What is a home inspection and why do I need one?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly
or 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. A home inspector should not give you a quote of how much a repair
is or recommend a specific vendor to repair a job.
Why is a home inspection important?
Home Buyers:
Emotions often affect the buyer and make it hard to imagine any problems could occur with their new home. A buyer needs a
home inspection to find out all the potential problems 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 what your home's defects are upfront, not
after you have already negotiated and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyer's inspection. Defects found before
the buyer comes along allows you to shop around for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer may demand.
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 a component to adjusting the purchase price. Having a home inspection allows
the problems 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. Inspectors conduct a visual inspection of accessible systems and
components of the home. A typical full home inspection covers the Site/Grounds, Exterior, Structural Components, Foundation,
Roof, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating/AC, Garage, Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Interior.
What
should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Components
like air conditioners and heating systems can and will break down. A home inspection tells you the condition of the component
at the time of inspection. 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 the home or
what to pay for the 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.
You should not expect the inspector to offer to repair, for a fee, any uncovered defects (that would be a conflict of interest
and may erode the confidence you have in the home inspector's findings). Also, you should not expect the home inspector to
comment on conditions that are not visible.
Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often
helpful to be on site during the inspection so the home inspector can explain the condition of the home 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 protects 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 have a warranty, be sure to qualify the 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. Make sure you look closely at what is not covered in warranty company policies as you compare prices.
