|
|
|
What is a home inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Why do I need a home inspection?
What will it cost?
Can’t I do it myself?
Can a house fail inspection?
How do I find a home inspector?
When do I call in the home inspector?
Do I have to be there?
What if the report reveals problems?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Should I be Concerned About Asbestos if I Live in an Older Home?
Where Can Asbestos be Found in Older Homes?
Why Should I be Concerned About Asbestos in My Home?
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 report or
home inspection service 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, making the home inspection cost well worth it.
Back to top
What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection report 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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
What will it cost?
Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by geography, size, features of the property, and age of the home. 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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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 online,
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
Should I be Concerned About Asbestos if I Live in an Older Home?
Yes, any home built in the 1980s or before is likely to contain asbestos-containing materials.
Any homes remodeled during this time also fall into this category. The use of asbestos was so
widespread that the large majority of materials used for constructing homes contained the substance.
Contractors used asbestos because it was light, durable, an excellent insulator, and fireproof.
Back to top
Why Should I be Concerned About Asbestos in My Home?
Excessive amounts of exposure to asbestos are known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer,
and mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial
cells found in the body.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma cancer,
develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs. Due to an extended latency period, mesothelioma
treatment often results in palliative measures rather than curative.
For more information visit
http://www.asbestos.com
Back to top
Where Can Asbestos be Found in Older Homes?
Many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos.
Some common products that may contain asbestos and have the potential to release fibers
include resilient floor tiles, door gaskets, roofing shingles, textured paint, walls, and ceilings.
If asbestos is suspected within the home, the first step is to call a licensed professional
abatement contractor and have the suspicious material tested. If testing is too expensive,
treat the material as if it contains asbestos. Do not attempt to remove the asbestos-containing
materials by yourself.
Back to top
|
|
Buy with Confidence
|
