Home Inspection 

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Any home you buy, old or new, home, condo, cooperative, or townhouse should be thoroughly inspected by qualified professionals. You may ask why we recommend this.  The main reason is that an inspection may reveal major defects that would have an effect on your safety or the value of the home. Cosmetic upgrades may be covering major structural, plumbling and/or electrical defects. Give yourself the peace of mind that the home you are considering will be "Home Sweet Home".

As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don't take for granted what you see and what the seller or the listing agent tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition. It will give you a much better understanding of the physical condition of the structure than would otherwise be known. Inspections usually take between 2-3 hours.

The following areas should be visually inspected

Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you should go along with the inspector during inspection. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully.

You have to demand an inspection when you present your offer. It must be written in as a contingency; if you do not approve the inspection report, then you don't buy. Most real estate contracts automatically provide an inspection contingency

home inspector

 


A good home inspector is

Inspections are not a warranty and the inspections is limited to the condition of the house at the time of the inspection and to what is visually accessible.

Questions and Answers

WHAT IS A "HOME INSPECTION"?
 A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check up.  If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector will refer you to the appropriate specialist or tradesperson for further evaluation.

Q. Why do I need a home inspection?
 The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and will be able to make a confident buying decision.

If you have owned your home for a long time, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. In addition, home sellers may opt for having an inspection prior to placing the home on the market to gain a better understanding of conditions which the buyer's inspector may point out. This provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Q. What will it cost?
 The inspection fee for a typical one family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own.

However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.

Q. Can I do it myself?
 Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with all the elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate picture, it is best to obtain an impartial third party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Q. Can a house fail inspection?
 No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verities local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

Q. How do I find a home inspector?
The best source is a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance, who has been satisfied with, and can recommend, a home inspector they have used. In addition, the names of local inspectors can be found in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service". Real estate agents are also generally familiar with the service, and should be able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.

Whatever your referral source, be sure to ascertain the home inspector's professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics before you make your selection. You can do this by checking with the local consumer affairs office or Better Business Bureau, as well as by verifying the inspector's membership in a reputable professional association.

Since there are no licensing requirements for home inspectors [except in Texas], you will want to make certain that such an association has a set of nationally recognized practice standards and a code of ethics. This provides members with professional inspection guidelines, and prohibits them from engaging in any conflict of interest activities which might compromise their objectivity, such as using the inspection as a means to obtain home repair contracts.

The association should also have rigorous membership and continuing education requirements to assure consumers of an inspector's experience and technical qualifications.

Q. When do I call in the home inspector?
 A home inspector is typically called right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making 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.

Q. Do I have to be there?
 It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. By following the home inspector around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn a great deal about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first hand through the inspector's eyes.

Q. What if the report reveals problems?
 No house is perfect. If the inspector finds problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

Q. What if I find problems after I move into my new home?
 A home inspection is not a guarantee that problems won't develop after you move in. However if you believe that a problem was already visible at the time of the inspection and should have been mentioned in the report, your first step should be to call and meet with the inspector to clarify the situation. Misunderstandings are often resolved in this manner.

If necessary, you might wish to consult with a local mediation service to help you settle your disagreement. Though many home inspectors today carry Errors & Omissions liability insurance, litigation should be considered a last resort. It is difficult, expensive, and by no means a sure method of recovery.

Q. If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
 Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well informed purchase decision, and that you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you want to.

 

A home inspection is a visual examination of the home from its foundation to its roof. The inspector will examine the physical structure as well as the heating and cooling systems looking for problems or future problems. Included in his report are the conditions of the plumbing and electrical systems, the conditions of the walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, roof, attic, type of visible insulation, and the condition of the appliances. Since this is a "hands on" inspection, he will be able to tell you the good points and the bad points about this particular home.
This is the home´s "physical checkup".. Major problems will be noted so that you do not buy a home and then find out it has major work to be done. The inspector will be able to tell you what the home needs if there is a problem. He will also recommend preventive measures so that you will not run into costly repairs in the future. Since buying a home is probably the largest single investment that you will make, you should try to learn as much as you can about the condition of this property.

A home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home and will also be your guideline as to the maintenance that is needed to keep it this way. You will be able to buy with confidence as you will know the "health" of this home.

The cost of having an inspection done can vary according to where you live, the age and size of the house, its amenities and additional inspections needed such as well, septic and radon testing. Hiring the least expensive inspector is not always the smartest route to go. Hire the inspector because of his qualifications, experience, training and professional affiliations (example: ASHI).

ASHI - these inspectors are certified by ASHI and highly recommended - official website - most recognized organization for home inspectors

Home Inspections-USA - Find Home Inspectors, Home Inspection Resources, and related Real Estate Services

Building Specs Inc - locate an inspector in your own area

World Inspection Network - find an inspector - exceed standards set by ASHI and NAHI

Home Inspection Institute of America - education and certification of inspectors plus you can search for home inspectors in your area

Home Inspection Connection - locate an inspector in your own area - web forum

Home Inspections Headquarters - for recruiting, training and promoting home inspectors

Housing Inspection Foundation - organization of professionals dedicated to the propmotion and development of home inspection

Inspect Tech - make an informed puchase decision by using an Inspect Tech - computer generated reports

International Residential Inspectors Association -  an association of home inspectors - home warranty products and more

National Association of Home Inspectors - a non-profit association to promote and to develop the home inspection industry

National Institute of Building Inspectors - online courses - professional training and certification for the home inspection industry - a training institute

Home Inspection - internet's most complete listing of Home Inspectors

HouseMaster - visit here for information for buyers or sellers on home inspections

 

FASY REAL ESTATE - "Your SECOND home is our FIRST priority!"  

   609.398.8000       fax: 609.398.5084       cell: 609.602.4493



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