|
THE HOME INSPECTION AND YOU
Information about home inspections from the
American Society of Home Inspectors®.
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination
of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the
foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical
check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may
recommend further evaluation.
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
The standard home inspector's report will review the
condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning
system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical
systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings,
floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible
structure.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single
investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can
about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs
before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises
and difficulties afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection also points out the
positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be
necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will
have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to
purchase.
If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may
be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive
measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning
to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing
your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of
conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an
opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling
condition.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house
varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within
a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of
the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible
additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. It is a
good idea to check local prices on your own.
However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding
whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your
home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth
the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a
bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience,
training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important
consideration.
CAN’T I DO IT MYSELF?
Even the most experienced home owner lacks the
knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has
inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career.
An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction,
their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how
the home's systems and components are intended to function together,
as well as how and why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to
remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they
really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate
information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by
an expert in the field of home inspection.
CAN A HOUSE FAIL INSPECTION?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination
of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an
appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection,
which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore,
will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical
condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
HOW DO I FIND A HOME INSPECTOR?
The best source is a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance,
who has been satisfied with and can recommend a home inspector they
have used. In addition, the names of local inspectors can be found in
the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection
Service"; or "Home Inspection Service". Real estate
agents are also generally familiar with the service, and should be
able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you will want to make
sure that the home inspector is a Member of the American Society of
Home Inspectors® (ASHI® ) in order to be certain of his or her
professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics. A
list of ASHI® Members in your area is available by clicking here.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS®?
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI® ) is
the oldest and leading non-profit professional association for
independent home inspectors. Since its formation in 1976, ASHI® ’s
"Standards of Practice"; have served as the home
inspector's performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted
by professional and government authorities alike. Copies of the
Standards are available free from ASHI® .
ASHI® 's professional Code of Ethics prohibits
Members from engaging in conflict of interest activities which might
compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that
the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit or
refer repair work. In order to assist home inspectors in furthering
their education, ASHI® sponsors a number of technical seminars and
workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its
nearly 50 Chapters. ASHI® also serves as a public interest group by
providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on
home purchasing and home maintenance.
WHO BELONGS TO ASHI®?
Members of ASHI® are independent professional home
inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and experience
requirements in effect today. To become an ASHI® Member, an inspector
must pass two written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250
professional fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her
candidate status for no less than six months. ASHI® Members are
required to follow the Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain
continuing education credits in order to keep current with the latest
in building technology, materials, and professional skills.
WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?
A home inspector is typically contacted right after
the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often
available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure
that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your
purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional
home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both
the buyer and seller are obligated.
DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the
inspection, but it is recommended. You will be able to observe
the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the
condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it.
You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've
seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.
WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies
problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house,
only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust
the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If
your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in
future repair work, this information will be extremely important to
you.
IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I
REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase
with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its
equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about
your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to
keep that information for future reference.
MORE
WARRANTY/HOME INSPECTION INFORMATION
LIST OF
AREA ASHI® MEMBERS |
