Know What to Expect When-During a Home Inspection

Home inspection really should be welcomed and notbigger the house, the larger the mortgage.
feared. Just because the law requires inspection doesTherefore, expect a higher inspection fee.
not mean it should be dreaded. You can have anVisual inspection is not technically an exhaustive
inspection for several reasons. There are variousexamination. When inspectors find something of
kinds of home inspections: Buyers home inspection,concern such as health issues during inspection, the
where inspection is performed before the ratificationowner will be informed of this and be walked through
of contract; Sellers home inspection that protects theit.
seller's liability as well as probable problems that mightInspectors are expected to answer any questions
clog up the contract process; and the New homefrom the homeowner as well as questions. They
inspection that speaks for itself. During this timeshould be able to finish the report by the end of
many other kinds of inspection can take place in abusiness the same day the inspection was held.
new home - from the dry wall inspection to theBefore the inspector begins his inspection, ask how
footing inspection.he will conduct the inspection. If he cannot articulate
Inspection occurs from the roof of the house to thewhat the job will be, there is a chance that he may
basement. Most inspections are done visually onnot be able to accomplish it. Also, ask how many
accessible areas - inspectors report only what theyinspections or his experience is. The longer his
see. Inspection includes six major systems - the roof,experience the better. And lastly, ask him of any
the plumbing, interior, exterior, electrical, heating, aircomplaints he has gotten during his career and how
conditioning and appliances - and nearly 400well did he handle that. If he can demonstrate all
components. The inspection takes between two andthese inquiries that show how well he can do the
three hours to complete.inspection for you.
Inspectors will make a report on their presentHowever, home inspectors are not expected to
condition, any nonfunctional item or health and safetycheck particular inspection like what termite
concern and typically photographed that is digitallyinspectors would do. They will inform you of things
attached to the report together with a briefbuyers or sellers or homeowners need to be aware
summary explaining the condition of that component.of and not more. If they find anything of concern,
How much are you expected to pay for a homethey will recommend or refer that to a specific
inspection? It depends on the size of the home andinspector.
the scope of the job being carried out. Expect toRemember, a seller can have the house inspected,
pay about the half of a mortgage payment for anbut the buyer can bring his own inspector, too. So it
inspection. So if your mortgage payment costsis recommended to have the seller conduct the first
$1,000, expect to pay half of that amount. Theinspection before the buyer does it for him.