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Blueprint
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Frequently Asked Questions on Home
Inspections
Please
scroll down to read on one of the following topics:
What is a home
inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Why do I need a home inspection?
What will it cost?
Can’t I do it myself?
Can a house fail inspection?
How do I find a home inspector?
When do I call in the home inspector?
Do I have to be there?
What if the report reveals problems?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
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
report or home inspection service 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, making the home
inspection cost well worth it.
What does a home inspection
include?
A standard home inspection report 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.
How do I find a home inspector?
Word of mouth, the experiences and referrals from friends and neighbors is
one of the best ways to find a home inspector. Someone who has used a home
inspection service and is satisfied with the level of customer service and
professionalism of that service will likely recommend a qualified
professional.
In addition,
names of inspectors in your area can be found by searching our online
database, or can be found in the local Yellow Pages directory where many
advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home
Inspection Service." Real estate professionals are generally familiar
with the inspection services in your area and can provide a list of qualified
professionals.
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.
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