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What is a
home inspection? A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. Homebuyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase. In most cases, home inspections are performed after the seller has accepted a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. 
The inspection can usually be arranged immediately to within a few
days. The homebuyer is typically encouraged to attend the
inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the
home. It also represents an excellent opportunity for the
prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss
potential changes. Home inspections should also highlight the
positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector's
observations or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser
anxieties, and provide useful repair suggestions. The home
inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of education.
The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better
understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that
they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector's
role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the
inspection is completed, a written report should be prepared for the
home buyer, documenting the results of the inspection, along with an
estimation of repair time frames and costs. The home inspection
should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code
inspection, an environmental audit, or a homeowner's warranty. A
complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a
house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating,
cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. Consumers should be very
careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry on the
whole is unregulated and many unqualified people offer home
inspection services. Home inspection companies that offer to do
repair work, or recommend repair companies, should be avoided. |
