Why would you need a home inspection?

It protects all parties involved in the transfer of ownserhip of your property.

Inspecting the Plumbing

Normally, the home inspection is paid for by the buyer, although more and more sellers are retaining the services of a professional home inspector before sale negotiations begin.

Why a home inspection is a smart investment

Whether you are a first time home buyer or have bought and sold many homes, we recommend you obtain a professional home inspection to take advantage of these benefits:

* Find out what type of systems and components exist in your new home.
* Determine the condition of the systems and major components of the home.
* Understand how the systems and structural components of your new home function.
* Learn how to maintain your new home to improve the enjoyment and value of your home.

Inspect the inspector.

There is no one background that fully trains an individual for all the different conditions that may exist in a home. And even in areas where licensing exists, many programs fall short.

Regardless of their technical background or licensing, all home inspectors should be formally trained/certified to perform a home inspection by an organization such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI®)*, thus insuring their knowledge of the home inspection process.

Choose a home inspector who has earned credentials for competence and professionalism. Make sure the inspector you select has access to on-going technical support and offers you post-inspection advice if needed.

Be ready

Order a home inspection soon after your purchase offer has been accepted.

Your real estate contract should have an "option period". This allows a limited number of days to complete a home inspection (and then to request repairs, or cancel the contract if needed.

If the home is vacant, confirm that the seller will have all utilities on during the home inspection.

Failure to do so may require a second trip to the home when the utilities are on, and you will incur additional fees. To properly evaluate a home a professional inspector must be able to operate the systems, thus requiring the utilities to be on.

Accompany the inspector during the home inspection.

This is your opportunity to gain knowledge of major systems, appliances and fixtures, learn maintenance tips, better understand the items that will be outlined in the written report, and ask questions of the inspector.

If your inspector recommends a further evaluation, please have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination PRIOR to closing.

Be sure you understand all conditions identified in the inspection report and reported defects/and or areas of concern have been resolved to your satisfaction before closing.

Insist on a final walk-through prior to close of escrow to verify that repairs have been made and that no new problems have surfaced since the home inspection, particularly in the areas where furnishings and storage may have previously obstructed the defect.

What is involved in a pre-purchase home inspection

A home inspector conducts a visual examination of the home you are planning to buy. He or she will examine all the major elements of the home, such as the roof, structure, exterior siding, interior electrical, interior plumbing, heating and air conditioning. A thorough inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on home size and age.

Most Inspectors can also arrange for ancillary services such as pool inspections, radon screening, termite inspections, water analyses, lead-based paint testing or septic/well system evaluations.