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Frequently Asked Questions about Home Inspection
Please select one of the following topics:
What is a home inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Why do I need a home inspection?
What will it cost?
Can't I do it myself?
Can a house fail inspection?
How do I find a home inspector?
What is the American Society of Home Inspectors®?
Who belongs to ASHI?
When do I call in the home inspector?
Do I have to be there?
What if the report reveals problems?
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection report or
home inspection service is the equivalent of a physical examination from your
doctor. When problems or symptoms of problems are found, the inspector may recommend
further evaluation or remedies, making the home inspection cost well worth it.
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What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection report summarizes findings from a visual inspection
of the condition of the subject home's heating system, central air conditioning
system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof,
attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation,
basement, and the visible structures of the home.
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Why do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need
for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future.
Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge
of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing an agreement
for sale or purchase.
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. After an inspection,
both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the
property.
For homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making
and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home
on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered
by the buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make repairs that
will make your home more desirable to potential buyers.
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What will it cost?
Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by geography, size and
features of the property, and age of the home. Additionally, services such as
septic inspections and radon testing may be warranted depending upon the individual
property. Prices vary. It is a good idea to check local prices in your area
as you consider a professional home inspection.
Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection or selecting an
inspector you are comfortable with - knowledge gained from an inspection
is well worth the time and expense. The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily
a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration in your
selection.
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Can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional
home inspector. A professional home inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge
and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property.
An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their
proper installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the home's
systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and
why they fail and knows what to look for and is uniquely suited to interpret
what their findings reveal about the condition of the property.
Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional about the
house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate
information about the condition of a home, always obtain an impartial third-party
opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
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Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition
of your home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal
inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector
will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical condition
of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement.
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How do I find a home inspector?
Word of mouth, the experiences and referrals from friends and neighbors is one
of the best ways to find a home inspector. Someone who has used a home inspection
service and is satisfied with the level of customer service and professionalism
of that service will likely recommend a qualified professional.
In addition, names of inspectors in your area can be found by searching our
online database, or can be found in the local Yellow Pages directory where many
advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection
Service." Real estate professionals are generally familiar with the inspection
services in your area and can provide a list of qualified professionals.
Regardless of your referral source, make sure that the home inspector is a
member of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI). Our members have
the highest professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics in
the industry. A list of ASHI members in your area is available upon request
from the Association's headquarters.
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What is the American Society of Home Inspectors®?
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) is the oldest and most widely
recognized non-profit professional association for independent home inspectors.
ASHI's "Standards of Practice" serve as the home inspector's performance
guideline, and are universally recognized and accepted by professional and government
authorities. Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI.
ASHI's professional Code of Ethics prohibits members from engaging in conflict
of interest activities, which may compromise their objectivity. This is the
assurance to the consumer that the inspector will not, for example, use the
inspection to solicit or refer repair work.
ASHI sponsors continuing education, technical seminars and workshops and serves
the public interest by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to
home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
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Who belongs to ASHI?
Members of ASHI are independent professional home inspectors who have met the
most rigorous technical and experience requirements in the industry. Prospective
ASHI members must pass two written technical examinations, must have performed
a minimum of 250 professional fee-paid home inspections, and must maintain their
candidate status for no less than six months. ASHI members are required to follow
the Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits in
order to keep current with the latest in building technology, materials, and
professional skills.
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When do I call in the home inspector?
Before you sign the contract or purchase agreement, make your purchase obligation
contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause
should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Contact
a home inspector immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been
signed. Home inspectors are aware of the time constraints involved in purchase
agreements and most are available to conduct the required inspection within
a few days.
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Do I have to be there?
While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always recommended that
you make time to join the inspector for their visit. This allows you to observe
the inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how
its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property
with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.
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What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate
you should not buy the house. His findings serve to educate you in advance of
the purchase about the condition of the property. A seller may adjust the purchase
price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an inspection.
If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be involved in future repair
work, this information will be extremely valuable.
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If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really
need an inspection?
Yes. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the condition
of the property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you
will have learned many things about your new home, and will want to keep that
information for future reference.
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