
A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is carried out by a home inspector, who usually has special equipment and training to carry out such inspections. A home inspection report is then issued by the home inspector. Many home inspectors use home inspection software.
An inspector will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, electrical, and many other aspects of buildings looking for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues. Home owners or home buyers often use a home inspection service before selling or buying their houses. A home inspector conducts a thorough examination of a home to detect any potential systems or components requiring attention. A home owner receives a detailed report of the condition of his/her home so that he/she can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it is time to make them.
A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser. A home inspector determines the condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property.
A home cannot "fail" an inspection, as there is no score or passing grade given. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local building code code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need a major or minor repair or replacement. --------- knowledgefinancial.com
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In Canada and the United States, a contract to purchase a house will often include a contingency that the contract is not valid until a home inspector has inspected the property (and the contract will usually provide for how problems found in inspection are to be remedied). In many states and provinces, home inspectors are required to be licensed, but in many states the profession is not regulated at all. Typical requirements for obtaining a license are to complete an approved training course and/or to pass an examination selected by the state's licensing board. Several states and provinces also require inspectors to periodically obtain continuing education credits in order to renew their licenses.
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Ten Important Questions to
Ask Your Home Inspector
1. What does your inspection
cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report
will meet all applicable
requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a
well-recognized standard of practice
and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of
these items ahead of time and
ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to
make sure are inspected, be sure
to identify them upfront.
2. How long have you been practicing in
the home inspection profession and how
many inspections
have you completed?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the
profession and perhaps even a few
names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many
work with a partner or have
access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the
inspection.
3. Are you specifically experienced
in residential inspection?
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no
substitute for training and
experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the
inspection is for a commercial property,
then this should be asked about as well.
4. Do you offer to do repairs or
improvements based on the
inspection?
Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector
to perform repair work on
problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and
regulations strictly forbid this as a
conflict of interest.
5. How long will the inspection
take?
The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to
three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less
may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional
inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.
6. How much will it cost?
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the
house, scope of services and other factors.
A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home
inspection in
terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect
quality. HUD Does not regulate home inspection fees.
7. What type of inspection report do you
provide and how long will it take to
receive the report?
Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand
the inspector's reporting style
and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide
their full report within 24 hours
of the inspection.
8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to
allow this should raise a red
flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home
through the eyes of an expert.
9. Do you maintain membership in a
professional home inspector association?
There are many state and national associations for home inspectors.
Request to see their
membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem
appropriate.
10. Do you participate in continuing
education programs to keep your
expertise up to date?
One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to
continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism
and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases
where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring
additional or updated training.
How to Interpret Home
Inspection Reports
1. Review the inspection report.
Get details about any disclosed
findings.
Step 1 Be sure your purchase contract includes an
inspection clause that makes your
obligation to purchase the home dependent on the results of a
professional home
inspection performed within a stated period of time (usually 10 to
15 days) during the
sales transaction.
Step 2 Hire a professional home inspector to
inspect the home within the contingency period.
Step 3 Review the condition of each item listed on
the home inspection report; decide if the condition of each item or
component is acceptable or unacceptable to you.
Step 4 Obtain estimates on repairs or
replacements described in the home inspection
report if estimates are not provided by the home inspector.
Step 5 Compare your original offer to
the estimated costs of any repairs or
replacements.
Step 6 Present an addendum to the
sellers within the contingency period
at a reduced
price to cover the costs of repairs or replacements or give the
sellers the option of
getting the work done themselves.
Tips & Warnings
In some states, inspections are performed before buyers present
a purchase contract
to the seller; check with a local real estate agent to find out about
the laws in your state.
Ask if the sellers have already had an inspection
performed which will save you time and money.
Most home inspection reports do not offer
guarantees or warranties.
Avoid
the risk of losing your purchase deposit by
making sure the home inspection is
completed within the contingency period in your
contract.
If you find something in the report that is not
satisfactory, let the seller know in writing
what the defect or unsatisfactory condition is
and that you want the item or items
corrected before you agree to continue with the
purchase.
What to Ask During Home
Inspection
A home inspection not only lets you know about the condition of a
house. It can even save you considerable amount as you can
have the home price cut down when home inspection reports
show major problems in the property. You can also ask the seller
to fix the problems before you take over the property. If you do not
conduct home inspection, you would not find out about necessary
repairs early on.
When you hire a home inspector, there are things that you might
need to ask them. It is therefore advisable to be present during
home inspection. Here are some things you might ask your
home inspector:
Ask about all matters regarding the home that might concern you.
Different buyers have different specific concerns; let your home
inspector know about yours.
Inquire about the drainage system of the property. You have to
know whether the drainage is functioning well. Aside from the
drainage, you can ask about other matters regarding the exteriors
such as protecting the roofing. Also, if the property has a
basement, you can ask the home inspector for tips on how to
keep it dry.
There are some things around the house that can make
acquiring insurance harder than usual. One example is when the
house has aluminum wiring or knob and tube wiring. You can
ask your inspector if the house has those materials.
Ask your home inspector regarding the house plumbing. You
have to know whether the clean out cap is brand new as there
may be issues when it is. Also ask about the pipes. As for the
heating system, ask about its every part.
Most importantly, ask about the home structure. Even if they
would not be able to tell you about the insides of the walls, they
can give you a general idea on whether the home is sturdy.
You can ask several questions to your home inspector but
remember to limit them to those he can answer. Stick to
questions that have to do with the condition of the house; refrain
from asking questions about the price or whether you should buy
the property or not. Home inspectors cannot give you the answer
to those questions; they can only help you arrive at a wise
decision.
HOME INSPECTION:
A Home Inspection is to Bring a Buyer Back to Reality. HOW TO USE HOME INSPECTION REPORTS TO NEGOTIATE SALE PRICE? How to Identify a Qualified and
Reliable Home Inspector? How to Make the Most Out of The Home Inspection Process make the most out of your investment.
HOME INSPECTION PART ONE:
WHAT TO KNOW, WHAT TO LOOK
FOR IN A FINAL WALK THROUGH
BEFORE BUYING?
HOW TO USE HOME INSPECTION
REPORTS TO NEGOTIATE SALE
PRICE?
--------------------------------------------------
HOME INSPECTION PART TWO:
What to Ask During Home
Inspection... Ten Important
Questions to Ask Your Home
Inspector. .. How to Interpret
Home Inspection Reports?
-----------------------------------------------------
HOME INSPECTION PART
THREE: A home inspection is a
non-invasive examination of the
condition of a home, often in
connection with the sale of that
home
How to look for a good home
inspector? How to get the best
out of a home inspection?
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..HOME INSPECTION: HOW TO GET THE BEST
OUT OF IT..
Top 10 home-buying mistakes to avoid!
HOW TO USE HOME INSPECTION REPORTS TO
NEGOTIATE SALE PRICE?...
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HOME INSPECTION PART ONE: WHAT TO KNOW, WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FINAL WALK THROUGH
BEFORE BUYING?
HOW TO USE HOME INSPECTION REPORTS TO NEGOTIATE SALE PRICE?
--------------------------------------------------
HOME INSPECTION PART TWO: What to Ask During Home Inspection... Ten Important Questions to
Ask Your Home Inspector. .. How to Interpret Home Inspection Reports?
-----------------------------------------------------
HOME INSPECTION PART THREE: A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of
a home, often in connection with the sale of that home
How to look for a good home inspector? How to get the best out of a home inspection?
Things Your Home Inspector Won’t Inspect
Your home inspector should examine every square inch of the house, from the electric garage door to the built-
in microwave. Faulty construction, improper electrical wiring, inefficient insulation, old heating, building permit
violations, and other unseen problems can lead to expensive home repairs — large and small. However, don’t
assume that if you hire a home inspector, they will be able to tell you absolutely everything you need to know
about the house. Home inspectors are very careful not to take on liability for issues outside their area of
expertise, so there are certain areas that home inspectors will be hesitant to “sign off” on. Fill in the blanks by
following up with additional inspectors who are experts in the following eight fields.
1. Roof inspection
You’ll need to call in a roof specialist if your inspector isn’t qualified to inspect the roof. Also, keep in mind that
the roof may be difficult to access and examine if it’s covered with snow. In this case, it may be possible to
include a special provision that allows you to extend the inspection contingency specifically to accommodate the
roof, in the hope that the weather improves.
2. Chimney inspection
If you or your home inspector suspect instability or hints of structural damage, it’s important to hire a chimney
specialist. The specialist will be able to use a “chimney cam” (a small video camera used to inspect the chimney
from the inside) to uncover hidden damage.
3. Geological inspection
A property on a cliff or hillside, or one that is located in a flood zone, can benefit from a geological inspection.
The inspector could unearth a severe drainage or ground-shifting problem — and save you thousands in repair
costs down the line.
4. Sewer inspection
Your inspector may be able to tell whether things are, um, “flowing,” but a sewer expert can get a better sense
of the integrity of your sewer line with a sewer camera to discover cracks or breaks from the house to the street.
A sewer inspection is critical for properties that are heavily landscaped, where root growth can crack and clog
the pipeline. Don’t overestimate the importance of this inspection; a sewer line replacement can be an
enormous expense.
5. Termite inspection
The seller commonly pays for this inspection, because many mortgage companies and banks will need one
before approving a loan on the house. Regardless of who pays, make sure you review the finished report and
that all the recommended work has been completed.
6. Moisture, mold, and toxin inspection
It’s important to check for moisture in any crawlspace, basement, or below-ground-level areas. Moisture
indicates a potential mold problem — if there isn’t one already. Be sure your house has a clean bill of mold
health, especially in wet areas close to oceans or lakes.
7. Asbestos inspection
If the house was built prior to 1975, you will need an asbestos inspection. Asbestos can be present on insulation
around ducting, water heaters, and pipes. If it is accessible and can be removed by an asbestos specialist,
consider asking the seller to foot the bill.
8. Nonconforming-use inspection
The issue of nonconforming use does not require a specific additional inspector. It is usually a joint effort
between your inspector and your real estate agent to determine if all additions and major changes have been
properly permitted.
Converted garages, sun porches, or add-on bedrooms can increase square footage, but when completed
improperly, they can add headaches when it’s time to make them legal
How to Interpret Home
Inspection Reports
1. Review the inspection report.
Get details about any disclosed
findings.
Step 2 Pay special attention to items in the
report that indicate potential health
hazards, such as a cracked heat exchanger in the
furnace, lead paint or asbestos.
Step 3 Look for other red flags indicating
expensive repairs in the near future, such as
a faulty roof or cracks in the foundation.
Step 4 Provide the seller with a copy of the
inspecion report. Notify seller in writing of
the findings and needed repairs.
Step 5 Get estimates for repairs. In
writing, request that the seller adjust the selling
price or make necessary repairs before close of
escrow.
Step 6 Decide whether the selling price
plus any repair costs exceeds your budget.
Tips & Warnings
If you have allowed for a contingency on the
findings on any inspections and you do not wish to
complete the transaction due to items discovered in
the inspection, you have a legal way out of the
contract to purchase the home.
Inspection reports will usually run 10 to
20 pages.Keep in mind when reading the report that
no house is ever perfect.
Many financial institutions will also require a termite
inspection; this will cost between $50 and $100.
Contact an inspector
specializing in detecting lead
paint
hazards for any home built
before 1978.
If you are unfamiliar with construction and
building codes, it is wise to have a contractor
review the report. Be ready of inspectors whose
reports have an alarmist
tone.
How to understand inspection
report for foreclosure or REO
property... LEARN MORE
When you purchase a foreclosure or REO property,
it is important to hire professional inspector to
thoroughly inspect the property. Here are the
inspection reports you need.
Step 1 Property Inspection
Report is the report on general condition of the
property,
which is the main report you will get on a
foreclosure or REO property.
It covers the building site (curbs, driveway, fence,
drainage, exterior doors & windows, roof) and
building interior (each room).
It also covers safety equipment and appliances, as
well as plumbing.
Step 2 Roof Inspection Report is
a special report for roof on a foreclosure or REO
property. The most important part is to see whether
there is any leakage.
Step 3 The Nature Hazard Disclosure
Report is the report about any fire, flood,
earthquake, etc risk for the site of foreclosure or
REO property. Usually it should be in
good shape, unless the property is really old and
the environment has changed.
Step 4 WOOD DESTROYING PESTS
AND ORGANISMS INSPECTION REPORT is the
inspection about your exterior wood structure and
roof. Most important thing to look here is any roof
leak and mold for a foreclosure or REO property.
How to Use Home Inspection
Reports to Negotiate the Price
of a Home? LEARN MORE...




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