What is
a "Home Inspection?"
•A home inspection is a visual examination of
the physical structure and systems of a home. If you are thinking of buying a
house, co-op, or condominium, you should have it properly inspected before the
final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional home inspector.
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Why do
I need a home inspection?
•The purchase of a home is probably the
largest single investment you will ever make. You should know exactly what to
expect - both indoors and out - in terms of repair and maintenance and their
costs. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Water
marks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem or may be simply
the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other
clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the
property before you buy, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises
afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection
will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the
inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are
about to purchase, and you will be able to make your decision confidently. If
you have owned your home for a period of time, a home inspection can identify
problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid
future repairs.
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What
does a home inspection include?
•A complete home inspection
includes a visual examination of the house from top to bottom. The inspector
examines the heating system, the central air conditioning system, the interior
plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls,
ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible
structure.
For more in depth descriptions, see our Comprehensive List
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Can’t I do it myself?
•Even the most experienced
homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who
has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands of homes in his career. An inspector
is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the
proper installation, maintenance and interrelationships of those elements. Above
all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and
unemotional about the house they really want, and this may lead to a poor
assessment.
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How
much does an inspection cost?
•The inspection fee varies depending
upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, age, special
structures, etc. A typical home will cost at least $275 to $325 for a quality
inspection.Some inspection companies charge much less, but this could be a sign
of an inexperienced inspector or a substandard inspection.
•Cost should not be a factor in
the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. You might save many times
the cost of the inspection if you are able to renegotiate the purchase price
based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your lawyer for
guidance.
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Can a
house "fail" inspection?
•No. A professional home inspection is
simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is
not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore,
will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and
indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future major repair or
replacement.
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What do I look for in a home inspector?
•Ask the history of the inspectors
experience.
•Make sure the
inspector does not handle repairs - that creates a conflict of interest.
•Ask if you can accompany the inspector - buyers and sellers should be
welcome to watch.
•Ask for a written report of the results.
•Look for an
inspector who has Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance, which will protect
you if it can be proven that the inspector was negligent.
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How
long does an inspection take?
•For a professional , thorough, home
inspection, a typical home will take 3 to 4 hours to inspect, depending on the
size and number of problems discovered.
A standard home inspection
covers the major systems of the home, which includes:
Structural - Roof - Plumbing - Heating & Cooling
- Electrical
Plus the
secondary components of the home which includes:
Doors - Windows - Fireplaces - Appliances - Insulation - Interior & Exterior
Finishes
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Why should a buyer get an inspection?
•Purchasing
a home is usually the biggest investment a person will ever make. It only
makes sense to know the condition of the property prior to consumating the
purchase. New homes are no exception. We frequently find more
problems with new homes than with resale homes.
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Can
the buyer attend the inspection?
•Absolutely, in fact we encourage
it. The inspection is an opportunity to ask a lot of questions and get
answers from someone "in the know."
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How does a buyer find an inspector?
•Most buyers rely
on their real estate agent to refer an inspector. This usually works well,
but a few agents have their own motives as top priority and may refer inspectors
that will not discover the real problems with the home.
It is in the buyer's
best interest to research the inspectors referred by the agent and select the
inspector based on the inspector's experience.
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What
will the inspection cover?
•A thorough Inspection covers everything
from roof to the foundation.
Items that are included in the Inspection are
as follows:
| Attic
|
Insulation
|
Ventilation |
| Roof &
Flashings |
Gutters |
Basement |
| Crawlspace |
Foundation |
Grading |
| Retaining
Walls |
Siding &
Trim |
Driveways &
Walks |
| Ceilings |
Floors |
Walls
|
| Doors &
Windows |
Chimney |
Fireplace |
| Major
Appliances |
Electrical System
|
Water
Heater |
| Plumbing
System |
Air
Conditioning |
Heating |
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What if I have questions after the inspection?
•You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home
whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.
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If you have another question that is not listed here, please email us
by clicking on the "Contact Us" link below or call us at (402) 210-6303.
