| Understanding the Home Inspection Process | | | | It's also best to make certain that your |
| | | | specific inspector has experience with your |
| The home inspection is an essential part of | | | | locale or region. A local home inspector will |
| any home buying process. Without a home | | | | better understand conditions in your area |
| inspection, you can never be sure what you're | | | | such as damp basements, winter damage to |
| getting and when buying a home that's a lot | | | | roofing or cracks in the foundation caused by |
| of money to gamble on uncertainty. A home | | | | normal settling. In other words he is |
| inspection ensures that there are no | | | | familiar with all the problems that may be |
| surprises and that you can enjoy your future | | | | common in your area and will know to look for |
| home for years to come. Also most lenders | | | | them. |
| will require home inspection before they will | | | | |
| provide a loan. After all the lender has a | | | | An average home inspection can take |
| vested interest in the home as well. | | | | approximately two to four hours to complete. |
| | | | Be cautious if an inspector tells you that he |
| A home inspection will involve hiring a | | | | can do a complete home inspection in less |
| company to send a home inspector out to go | | | | time. A thorough home inspection takes time, |
| through your potential home with you and | | | | so don't settle for someone that you feel |
| thoroughly inspect everything to make sure | | | | might be taking shortcuts. |
| there are no major problems that might not be | | | | |
| obvious to the average home owner. He will go | | | | Many home inspectors are happy to have you |
| over all the wiring, plumbing, fixtures as | | | | accompany them on the inspection. This way |
| well as the exterior of the house, the roof | | | | they can explain in detail about the |
| and the foundation to make sure everything is | | | | condition of the house and point out any |
| structurally sound. | | | | problems to you. A walk through with the home |
| | | | inspector is a great time to learn about how |
| At the same time as the home inspection it's | | | | your home works and what to look for in terms |
| always a good idea to have a pest inspection | | | | of potential trouble. |
| to check for damaging insects such as | | | | |
| termites or carpenter ants. A pest inspection | | | | The cost of a home inspection can vary |
| is done separately from the home inspection | | | | depending on the size of the house as well as |
| by a company specializing in pest | | | | a number of other factors but it is can run |
| inspections. Depending on your location a | | | | into several hundred dollars. This is just a |
| pest inspection may be required by a lender | | | | necessary part of the home buying process and |
| before they will grant a loan. | | | | one that will provide much peace of mind once |
| | | | you move into your new home. |
| Different states have different regulations | | | | |
| for home inspections. So you need to be aware | | | | Summary: The home inspection is an essential |
| of what your specific state requirements are | | | | part of any home buying process. Without a |
| and make sure the inspector covers these | | | | home inspection, you can never be sure what |
| areas. It's a good idea to ask to see | | | | you're getting and when buying a home that's |
| credentials and a professional home inspector | | | | a lot of money to gamble on uncertainty. A |
| will gladly show you any necessary | | | | home inspection ensures that there are no |
| certification. | | | | surprises and that you can enjoy your future |
| | | | home for years to come. |