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The Home Inspection
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The truth is, without a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified professional, neither the buyer nor the seller can really know what might be about to go wrong with the house. The home inspection professional will evaluate all the major elements of the home, including heating, cooling, structure, electrical, and plumbing -- and more.
Four reasons why a home inspection is a smart investment:
- Be confident you won’t get surprised by major defects you hadn’t bargained for.
- Be informed about the condition of the elements of the property you are buying.
- Learn how mechanical systems and appliances work and how they should be maintained.
- Understand the construction and function of structural components and safety features.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced homebuyer, we recommend you
obtain a professional home inspection to take advantage of these benefits.
Follow these tips when getting a home inspection:
- Order a home inspection soon after your offer has been accepted. Many of the real estate contracts allow a limited number of days to complete a home inspection and request repairs, if needed, or cancel your contract.
- There is no one background that fully trains an individual for all the different conditions that may exist in a home. Regardless of their technical background, all home inspectors should be formally trained and certified to perform a home inspection by a proper organization, thus assuring their whole-house knowledge. Choose a certified home inspector who has earned credentials for competence and professionalism. All NIBI or other certified inspectors work for you and do not perform repairs, so their only motivation is your thorough understanding of the home’s condition and working systems.
- If the home is vacant, confirm that the seller will have all utilities on during the home inspection.
- Accompany the inspector during the home inspection. This is your opportunity to gain knowledge of major systems, appliances and fixtures, learn maintenance schedules and tips, better understand the items that will be outlined in the written report, ask questions of the inspector and take notes.
- Be sure you understand all conditions identified in the inspection report and that problems have been resolved to your satisfaction before closing.
- If you have further concerns or questions about the roof or other major systems, please have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination.
What does a Home Inspection Involve?
At the home buyer's expense, a home inspector conducts a visual examination of the home you are planning to buy. He or she will examine such things as the roof, structure, siding, interior electrical, interior plumbing, heating and air conditioning-usually spending a few hours at the property. Normally, the home inspection is paid for by the buyer, although sometimes a seller will retain the services of an inspector before sale negotiations begin.
While a home inspection doesn't guarantee that everything will remain in good working order or serve as a home warranty, it will help to inform you whether or not everything is in good working condition at the time of the inspection.
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