Please select one of the following
topics:
What is
a home inspection?
What does a home
inspection include?
Why do I need a home
inspection?
What will it
cost?
Can’t
I do it myself?
Can a house fail
inspection?
When
do I call in the home inspector?
Do I have to be
there?
What if the report
reveals problems?
If the house proves
to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
What is a home inspection?
A
home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical
structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home
inspection report or home inspection service is the equivalent of a
physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms of
problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation
or remedies, making the home inspection cost well worth it.
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What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection report summarizes findings
from a visual inspection of the condition of the subject home’s
heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature
permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic,
and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors;
foundation, basement, and the visible structures of the home.
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Why do I need a home
inspection?
A home inspection summarizes the condition
of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies
areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers
depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of
the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing
an agreement for sale or purchase.
A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as
well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good
shape. After an inspection, both parties have a much clearer
understanding of the value and needs of the property.
For homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in
the making and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid
costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, an
inspection prior to placing your home on the market provides a
better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the
buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make repairs
that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers.
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What will it cost?
Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by
geography, size and features of the property, and age of the home.
Additionally, services such as septic inspections and radon testing
may be warranted depending upon the individual property. Prices
vary. It is a good idea to check local prices in your area as you
consider a professional home inspection.
Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection or
selecting an inspector you are comfortable with – knowledge gained
from an inspection is well worth the time and expense. The
lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The
inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important
consideration in your selection.
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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. A professional home inspector has the
experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and
informed report of the condition of a property. An inspector is
familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper
installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the
home's systems and components are intended to function together, as
well as how and why they fail and knows what to look for and is
uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the
condition of the property.
Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional
about the house they really want, and this may affect their
judgment. For the most accurate information about the condition of a
home, always obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in
the field of home inspection.
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Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of
the current condition of your home. It is not an appraisal, which
determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies
compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector will not
pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical
condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or
replacement.
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When do I call in the home
inspector?
Before you sign the contract or purchase
agreement, make your purchase obligation contingent upon the
findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should
specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Contact a home inspector immediately after the contract or purchase
agreement has been signed. Home inspectors are aware of the time
constraints involved in purchase agreements and most are available
to conduct the required inspection within a few days.
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Do I have to be there?
While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always
recommended that you make time to join the inspector for their
visit. This allows you to observe the inspector, ask questions as
you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and
how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with the
inspector, you will find the written report easier to
understand.
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What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies
problems, it does not indicate you should not buy the house. His
findings serve to educate you in advance of the purchase about the
condition of the property. A seller may adjust the purchase price or
contract terms if major problems are discovered during an
inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be
involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely
valuable.
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If the house proves to be in good
condition, did I really need an inspection?
Yes. Now
you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the
condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. From
the inspection, you will have learned many things about your new
home, and will want to keep that information for future
reference.
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Learn More About Home Inspection with this Interactive Video from ASHI
