What Is A Home Inspection?
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of
a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are
unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector
will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend
further evaluation.
Why is a home inspection important?
Home Buyers: Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any
problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out
all the problems possible with the home before moving in.
Home Sellers: More and more sellers are choosing to have a thorough inspection
before or when they first list their home. First and foremost, you should have
a home inspection for full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you
did all you could do to reveal any defects within the home. Second, you will
save money and hassle by knowing now what your defects are, not after you have
already negotiated and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyers
inspection. Defects found before the buyer comes along allow you to shop around
for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer will present.
What if the report reveals problems?
All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution.
Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase
price but having a home inspection allows the problem to be addressed before
the sale closes.
What does a home inspection include?
A 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.
Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical
home inspection such as mold, radon and water testing.
What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
- A home inspection is not protection against future failures.
Stuff happens! Components like Air Conditioners and Heat
Systems can and will break down. A home inspection tells
you the condition of the component at the time the component
was inspected. For protection from future failure you may
want to consider a home warranty.
- A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines
the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you
if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
- A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies
local building code compliance. A home inspector will not
pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions
are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built
today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes
to safety concerns that may be in the current code such
as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks "Safety" not "Code" when
performing a home inspection.
Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home inspector can explain in person
and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn
about your new home even if no problems are found. But be sure to give the
home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best
job possible for you.
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty does protect you against components that fail in the future.
You may have to pay a deductible (service call fee) when you have a problem.
If you choose to have a warranty, be sure and qualify coverage of your problem
over the phone with the warranty company before they send a repairman. If
you do not you may find out that your problem is not covered and you still
must pay the deductible or trip service fee. If you have a home inspection
and you know your furnace or another major component is old , you may be
better off to buy a warranty before you purchase. We recommend you look closely
at what is NOT covered in warranty company policies as you compare prices.
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