| A thorough home inspection is a vital part of buying | | | | a checklist for the inspection that will cover every |
| any home, condo, or other type of dwelling. This | | | | possible aspect of any home, plus there is usually |
| inspection can protect you from expensive financial | | | | room for handwritten observations as well. The home |
| costs later on, because of defects that were not | | | | inspection checklist can consist of many pages, and |
| noticed and that you were not aware of. A home | | | | each page may deal with a specific aspect or room, |
| inspector has training and an education in factors that | | | | such as the master bathroom, or exterior walls. Each |
| show hidden defects, such as signs of hidden water | | | | system involved, will normally have their own section |
| damage or electrical problems. A home inspection is a | | | | also. Once the inspection is complete you will receive |
| visual inspection of all areas and components of the | | | | a complete typewritten report from the inspector, |
| home, both inside and out, that are accessible to the | | | | outlining both the negative and positive aspects of |
| inspector. This includes the roof, the attic, the interior | | | | the home. This can also help you determine what |
| and exterior walls, all the windows and doors, all | | | | maintenance is needed and when it must be done. |
| systems including heating, plumbing, and electrical, and | | | | Not all parts of a home inspection are negative, and |
| much more. A knowledgeable and experienced home | | | | every home may have a few problems. Sometimes a |
| inspector can provide valuable information about a | | | | homeowner may have an inspection done just to |
| home that can prevent you from making a costly | | | | ensure there are no hidden maintenance problems |
| mistake if conditions are too bad. Not all home | | | | with their home. |
| problems and flaws are readily visible to the | | | | It is a good idea for you to be present during the |
| inexperienced eye, and this is where a quality and | | | | home inspection for many reasons. First, by being |
| thorough home inspection can help. | | | | present you will have a chance to ask any questions |
| There are some things that may not be covered | | | | you may have about the home or certain aspects. |
| under a home inspection, and each state and | | | | Following the inspector during the inspection will also |
| inspection firm may have rules that vary. Some | | | | give you a much clearer idea of what is involved with |
| inspections do not cover mold testing, air quality | | | | the different systems, and will help you understand |
| testing, radon testing, wood eating insect testing, | | | | the final home inspection report a lot better. |
| water testing, and other types of testing. Some | | | | Sometimes a buyer may feel confident and think that |
| home inspection businesses will perform some of | | | | if they do a good visual inspection it is not necessary |
| these testing services for free or a charge, while | | | | to have a home inspector come in and do an |
| others do not. Most home inspections cover the basic | | | | inspection. This is a common mistake. Sure you can |
| visual components of the home and the operation, | | | | see bare wires hanging out of the wall, but do you |
| condition, and function of the systems. Almost all the | | | | know the signs of hidden mold or previous flooding |
| licensed home inspection companies can have these | | | | damage? Most of us do not know the hidden signs |
| testing services performed for you through a third | | | | of home damage and problems, and this can lead to |
| party, but these tests may not be considered | | | | a serious problem being overlooked, and becoming a |
| routine. | | | | big financial burden once you have bought the home. |
| A home inspection, is not a pass or fail type of test, | | | | You should always insist on a quality professional |
| but rather a complete and detailed overview of the | | | | home inspection before buying any home, to avoid |
| condition of every possible aspect of the home that | | | | making a big mistake that can cost you later on. |
| can be visually inspected. The inspector will check the | | | | Finding a qualified home inspector to do the home |
| door and window conditions and operation, look at | | | | inspection is not difficult. You can look in the yellow |
| the foundation and any slabs, check all the systems | | | | pages of your local phone book, or ask around for |
| in the home, and basically go over the home from | | | | references from friends and family. Talk to a few |
| the bottom up, both inside and out. Even gutters, | | | | different companies, and then choose the one that |
| eaves, flashing, and the yard should be looked at. | | | | seems right for you. Ask about professional ethics, |
| The fees charged for a home inspection will vary, | | | | qualifications, any licensing, and experience. Check |
| depending on several factors. The size of the home, | | | | with your local better business bureau for complaints |
| the location and state where the home is, any | | | | against the company or the home inspector before |
| additional testing that is desired or needed, the age | | | | making a final decision on which company to use. The |
| of the home, and the home inspection service used. | | | | best time to call for a home inspector is as soon as |
| A normal range for this inspection can usually run | | | | the purchase agreement is signed. Normally a home |
| between five hundred dollars and up depending upon | | | | inspection can be done within a week, but sometimes |
| size, age and location of the property. This may | | | | this may not be the case. Calling as soon as possible |
| seem like a big expense, but when you consider that | | | | will ensure that your purchase is not held up waiting |
| a complete and thorough home inspection may reveal | | | | on the inspection to occur. A home inspection is the |
| thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance | | | | best way to protect yourself and know about the |
| needed it is quite reasonable. | | | | true condition of any home before you buy it. This |
| A home inspection can usually take between two and | | | | will be one of the biggest investments you will ever |
| four hours, depending on the size and complexity of | | | | make, and you owe it to yourself to make sure the |
| the home, but this can vary. The inspector may bring | | | | investment is a good one. |