What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of a residential dwelling, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. A home inspection is the equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor.
The home inspection typically consist of a two to three hour visual inspection of all readily accessible areas of the dwelling. However, the inspection will not reveal every problem that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection. Buying a home?
A home purchase is probably the largest purchase you will ever make in your life. Stressed? Have a reliable home inspection completed and you may feel at ease about your purchase. Most recommendations made by a home inspector will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. Information good to know but nothing to fear. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories: - Major defects. A must know before purchasing.
- Things that may lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leaf, for example.
- Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home.
- Safety hazards.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property. Selling a home?
Before listing (put your home into market), have your home inspected by a NACHI inspector, to avoid a deal fall through the cracks without doing your home work. An inspection performed ahead of time helps you in many ways: - See your home through the eyes of a critical third-party.
- Price your home realistically and make repairs ahead of time.
- Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
- There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit.
- You have time to get reasonably prices contractors or make repair yourself.
- The buyer may be encouraged to wave the inspection contigency.
- It may relieve prospective buyers' concerns and suspicions.
- Alerting you immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.
Should I be present at the home inspection?
You are encouraged to be present with your inspector around the house and ask any questions you may have --- this way your specific concerns can be addressed, and you will get a better understanding of the home's condition. Your inspector can also provide helpful suggestions on home maintenance. What is a home inspection report?
A home inspection report is a document that describes and identifies in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals. A benefit of choosing GREI Home Inspection Services is the easy-to-read (and understand) report provided by Report Host, the premier web-based inspection report writing service. The report not only consists of concerns for the home, but also is full of useful information and references to be used for years to come. How quickly can I get my home inspection report?
The inspection report will be delivered electronically within 24 hours of the inspection. Some inspection companies provide on site or "walk-through" reports. As Nachi member, I chooses to be thorough for our clients, and therefore devotes more time to the report than other companies do. Can a house "fail" inspection?
No. A home inspection is a process to determine the condition of the house at the time of the home inspection. A home inspector identifies the condition of the house and its components at the time of the home inspection, but does not pass or fail a house. How much does a home inspection cost?
Home inspection fees are determined by the size, age, value, location, and complexity of the home. An average single home inspection fee varies from $300 to $1,000. Payment is due at the time of the inspection. Do I need home inspection even if my lender has done a home appraisal?
A lender's appraisal is not a home inspection. And yes, you do need both. The lender's appraisal is a visual inspection of the property. It is a very superficial estimate of the property's value relevant to other similar sized and constructed properties in the neighborhood. Although superficial, the appraisal does give the lender the comfort to write a mortgage based on that estimate. Home inspection, on the other hand, is a detailed analysis of the major systems of the property which are not easily seen or able to be evaluated by the average buyer. The home inspection is performed by a qualified professional who examines, among other things, the home's heating system, electrical system, walls, ceilings, attic, plumbing, roof, siding, foundation and basement. The home inspector evaluates the condition of each of these parts of the property. A good home inspection is a more true gauge of the property's value - relative to itself - and provides the potential buyer a degree of comfort and knowledge about the property's physical flaws, needed repairs and maintenance, etc.
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