Hiring home inspectors has advantages for both home buyers and home sellers. Home sellers that hire a home inspector can be proactive about making the repairs necessary to help their homes sell more quickly. Home buyers can feel confident that the home they buy is not in need of any major or minor structural work. No one wants to buy the house of their dreams only to discover after the closing that there is extensive water damage requiring expensive repairs.
What home inspectors do
Home inspectors perform a valuable service; that of visually inspecting the physical structure of a home from foundation to roof. A home inspector examines the house from top to bottom-the roof, ceilings, doors, windows, walls, floors, basement, and attic--and looks for signs of pest or water damage, which may not be visible to the untrained eye. Home inspectors examine the heating, central air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and water systems within the house as well. A home inspection should always be conducted prior to signing a written sales contract, or an inspection clause should be included in the offer that allows potential buyers an out should significant problems be discovered during the inspection.
Home inspection report
As a third-party individual, the home inspector has no vested interest in the home. As such he is able to issue an objective written report regarding the condition of the home and any identifiable problems. The home inspection report is not a statement or opinion as to whether you should buy the house or not, its value is in letting you know as a potential buyer what the existing and potential problems are, however minor they might be. Potential home buyers should also be aware that a home inspector does not test for the presence of radon gas or assess risks associated with asbestos.
Hiring a home inspector
It is important to hire a qualified and reputable home inspector who will give you an honest assessment of the home. Many home inspectors are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI ), which has a Standards of Practice as well as a Code of Ethics in place. The ASHI offers referrals for both home buyers and home sellers. Ask friends, co-workers, and neighbors for referrals as well. Your real estate agent should also be able to recommend several home inspectors for you to interview. Some states, such as New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, and Tennessee, require home inspectors to be licensed, which means they have passed a state licensing examination in addition to completing educational and training requirements.
Home inspectors charge a one-time fee for most single-family homes that varies by geographical location. When interviewing a home inspector, ask about training and experience, continuing education courses, professional memberships, and licensing. If possible, accompany the home inspector on the day of the inspection. Not only will you know where every valve and pipe in your house is located, you will be able to ask questions, see the problems firsthand, and have a much better understanding of what repairs are required.
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