What
is a home inspection?
What does it include?
Why do I need a home
inspection?
What will it cost?
Can't I do
it myself?
Can a house fail inspection?
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 the roof to the foundation.
Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up.
If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend
further evaluation.
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What
does it include?
The
standard home inspector's report will review 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.
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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 also points 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.
If
you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used
to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures
which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning
to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior
to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better
understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's
inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put
the house in better selling condition.
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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.
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.
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Can't
I do it myself?
Even
the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise
of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with
the many 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 information,
it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an
expert in the field of home inspection.
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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
verifies 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.
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When
do I call in the home inspector?
A
home inspector is typically contacted 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.
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Do
I have to be there?
It
is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but
it is recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector
and ask questions directly, as you learn 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.
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What
if the report reveals problems?
No
house is perfect. If the inspector identifies 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 adjust the
purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found.
If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved
in future repair work, this information will be extremely important
to you.
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If
the house proves to be in good condition, did i really need
an inspection?
Definitely.
Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open
as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and
systems. You will also have learned many things about your new
home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep
that information for future reference.
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