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Please select one of the following topics:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Regardless of your referral source, make sure that the home inspector is a
member of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI). Our members have the
highest professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics in the
industry. A list of ASHI members in your area is available upon request from the
Association's headquarters.
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What is the American Society of Home
Inspectors®?
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) is the
oldest and most widely recognized non-profit professional association for
independent home inspectors. ASHI's "Standards of Practice" serve as the home
inspector's performance guideline, and are universally recognized and accepted
by professional and government authorities. Copies of the Standards are
available free from ASHI.
ASHI's professional Code of Ethics prohibits members from engaging in
conflict of interest activities, which may compromise their objectivity. This is
the assurance to the consumer that the inspector will not, for example, use the
inspection to solicit or refer repair work.
ASHI sponsors continuing education, technical seminars and workshops and
serves the public interest by providing accurate and helpful consumer
information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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