1. What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a complete visual examination of a home,
at a moment in time, by a qualified, licensed and impartial professional,
with emphasis on identifying existing or potential deficiencies,
so the client may make an informed decision.
2. Why do I need an inspection?
Buyers: A professional inspection provides a clear picture of
the structures and systems included in your purchase, thereby helping
you avoid costly surprises and/or problems.
Sellers: A professional inspection helps identify existing and
potential problems so you can address them before listing, making
the selling process flow much smoother.
Owners remodeling: A professional inspection helps not only identify
existing and potential problems, but will inform and update to
keep up with current codes, to lessen future problems.
3. When do I get an inspector?
When you have found the house that has moved you deeply. You are
not required to initiate a contract on a property through a realtor
to have it inspected. The inspector will contact the necessary
people to schedule the inspection. Give the inspector all the information
you can to facilitate the process. An inspection will give you
more information to help you decide on the offer you may wish to
make, or not make.
4. Can't I just let my realtor take care of getting it inspected?
Sure. BUT... If YOU are making the
purchase... YOU should find an impartial inspector, to avoid
any potential subjective partiality.
5. How long does the inspection process take?
The time may vary if the property is occupied, based upon the
schedule of the occupant. The actual inspection takes from 2 to
4 hours, usually about 3 hours. It may vary based upon the size
and type of building: larger buildings or those in poor condition
may take longer.
6. Do I need to be there?
No. You are not required to be there. But you are encouraged to
be, if you can. It is a great opportunity to learn about the property
and how it works, and what does not work so well. You can ask the
inspector questions and learn some good maintenance tips for certain
systems.
If you are out of town or state, I will be happy to work with
your chosen realtor, who would serve as your representative. I
have good relations with all our local realtors.
Or, I will deal directly with you via e-mail, fax, or phone.
7. Does a newly-constructed home need an inspection?
Yes. It is a great opportunity to find potential
problems while they are easier to correct. Try to schedule the
inspection before the walls are closed up. Many of our local
builders keep to the highest standards, but some builders use "short-cuts" and
some just do not do quality work. Most builders give a 12 month
warranty, and an inspection is the best way to get the most out
of such a warranty.
8. Why can't I do my own inspection?
You might disappoint yourself. With
over 30 years experience as a contractor/builder, I am more familiar
with the structures and systems. But more than the technical
expertise and experience, I am completely impartial and objective,
having no financial or emotional connection to the property.
Your emotional and financial connection may hinder your objectivity
and sway your judgment.
9. What about the deficiencies you
discover?
No house is perfect. Some of the deficiencies may only be due
to age or what codes were not yet in force when it was built. Some
may be major and require serious consideration and negotiation
with the seller before closing. The decision is yours. Knowing
more about the property gives you more with which to negotiate.
Most older houses are going to have some issues. Some beautiful
views are worth a few issues. It is up to you.
10. Do you fix the problems you find?
No. The code of ethics of ASHI and my personal
integrity prohibit me from doing work on property I inspect.
This avoids any conflict of interest and keeps the inspection
process completely impartial and objective. My impartial objectivity
allows me to speak for the house, not favoring seller or buyer.
