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