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 drainage and retaining walls. If problems or symptoms are found the
inspector may recommend further evaluation. A home inspection is a visual inspection
to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. A home
inspection is not a warranty. A warranty can be obtained separately.
The purchase of a home is one of that largest purchases you
will make. It is important that you know as much as possible about this purchase. A
home inspector is trained to 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. An inspection
report will describe the home in detail and will highlight the areas that are problems.
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 buyers inspection would have found. The seller
can then make the repairs prior to the home going on the market.
Experience:
Find out how much experience they have or how long they have been in the business.
If they have not been performing inspections very long that does not mean that they are
not qualified, it just means that you will need to ask more questions.
Home Inspection Training:
Have they gone through any extensive training in home inspection. There are several
training companies that provide hands-on training. Also, you may ask what other
related experience the inspector has. Many inspectors have been in the building
trades for several years and have considerable knowledge of home construction.
Association Membership:
Is the inspector a member of a professional Home Inspection organization. Companies that
are affiliated with professional organizations are serious about what they do, and they
know about all the new developments in their fields. They are continually informed about
changes in the building codes and city requirements.
National Home Inspection organizations include:
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(ASHI) American Society of Home Inspectors
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(NAHI) National Association of Home Inspectors
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(NABIE) National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers
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(CREIA) California Real Estate Inspection Association
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(NIBI) National Institute of Building
Inspectors
Their are several other local organizations that provide
support for the Home Inspectors in a certain state or region. It is important that
the inspectors belong to an association and abide by a set of guidelines that require
professionalism in the industry.
Liability Insurance:
Does the inspector carry Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions
Insurance). Make sure you ask for a copy of their liability insurance policy. If you
ever need to collect on a legal judgment the inspector's insurance policy will be able to
pay on your claim. An inspector without insurance may not be able to pay your claim.
The home inspector's report will review the condition of
the home's heating system, plumbing, electrical system and central air conditioning system
(temperature permitting), as well as the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings,
floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, landscaping, and visible structure.
Each home inspection company has their own pricing
structure. Inspection fees vary based on the area of the country and the type of home or
building, the size of the home and the features of the home. Most inspectors will
charge extra for services such as radon testing, termite inspections, well and septic
inspections. A typical inspection fee for a 2,000 square foot home will vary from $190 to
$275. The cost of the inspection should not be the only 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.
Once you have purchased the home it may be very costly to repair problems that were
omitted from the inspection report.
Additional Services
Many inspectors will offer you services such as :
Radon testing: Make sure they follow the US EPA Protocols for testing
Water Testing: Ask where they take your samples.
Termite inspections: Ask their background and experience related to termite
inspections. Ask what they do for this inspection. Make sure they are not just
taking you for a ride.
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
tools 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. Most inspectors use tools that help them determine
problems. Most inspectors have performed hundreds of inspections and they are
familiar with problems with certain building materials or building styles.
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.
We recommend that you are present at the inspection.
Most inspectors will allow you to be there and ask questions after the inspection is
completed. Most inspectors will point out the area that are potential problems.
This is important because you will be able to see for yourself the extent of problems that
is sometimes hard for an inspector to convey in a report. Most inspectors will also show
you how the heating system works and show you what things will need to be maintained in
order to keep the home in good condition.
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. Your inspector will be able to
identify major problems that will be costly. 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.
These tips are provided by the Home Inspector Locator.
We provide this information in an attempt to inform the people about home
inspections. These statement comprise our opinion about home inspections and not the
opinion of the partners who host the site that you have been directed from.
