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 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.
What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who belongs to ASHI?
Members of ASHI are independent professional home
inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and
experience requirements in the industry. Prospective
ASHI members must pass two written technical
examinations, must have performed a minimum of 250
professional fee-paid home inspections, and must
maintain their candidate status for no less than six
months. ASHI members are required to follow the
Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing
education credits in order to keep current with the
latest in building technology, materials, and
professional skills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information used
with permission from the American Society of Home
Inspectors, Inc. |
