Answers
A. A
home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical
structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having
a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or
symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.
Q. WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
A.
The standard home inspector's
report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central
air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and
electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls,
ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and
visible structure.
Q. WHY DO I NEED A
HOME INSPECTION?
A. The
purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will
ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of
the property and the need for any major repairs before you
buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties
afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection also points
out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will
be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will
have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to
purchase.
If you are already a home owner, a home
inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn
preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are
planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to
placing your home on the market. This will give you a better
understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's
inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in
better selling condition.
Q. WHAT WILL IT COST?
A. The
inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as
does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection
fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features
of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic,
well, or radon testing. It is a good idea to check local prices on your
own.
However, do not let cost be a factor in
deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection
of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well
worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a
bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience,
training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important
consideration.
Q. CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
A. Even
the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps
thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with
the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and
maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components
are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it very
difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house
they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most
accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party
opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
Q. CAN A HOUSE FAIL INSPECTION?
A. No.
A professional home inspection is an examination of the current
condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which
determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local
code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a
house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may
need repair or replacement.
Q. HOW DO I FIND A HOME INSPECTOR?
A. The
best source is a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance, who has
been satisfied with and can recommend a home inspector they have used.
In addition, the names of local inspectors can be found by searching our
online database, or in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under
"Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service". Real estate
agents are also generally familiar with the service, and should be able
to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you will
want to make sure that the home inspector is a Member of the American
Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) in order to be certain of
his or her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics.
A list of ASHI® Members in your area is available upon
request from the Association's headquarters.
Q. WHAT IS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME
INSPECTORS®?
A. The
American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) is
the oldest and leading non-profit professional association for
independent home inspectors. Since its formation in 1976, ASHI's
"Standards of Practice" have served as the home inspector's
performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted by
professional and government authorities alike. 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
might compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance
that the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit
or refer repair work.
In order to assist home inspectors in
furthering their education, ASHI sponsors a number of technical seminars
and workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its
nearly 50 Chapters. ASHI also serves as a public interest group by
providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on
home purchasing and home maintenance.
Q. WHO BELONGS TO ASHI®?
A.
Members of ASHI® are independent professional home inspectors
who have met the most rigorous technical and experience requirements in
effect today. To become an ASHI Member, an inspector must pass two
written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250 professional
fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her 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.
Q. WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME
INSPECTOR?
A.
A home inspector is
typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has
been signed, and is often available within a few days. However,
before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in
the contract, making 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.
Q. DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?
A.
It is not necessary for
you to be present for the inspection, but it is
recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions
directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems
work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report
easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the
inspector's eyes.
Q. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
A.
No house is perfect. If
the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you
shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to
expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if
major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish
to become involved in future repair work, this information will be
extremely important to you.
Q. IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD
CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
A.
Definitely. Now you can
complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of
the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have
learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written
report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.
|
