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Before the Home Inspection
1. Choose a Home Inspection Company with Top Credentials
You have a goal, you want to be well informed, and you want to make a wise investment, and decision. Then choose a home inspection company that understands your needs and will work with you to help you meet your goals. We at Homeprobe know how exciting buying a new home can be, and how quickly it can become overwhelming, so we go the extra mile to assist you in your decision.
2. Don't Pay Twice For A Home Inspection
Consumers who retain the services of a home inspector, who is not certified, licensed and/or without a sufficient amount of experience, may be faced with paying a second home inspection fee if the home inspector uncovers a problem, such as a structural defect. Shouldn't you retain the services of an inspection company licensed to practice right from the start?
3. Be Sure To Obtain A Written Home Inspection Report
Be sure that your home inspection report will be a detailed written report, specifically for that home, not a hand written checklist that is given to you at the conclusion of the home inspection. A checklist may be void of details and may not provide all the information and advice you may need. A written report is also important since it is documenting the condition of the home at the time of the accepted offer. In addition, the inspector is out in the field scoping and reporting the details, which will provide pertinent information; so you're Attorney can represent you accordingly as well.
4. Ask About Important Professional Affiliations
Be sure that the home inspection company you retain has professional affiliations, such as InterNACHI, & ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), which unlike other home inspection trade societies, they have tougher entrance requirements, and members are highly qualified in the home inspection profession, and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
5. Don't Be Confused By Home Inspector "Certifications"
Don't be confused by home inspector "Certifications" offered by, or sold by trade societies or companies, or obtained via home inspection home study courses, certifications are available to anybody, a high school diploma is not a requirement and certifications can be readily purchased.
During the Home Inspection
1. Be Sure to Attend the Home Inspection
Be sure to attend the home inspection; the inspection should take about Two hours. One picture is worth a thousand word... this is a unique opportunity to learn about the home, proper maintenance and its systems.
2. Be Sure That The Home Inspector is Well Equipped
The home inspection engineer should be fully equipped with necessary Engineering tools such as electrical tester, screwdriver, flashlight, Level, etc.
3. Be sure To follow The Home Inspector And Ask Questions
No questions are foolish; learn as much as you can from the home inspector during the home inspection.
4. Be Sure That All Of The Following Points Are Fully Covered
Location, Location, Location you've heard that often enough when looking for a home. Once you find your home, there's nothing more important than Structural, Structural, Structural, you need to know that the home you are purchasing is structurally in good condition (that's an important reason for retaining the services of a licensed home inspection company).
The readily acessibile physical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems should be thoroughly inspected and evaluated.
The home inspection should include a termite inspection certificate (NPMA-33 form) report for wood destroying insects that will be required in most purchases by your mortgage lender.
If the home has a well and/or septic system, the home inspector will not evaluate these systems, as he is not qualified to do so.
The home inspector should look for materials that may contain asbestos materials such as siding, flooring, pipe & boiler insulation etc.
5. Be Sure To Consider Optional Tests
Where applicable, testing underground storage tanks, testing paint for lead, testing drinking water for lead, testing well supplied water, testing for radon gas in air, and asbestos, etc. (these tests are available for an additional charge, by another qualified reputale licensed professional in those perticular individual fields).
6. Be Sure To Obtain A Full Verbal Report From The Home Inspector At The Time Of The Home Inspection
The home inspection engineering reports are usually available within 3-5 business days after the home inspection but a full verbal report should be explained at the conclusion of the home inspection.
After The Home Inspection
1. You Should Know
You should know the condition of the home you are purchasing, including all positive and negative aspects.
You should know what repairs are needed, as well as whether there are any major repairs, safety repairs and the magnitude of the repair costs can and should be obtained from independent contractors although the engineer may be able to provide you with some guidance.
You should know a proper course of corrective action and whether alternatives are available.
You should know if there are any safety issues that need attention.
2. You Should Expect
You should expect an easy to understand detailed written home inspection report summary.
You should expect the home inspector to provide the answers to any questions you may have regarding the report.
You should expect the inspector's door to be open for answers to future questions.
Free phone consultations from HomeProbe are available for as long as you own your home.
3. You Should Not Expect
You should not expect the home inspector to offer to repair, for a fee, any repairs (that would be a conflict of interest and may erode confidence you may have in the home inspector's findings).
You should not expect the inspector to comment on conditions that are not readily visible, or beyond his expertise.
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