Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections
If you are new
to home buying, then you may be unfamiliar with the advantages of hiring a
quality home inspector to uncover areas of concern. A quality home inspection will provide you
with the information you need before you purchase a home. We hope that the following frequently asked
questions will help to familiarize you with the home inspection process. As always, we are here to answer any
questions you may have.
Please select one of the following topics:
When should you inspect your home?
What does a home inspection include?
Why do I need a home inspection?
How do I find a home inspector?
When do I call in the home inspector?
What if the report reveals problems?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need
an inspection?
When should you inspect your home?
You should inspect a home if you are
buying it. Purchasing a home is as much an emotional investment as a financial
one, but missed problems can turn a dream home into a nightmare. With the help
of an objective expert, make an informed decision regarding the biggest
investment you will likely ever make. Is the charming slope in the floor a sign
of structural failure? Know before you buy and are faced with unexpected
expenses.
If you are SELLING a home Full
disclosure: Demonstrate you did all you can to reveal any concerns within the
home. Also, discover these areas before the buyer, and you can have your own
cost estimates rather than dealing with a buyer's inflated estimates. Top
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective
visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the
roof to the foundation. Top
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report
will cover 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 structural components.
The International Association of Certified
Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) publishes a Standards of
Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered
in your home inspection report.
Top
Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest
single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and
unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the
newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may
identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need
for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know
more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home
inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures
that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home,
a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put
the house in better selling condition.
Top
What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical
one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly,
within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of
factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services
such as septic, well or radon testing.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding
whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home
inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is
well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a
bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and
professional affiliations as a guide.
Top
Can I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner
lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An
inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper
installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s
systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they
fail.
Above all, most buyers find it
difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they
really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate
information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a
professional in the field of home inspection. Top
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is
an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal,
which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies
local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a
house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components
and systems may need major repair or replacement. Top
How do I find a home inspector?
You can ask friends or business
acquaintances to recommend a home inspector they have used. Or, you can use the
Find An Inspector search tool for a list of home
inspectors in your area who belong to the non-profit professional organization.
Also, real estate agents and brokers are familiar with the service and may be
able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you can
be assured of your home inspector’s commitment to professional standards and
business ethics by choosing one who has membership in InterNACHI
(International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). Top
When do I call in
the home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is
contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed.
Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract,
making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a
professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and
conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Top
Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be
present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to
observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the
home and how to maintain it. Top
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector
identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house,
only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or
if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information
will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to
make repairs. Top
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need
an inspection?
Absolutely, now you can complete your
home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new
home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for
future reference. Top
