Do you have any questions about the home inspection process? Then you would not be the first. The questions and answers below are provided by Exceptional Building Inspections to help you answer your questions.
How much will a home inspection cost?
Inspection fees for a single-family home vary depending on the geographic location, size and characteristics of the property, and the age of the home. Additionally, services such as septic inspections and radon gas testing may be authorized, depending on the individual property. The prices vary. It would be a good idea to check the prices in your area when considering a professional home inspection.
Don’t let cost stop you from conducting a home inspection or selecting an professional inspector you feel comfortable with – the knowledge you gain from an inspection is worth the time and expense. The inspector who charges less does not mean it is a bargain. The inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations should be the most important considerations when making your selection.
Can I do the inspection myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner does not have the knowledge and experience that a home inspector has. A professional home inspector has the experience, in-depth knowledge, and training to make an unbiased and detailed report on the condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with many elements of home construction, installation, and proper maintenance.
An inspector understands how the home’s systems and components are put together to work together, and also how and why they fail. They know what to look for, and they are the only ones who are able to interpret what the results reveal about the conditions of the property.
Most home buyers find it difficult to stay objective and unemotional about the home they really want; this can affect your decision. For more accurate information on the condition of a home, always get the unbiased opinion of a third-party expert on the ground on a home inspection.
Can a home fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, nor is it a municipal inspection, which verifies compliance with local codes and standards. A home will either fail or fail a home inspection. But it will describe the physical conditions of a property and indicate what needs to be repaired or replaced.
How can I find a home inspector?
The experiences and references of friends and neighbors are the best ways to find a home inspector. Anyone who has used a home inspection service and was satisfied with the level of customer service and professionalism they have experienced could recommend a qualified professional like Exceptional Building Inspections.
When do I call the Home Inspector?
Before signing the contract or the purchase agreement, make sure that there is a clause in the contract that states that you are going to make the purchase on the results obtained in the professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which the buyer and the seller are bound.
Contact a home inspector immediately after signing the contract or purchase agreement. Home inspectors know the times that are involved in purchase agreements; most are available to carry out the required inspection within a few days.
Do I have to be there?
You do not need to be present, but you should make time to meet with the inspector while he visits. This will allow you to observe the inspector, ask questions as well as learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have viewed the property with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector finds problems, it does not necessarily mean that he should not buy the house. The inspector’s results teach you the conditions of the property prior to purchasing the home. A seller can adjust the purchase price or agree to terms if larger problems are discovered during the inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to be involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.
If the home is shown to be in good condition, was an inspection necessary?
Yes. Now you can finalize your home purchase with the confidence of knowing the condition of the property and all of its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will have learned many things about your new home, and you will want to save that information for future reference.
You may also want to read: In search of decent housing: how will the new building inspection?
