What is an inspection?
A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. Home buyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase.
In most cases, home inspections are performed after a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection, has been accepted by the seller. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately to within a few days. The home buyer is typically encouraged to attend the inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home. It also represents an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes.
Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector's observations or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser anxieties, and provide useful repair suggestions.
The home inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector's role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection is completed, a written report will be prepared for the home buyer, documenting the results of the inspection.
The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner's warranty.
A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. As a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the National Association of Home Inspectors® (NAHI®).
Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry on the whole is unregulated and many unqualified people offer home inspection services.
Why use an inspector?
An inspection can save you thousands of dollars by making you aware of major or minor repairs that the home is in need of. In some cases may even tell you that the home needs much more money in repairs than you can afford or are willing to put into it. It is far better to know before falling into a money pit.
Another reason is that some of the repairs might be the responsibility of the seller. For example if we find a leaky roof your lawyer might be able to require having it repaired or re-negotiate the selling price. Same goes for if we find leaks in the plumbing or bad boiler or furnace. These are just some of the items that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. The cost of the inspection is miniscule to the purchase price of a home yet Priceless in the headaches you may avoid.
What questions should I ask an inspector
The Company
1. What is your experience in the industry?
2. What type of inspections can you provide?
3. Do you have professional Liability insurance?
4. Do you have Errors & Omissions insurance?
5. Do you encourage the client to attend the inspection?
6. How soon can you typically schedule an inspection?
7. How long will the inspection take?
8. Do you follow the NAHI Standards of Practice, and provide a copy of the standards?
The Inspector
1. Are you experienced in residential inspections?
2. Are you a certified member of the National Association of Home Inspectors® (NAHI®)?
The Report
1. How much will the inspection cost?
2. What will the inspection report include?
3. Is the report hand written or computer based?
4. How soon is the report available?
5. Can we see a sample of your report?
6. Does the report conform to NAHI® Standards?
