Ten Facts About Home Inspectors
- What Standards Do Inspectors Have? Not only should home inspectors have experience and be knowledgable about building techniques and materials, but they should also have some way to document their experience and knowledge.
If an inspector makes comments on the market value of a home, try to solicit repair work after an inspection, or try to enter into the negotiations, you should be wary of their true intentions and possible conflict of interests.
- Are Home Inspectors Licensed? Some States require licensing of home inspectors. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), based in Des Plaines, ILL., they are Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- What Actually Do Inspectors Do? A home inspector should not be a guarantor or the municipal or county inspector looking for code violations. The inspector examines the components of a home that are accessible and visible.
In a typical pre-purchase inspection the inspector will look at the heating system, central air-conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical systems, roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floor, windows and doors, and foundation, basement and visible structure. Minor or cosmetic flaws may be apparent with or without the aid of an inspector, and noted verbally at the time of the inspection, but not in the written report.
- Should I As A Buyer, Or Seller, Balk At An Inspection? For sellers, an inspection gives them a better idea of any problem areas that might exist. Thus they have a chance to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition or to adjust the asking price accordingly.
For buyers, many of whom are making the biggest investment of their lives, the inspection helps eliminate surprises that can sour the deal.
- Why Can't Buyers And Sellers Do Their Own Inspection? Neither sellers nor buyers can stay objective about property in which they have a financial or emotional interest. They need an objective opinion from a trained third party. Inspectors understand a home's systems and how they function together and why they might fail.
Good home inspectors can provide all parties with an objective assessment.
- Can An Inspector Flunk Your House? No. Because a home inspection isn't an appraisal or code inspection, an inspector can't fail a house. An inspector will describe the home's physical condition and indicate what may need major repair or replacement.
- Will An Inspector Kill A Deal? No. Think of a home inspector as an educator who educates the sellers and the buyers about the condition of a home, with an important aspect being to highlight the positive qualities. For the sellers, the inspector can help demonstrate their good faith in terms of their legal obligations to disclose the home's condition. (Some States, such as Pennsylvania, now have laws concerning written Sellers Disclosures.) The inspector's comments or recommendations can help dispel buyers' worries and offer usefull maintenance tips.
- When Do Inspections Get Started, How Much Do They Charge, and How Long Do They Take? Generally, home inspections get started after the sales contract is signed, provided the contract includes a clause making the final sale contingent on the results of the home inspection. Most inspectors are available on a 1 to 14 day notice. Costs and time vary, depending on the location, size, age, added inspections such as radon-lead-pest, and any special features of the home.
- Do Home Inspectors View All Kinds Of Properties, Like Condos, Town Homes, And New Homes? Yes. The home inspector knows how to treat these kinds of properties, which sometimes have unique requirements. In multi-family dwellings, for example, each individual unit - no matter how small - is part of the bigger whole, the association. Inspectors know that big costs to the association will result in big assessments to the unit owners. This 'Association maintains everything' mentality is a big myth. If there are 100 units, you are 1/100th of the association. If small problems are taken care of before they become big problems, assessments for repairs may be reduced
As for new homes, inspectors go beyond the visit by the typical building inspector, whose visit may take only 20 to 40 minutes to ensure the home warrants a certificate of occupancy. A home inspector's scrutiny could take two or more hours.
- How Do I Find An Inspector? You can ask a real estate professional who has experience with home sales. Or you could consult the Yellow Pages. But be aware that the field of home inspection is rapidly growing and not everyone who does inspections is actually qualified. If the state you live in does not have a licensing and certification law you can get a list of ASHI members in your area by calling the ASHI fax-on-demand number 800-743-2744, or by visiting http://www.ashi.com/
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