What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a professional, complete
visual examination of the all the accessible systems and accessible physical
structural elements of a home. Our emphasis is on identifying
existing or potential problems that would affect a purchasers
buying decision.
Why do I need a Home
Inspection?
A home is the largest purchase most people
will ever make. It only makes sense to find out as much as you
can about the house you are interested in before you buy. That
way you can avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your
new home. Our report will also advise you of what maintenance is
required to keep your home in top condition. A professional
inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and
structural elements that make up the property. If you are
selling your home, a listing inspection will point out any
potential problems that might be uncovered later by the buyers
inspector. Finding them early will allow you to address them
before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale.
What does a Home
Inspection include?
Our standard inspection report covers all the
major systems and structural elements of the house. This
includes the condition of the homes heating and air conditioning
systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation,
attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all
visible structures.
Do I need to be there
during the Inspection?
You should be there for the inspection, but it is not required. We highly recommend that you be present. It's a
valuable learning experience for most people and will help you
get the most benefit from the inspection. By following the
inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector can
explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you'll be
able to best understand the finished report and get the most
benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.
How long will the
Inspection take?
The time will vary depending on both the size
and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 hours is pretty
typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it
may take longer.
Does a newly constructed
home need an Inspection?
Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new
home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while
they are still easy to correct. Its especially valuable to
arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As
building professionals, we may find problem areas where the
builder has taken shortcuts or not done good work.
Why cant I do the
Inspection myself?
Chances are that even if you are very familiar
with home construction, you still don't have the knowledge,
training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. We've
inspected thousands of homes. We are not only familiar with all
the systems of a home, and how they work and need to be
maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that
they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical
expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is
important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial
third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house,
its impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about
the house, and this may cloud your judgment. The professional
inspector will provide an objective outside reporting of the
facts.
What if the Inspection
uncovers problems?
Our report will tell you the condition of the
house, including needed repairs and expenses. No house is going
to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the
inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If
major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating
with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal.
Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more
favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with
you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives
you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.
Will you fix the problems
you find during the Inspection?
No. The code of ethics of The American Society
of Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits its members from doing
repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there
will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our
purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report
on the condition of the home.
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