| What is a home inspection, and what to expect. A | | | | choice of requesting repairs or voiding the contract |
| home inspection is one of the most important things | | | | withearnest money refunded. |
| that ahomeowner, seller, or buyer can order to be | | | | A professional home inspection is only as good as the |
| done to their home or potential home. It is an | | | | inspector's knowledge, building experience and ability |
| objective visualexamination of the physical structure | | | | toconvey information to you. Because of the |
| and systems of a house, from the roof to the | | | | importance of a home inspection, you should choose |
| foundation. The goal of ahome inspection is to give | | | | your home inspectorwisely. Selecting a qualified home |
| the client a much better understanding of the physical | | | | inspector can be a difficult task. Your realtor should |
| condition of the structureand major components of | | | | be able to give you alist of 3 or 4 home inspectors |
| the home than would otherwise be known. It is your | | | | that you can choose from. A good rule of thumb is |
| best opportunity to get to know asmuch about your | | | | to look for inspectors with fiveor more years of |
| new home as possible The home inspection is the | | | | on-the-job experience in the home inspection field. |
| most important part of any transaction of aproperty | | | | You should also ask for referrences of pastclients. A |
| and it is essential to protecting your financial | | | | good inspector should be willing to give out |
| investment. | | | | references of past clients, who can talk about their |
| The average time for a home inspection is generally | | | | homeinspection experience. You should also verify |
| 2 hours for a condo and 2-3 hours for a single family | | | | that they carry E&O (errors and emissions) insurance. |
| home. | | | | This willprotect you in the event that the inspector |
| The cost can range from $200 to $500 or more | | | | misses something that ends up being a costly repair |
| depending on the size and condition of the property. | | | | after you move in. |
| The cost of ahome inspection is a very small part of | | | | Home inspectors in Illinois are required to be licensed, |
| the expense of buying a home. The client should also | | | | but in many states there is no licensing requirement. |
| plan on beingpresent when the home inspection is | | | | A little research on your own will go a long way in |
| taking place. This will help them have a better | | | | helping you select the right inspector for the job. |
| understanding of the reportand the problems listed in | | | | It is obvious from the above that home inspection is |
| it. You should also keep in mind that a home | | | | serious business. While not required by law, a home |
| inspection is NOT a guarantee or warrantyof the | | | | inspectionis always a good idea. A through home |
| property you had inspected nor is it a certification of | | | | inspection will give you peace of mind in knowing you |
| compliance with building codes. Once the | | | | are making a sound investment. |
| homeinspection is completed, the buyer has the | | | | |