What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection
of the structure and components of a home to find items
that are not performing correctly or items that are
unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found
the home inspector will include a description of the
problem in a written report and may recommend further
evaluation.
Why is a home
inspection important?
Home Buyers:
Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it
hard to imagine any problems with their new
home. Before buying, you as the buyer
should do a home inspection to find out all the
problems possible with the home before moving
in.
Home
Sellers: More and more sellers are
choosing to have a thorough inspection before or
when they first list their home. First and
foremost, you should have a home inspection for
full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that
you did all you could do to reveal any defects
within the home.
Second, you will save money
and hassle by knowing now what your defects are,
not after you have already negotiated a price
and are faced with costly repairs discovered on
the buyers inspection. Defects found before the
buyer comes along allow you to shop around for a
contractor and not deal with inflated estimates
that a buyer will present.
What if the report reveals
problems?
All homes (even new construction) have problems.
Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary
from a simple fix of the component to adjusting
the purchase price. Having a home inspection
allows the problem to be addressed before the
sale closes.
What does a home inspection
include?
A home inspector's report will review the
condition of the home's heating system, central
air conditioning system (temperature
permitting), interior plumbing and electrical
systems; the roof, attic, and visible
insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and
doors; the foundation, basement, and visible
structure. Many inspectors will also offer
additional services not included in a typical
home inspection, such as mold, radon and water
testing. Call us today for a list of qualified
and experienced inspectors.
What should
I NOT expect from a home inspection?
A home inspection is not
protection against future failures. A home
inspection tells you the condition of the
home at the time the home was
inspected.
A home inspection is not an appraisal that
determines the value of a home. Nor will a home
inspector tell you if you should buy this home
or what to pay for this home.
A home inspection is not a code inspection,
which verifies local building code compliance. A
home inspector will not pass or fail a house.
Should I attend the
home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home
inspector can explain in person and answer any
questions you may have. This is an excellent way
to learn about your new home even if no problems
are found. But be sure to give the home
inspector time and space to concentrate and
focus so he can do the best job possible for
you.