What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. A home inspection provides you with an independent opinion as to the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. An inspector typically spends between two to three hours evaluating a home, and may recommend further evaluation if problems or symptoms are discovered

Why should I get a home inspection?

For many people, their home will be the greatest investment they ever make. The decision to purchase a home is made with many factors in mind: Schools, proximity to work place, neighborhood, size and style of home etc. The average person is unable to determine on their own the existence of unknown problems that may exist in the home. These problems can cost a significant amount of money that the buyer maybe unprepared to spend. A professional home inspector is trained to observe these potential problems and report them so the buyer can make a more educated decision in the purchase of the home. This type of inspection is your best protection against buying a home needing repairs which you are unable to afford.

If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition

When should I call a home inspector?

Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

How do I choose a professional home inspector?

You can go to the yellow pages, they have nothing to gain or lose by whomever you chose. However, they also have no first hand experience with inspectors to tell you which is the best. The best looking advertisement and nicest secretary that answers the phone does not always mean the inspector is reputable. Referrals from professionals can often be helpful. Your lawyer, mortgage officer or real estate agent can refer you to a company they think does a good job. Lawyers and mortgage officers have nothing to gain or lose by whoever does the inspection. However, they tend to know home inspectors only by reputation rather than by first-hand experience of watching them perform inspections. Real estate agents provide most of the referrals to home inspection companies. They have first-hand knowledge regarding who does a good job and who does not. If there is a drawback from a Realtors referral, it would be because they do have something at stake. If the inspector finds a serious problem, it could cause the buyer to back out and the agent could loose the commission. Therefore, an unscrupulous agent may refer an inspector who will not perform a quality inspection. Although the potential for this exists, it is the exception rather than the rule. Good realtors know that much of their future business comes from past customers and referrals, and that they will receive neither if they refer poor inspectors who cause costly problems.

What will my home inspection cover ?

As a NACHI member I must adhere to NACHI's Standards of Practice. This means I will attempt to inspect all of the following (when accessible):