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Why Inspect
your Home?
Faced with probably the largest financial
commitment you will ever make, intelligent homebuyers, lenders and real
estate professionals request a comprehensive home inspection to uncover
potential safety issues and hidden problems BEFORE the purchase, so
any unpleasant or costly surprises will be avoided.
There is virtually no
consumer protection for a home buyer. A thorough home inspection, performed
by an unbiased inspector, provides a complete examination of the physical
structure and systems of a home, thus possibly saving the home buyer
many times the small inspection fee. A professional home inspector is
trained to interpret crucial clues such as watermarks on a basement
wall, or a fresh coat of paint, and present a professional opinion of
the property’s condition. An analysis of all areas is reported, including
roof, attic, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, appliances, floors,
interior and exterior walls, garages, foundation, and structure, with
an overall emphasis on function and safety.
After the inspection,
you will have a much clearer understanding of your investment, of your
family’s safety, which will, in turn, give you greater confidence in
your decision.
What Qualifications
should Home Inspector have?
A home inspector should have some form of professional training.
They should belong to an association. Most associations have minimum
requirements before accepting a home inspector to their association.
Although, if he does not belong to an association it does not mean the
home inspector is not qualified. You need to find out more about the
home inspectors background. A professional home inspector reports all
potential problems, which in most cases will save you the cost of the
small inspection fee.
How much will my Home
Inspection cost?
Pricing is based on each home inspection company. e.g., region,
square footage and/or description of the home or building. There might
be extra fees for additional services.
When should I have
my Inspection done?
Normally you should hire a home inspector to inspect your potential
purchase after singing a contract with inspection contingencies. Most
contracts include a five day window for and existing home. For
newly built homes, it is customary to have an inspector with you at
the final walk-through..
Do home inspectors
have additional services.
Yes. Radon testing, Termite inspections, Watering testing,
and Pool and Spa inspections
How long will an average
Inspection take?
This answer will vary with the size, location & components of
an individual home. Based on an average single family home between
2000 & 3000 square feet the inspection should take approximately
2 to 3 hours.
Does a Home Inspector
need to be insured?
A home inspector should carry professional liability insurance and
errors and omissions insurance.
What components of
the home will be inspected?
A home inspector should report on the following conditions of your
new home, An analysis of all areas are reported including roof,
attic, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, appliances, floors, interior
and exterior walls, garages, foundation, and structure, with an overall
emphasis on function and safety.
Do I need to be present
during the inspection?
Yes. In addition to your report, your inspector may
also point out proper maintenance procedures and inform you of preventive
measures to ensure efficient functions of your home. A home inspector
will also inform you of helpful hints such as: how to shut of the gas,
where to locate your main electricity disconnect, furnace and water
shut-off in the case of an emergency.
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