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Home Inspection Q & A
A home inspection is an objective visual analysis of a homes structure and systems. An inspection will determine the areas of a home that are not performing properly, items that are beyond their useful life, or are unsafe. Inspections will include areas of the homes interior and exterior from the roof to the foundation and the exterior. If problems or symptoms are found they are noted in a detailed written report that is delivered to you after the onsite inspection is performed. All this information can then be evaluated by you, so you can make an informed decision. A home inspection is a visual inspection to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection and is not considered to be technically exhaustive. A home inspection is not a warranty. WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION? The purchase of a home is one of the largest investments you will make. It is important that you know as much as possible about this purchases. I will be able to evaluate the home in detail and give you a report that will allow you to make a good decision about purchasing the home. My inspection report will describe the home in detail and will highlight areas of concern. Home inspections are a good idea even if you are already a homeowner. We all get physical checkups - why not give your home a checkup. Many homeowners are living in homes that have serious problems that if identified early can save considerable repair costs. Water leaks can cause serious and costly problems but if they are caught early can be repaired at little cost. A home inspection will also give you an outline of the routine maintenance that needs to be done to the home. Home sellers will want an inspection to find problems that a buyer’s inspection would have found. The seller can then make the repairs prior to the home going on the market. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE? I will look at all the systems of your home regardless of size or age. Then deliver a detailed report with several digital photos illustrating the conditions I observed. The report will be e- mailed within 24 hour and or mailed printed copy of the report along with a CD containing the file and additional digital photos. The CD will contain other useful documents that will aid you with maintenance and other health and safety concerns that come with home ownership. WHAT WILL A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION COST? Inspection fees vary based on type of home or building, the size of the home and the features of the home. Additional services such as radon testing and water quality tests are subject to additional charges. The cost of the inspection should not be a consideration for hiring an inspector. A good inspection that informs you of all the potential problems in a home is worth the money. A bargain inspector may give you an inferior report. Generally, you get what you pay for and there is no reason to take chances on such a large investment. Once you have purchased the home it may be very costly to repair problems that were omitted from an inferior inspection report. CAN I DO AN INSPECTION MYSELF? Most home buyers will look at a home that they want to purchase and look for reasons to purchase the home. The prospective home buyer is not able to look at the home with the unbiased critical eye that a home inspector will. Even a home buyer with construction experience does not have the knowledge and experience that a home inspector has. A good inspector is trained and experienced in finding the clues in a home that indicate problems. These clues are sometimes very subtle and hard to find. WHEN PURCHASING A HOME - WHEN SHOULD I CALL FOR A HOME INSPECTION? When purchasing a home you will want to have the home inspected within a few days after the purchase agreement is signed. You will want to make sure you have a clause in your purchase agreement that allows you to have an inspection and that you have the right to terminate the agreement if you find the home in unsatisfactory condition. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. 10-14 days is typical. SHOULD I BE THERE DURING THE INSPECTION? I recommend that you are present at the inspection. I urge you to be there and ask questions. After the inspection is completed I will go over the report in rough form so you will have time to absorb all the information. I will point out the areas that are potential problems. This is important because you will be able to see for yourself the extent of problems. I will also show you how some of the systems work and show you what things will need to be maintained in order to keep the home in good condition. WHAT IF THE INSPECTION REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS? Relax, almost all homes will show problems. Even new construction homes will have problems noted on an inspection report. This is why we recommend an inspection even for new construction. The reports purpose is to inform you of the condition of your home. Opinions vary greatly as to which conditions noted are acceptable “as is”, or could cost you a lot of money now, or down the road. No house is perfect. Minor problems are to be expected and can be repaired after closing. Major problems may require a negotiation between you and the seller as to how to fix the problems. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If the problems are costly you will be able to make your decision about purchasing the home with the proper knowledge about the future cost of that home. Now you can take some time to absorb the conditions reported and evaluate how to remedy them. Talk over your concerns with your Realtor. Get quotes for the repairs. The terms of this sale are in your control, you don’t have to bend to the pressure of the sale if you don’t feel comfortable. |