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What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the
condition of a home. Home buyers now entering the marketplace view
inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest
purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are
any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase.
In most cases, home inspections are performed after a sales contract,
conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection, has been accepted by the
seller. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately to within a
few days. The home buyer is typically encouraged to attend the
inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home.
It also represents an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to
ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes.
Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In
fact, many of the home inspector's observations or recommendations help
to dispel home purchaser anxieties, and provide useful repair
suggestions.
The home inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of
education. The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a
better understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that
they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector's role
to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection
is completed, a written report should be prepared for the home buyer,
documenting the results of the inspection, along with an estimation of
repair time frames and costs.
The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal
code inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner's warranty.
A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a
house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating,
cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. As a minimum, an inspection
should meet the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home
Inspectors.
Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The
industry on the whole is unregulated and many unqualified people offer
home inspection services. Home inspection companies that offer to do
repair work, or recommend repair companies, should be avoided.
Call today to
schedule your inspection 321-960-7100.
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