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What is a Home Inspection?
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
What does a Home Inspection include?
Do I need to be there during the Inspection?
How long will the Inspection take?
Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Why can’t I do the Inspection myself?
What if the Inspection uncovers problems?
Will you fix the problems you find during the
Inspection?
What is a Home
Inspection?
A
home inspection is a professional, comprehensive visual examination of the all
the systems and physical structural elements of a home performed by a home
inspector. For the home
buyer, a professional home inspection can ensure that your prospective new
home is safe and structurally sound.
Frequently, an inspection simply confirms what you already believe: that
you have selected a good 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, condo or townhouse 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 or
condominium, an inspection will point out any potential problems that
might be
uncovered later by the buyers inspector. Finding problems early through
a pre-sale home inspection will allow you to address them before
listing your home,
making for a faster and smoother sale.
Read
more about why home buyers need a home inspection in Buying a Home.
What does a Home Inspection include?
Our
narrative inspection reports cover all the major systems and structural
elements of the house. This includes the condition of the home’s heating and
air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation,
attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures.
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Do I need to
be there during the Inspection?
No,
you aren't required to be there for the inspection. But we highly recommend
that you be present. This is your inspection and we will accommodate your needs. The inspection process is a systematic
process and a valuable learning experience for most people. The inspector will take time to answer all of
your questions. The purpose of the
inspection is not only to uncover issues with the home, if any, but to also
introduce you to the home. We will
discuss safety features of the home, explain maintenance tips for specific
areas, and point out such things as the main electric disconnect and the main
water shut off valve locations. Our
thorough procedure will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. By
following the inspector and asking questions directly, 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. A typical 2,000 total
square foot, 10-year old home takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours., 3 hours. But for larger older homes, or homes in poor
condition, it may take longer.
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Does a newly constructed home need
an Inspection?
Absolutely!
A professional inspection of a new home, condominium or town home is important.
We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct.
It's 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 can't 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 certified, professional Home Inspector. We've performed thousands
of home and condo inspections. We are not only familiar with all the systems of
a home or condominium building, 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 or
condo, it's impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the
property, and this may cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will
provide an objective outside reporting of the facts.
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What if the
Inspection uncovers problems?
You
need to know what to do after the home inspection. Our inspection
report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and
expenses. No house or condo 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 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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