The Home Inspection
Before you go ahead and buy a house, you
should have a professional home inspector go through the property. If a home inspection clause was not added to the terms of
sale, the buyer will pay for the inspection.
Finding a
qualified inspector
It is best to get a referral from a satisfied
customer. Or you can
look in the yellow pages for qualified home inspectors.
Make sure you check references from at least three
different clients. The
American Society of Home Inspectors can help you find a local
member of their organization, contact 800-743-2744.
The inspection will cost between $150 to $200, and will
include a written report.
What the
inspection includes
The home
inspection is meant to evaluate the structural and mechanical
condition (not the market value) of the property.
The inspector’s findings will be based on observable,
unconcealed structural conditions.
It is recommended
that you accompany the inspector on their inspection.
You can expect the inspection to take about two hours.
You will get a chance to ask questions, and learn more
about the extent of possible problems. You will also be in a
better position to understand the written report.
Every inspection
should include an evaluation of the following:
-
foundations;
-
doors and windows;
-
roof and siding;
-
plumbing and electrical systems;
-
heating and air conditioning systems;
-
ceilings, walls and floors;
-
insulation;
-
ventilation;
-
septic tanks, wells, or sewer lines; and
- common
areas (in the case of a condominium or cooperative).
Using
the inspection report
The inspector’s
report will not include a recommendation as to whether or not you
should buy the house, nor will it evaluate the purchase price.
If major flaws are uncovered, the report should give you
some idea of what it will cost to repair or replace the problem.
A reputable home inspector will never offer to perform
needed repairs and should not refer you to a contractor to perform
such repairs.
An inspection
report may serve the following purposes:
- to identify problems before you purchase a home to
prevent unpleasant surprises later;
- to enable you to get out of a purchase agreement (and
get your deposit refunded) if serious problems are identified;
- to help you negotiate an adjustment in the purchase
price if you want to buy the house in spite of the problems;
- to get the seller to agree to pay for needed repairs,
either before the sale or after the sale using escrowed funds;
and
- to make you feel confident about going ahead with the
purchase.
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for mortgages
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