Buying a home can be one of the most
important financial investments you will ever make. But, how do you
know if the house is everything it appears to be? If the home you are
about to purchase does not have the structural integrity to give you
peace of mind, you may be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights.
A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about
the physical condition of a property you want to buy. A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical
structure and mechanical condition of a home, from roof to foundation.
The inspection is designed to identify problems that may exist, advise
of repairs needed and, in some cases, provide preventive maintenance
advice. A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as
well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good
shape.
A home inspector may be a residential architect, structural
engineer or building contractor. Currently, home inspectors are not
regulated by any federal government agencies, and in most states, do
not require licensing. However, structural engineers must be licensed.
It is up to the buyer to ask prospective inspectors questions
about their experience and knowledge when deciding who to hire. When
looking for a home inspector, the Better Business Bureau suggests the
following general guidelines:
- Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Check
with the Better Business Bureau or your consumer protection division if
you have questions.
- Look for someone who is familiar with
the type of home to be inspected. Does the inspector specialize in
residential or commercial property?
- Ask prospective
inspectors questions about their professional training, relevant
experience and/or length of time in business. Find out if the inspector
belongs to a professional association, such as the American Society of
Home Inspectors or the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Membership in professional associations may offer added assurance of an
inspector's qualifications and training.
- Look for home
inspectors who are committed to avoiding conflicts of interest, who
refuse to be involved in any real estate transaction or to deliberately
obtain work in another field that could benefit them financially as a
result of their inspection work, and who hold the safety, health and
welfare of the public paramount in the performance of their
professional inspection duties.
- Be present during the
inspection. The majority of inspectors will allow you to tour the home
with them and ask questions during or after the inspection. The
inspection can last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the
size of the house.
- Ask how soon after the inspection will
you receive a copy of the home inspection final, written report.
Carefully read your home inspection report and make a list of items
that need correction; this will help you to determine your future
expenditures for repairs and maintenance. The report will contain
useful information that serves as a reference for you in the future. A
home can not fail an inspection; understand that the home inspection
report records the condition of the home, both positives and negatives.