the extravagant estimate presented to you by your cousin who builds decks for Brampton homes for sale. Most contractors give free estimates, so contact as many as you think necessary for second and third opinions. A sure sign of a reasonable price is if several different contractors arrive at a similar figure. Be wary of figures much higher or much lower than the rest, as it may indicate gouging or a contractor who cuts corners.

When you own the home already, you have no option but to pay for the work yourself if you want the repairs done. However when you're in negotiations to buy the home from the owner, problems with the home inspection can be used as an excuse to return to the negotiating table. If there are other homes in the MLS Durham Region that you would find acceptable and the seller is desperate for a deal, you can threaten to walk away if the seller does not have the repairs done.

However, for those of you who are desperate to move out of your Toronto condominiums into THIS particular house, a softer pitch of negotiating down the price of the home (less the needed repairs) or at least offering to split the cost of repairs with the current home owners might be a better choice. Follow the advice of your real estate agent, since every deal is different, but do make sure you get something for the trouble you'll be shouldering.