Why do I need a Home Inspection?

1. What is a Home Inspection ?
2. What does a Home Inspection Include ?
3. Why do need a Home Inspection ?
4. When do I request a Home Inspection ?
5. Can a property "fail" a Home Inspection ?
6. If the Inspection report is favorable, did I really need a Home Inspection ?
7. Inspections includes, eight major areas  ?

What is a Home Inspection ?

An Inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a property. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that over 50% of all homes for sale have at lease one (or more) major defects. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, or a commercial building, it should be thoroughly inspected before the final purchase. A major concern of home buyers is being suddenly confronted with major (and costly) problems after they take settlement of a property. A  home inspection/survey prior to your purchase can reduce greatly reduce the chance of major problems being discovered after the purchase. 

A Home Inspection can also be used as financial leverage in negotiating the purchase of your home. You will be in a better position to renegotiate the price downward if any major problem exist that you believe the seller should pay for.  For example: You make an offer on a home contingent on your approval of a home inspection, and the offer is accepted.  Now, if the inspector was to find that the hot water heater, although working, is nearing the end of it's useful life and in his opinion it will need to be replaced shortly you have two options.  

1) You can withdraw your offer because the home did not meet your approval on home inspection.

2) You can ask the seller to ether replace the water heater or credit you for for the replacement cost of the new water heater. 

As you can see a home inspection can pay for it's self by being a valuable negotiating tool.

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What does an Home Inspection include ?

As a seller, if you have owned the building for a period of time, an inspection can identify potential problems in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures that might avoid future expensive repairs. A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visual interior plumbing, and electrical systems, visual insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

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Why do I need an Inspection ?

The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will make. You should know exactly what to inspect both indoors and out, in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of the building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.

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When do I request an Inspection ?

The best time to consult the inspector is right after you've made an offer on your new building . The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your professional agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the finding of a professional inspection.

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Can a property "fail" a Home Inspection ?

No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal of a Municipal Code inspection. An Inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.  

If the inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. Or, more commonly, the seller will reduce the cost of the property based on the cost of repairs.

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If the report is favorable, did I really need an inspection ?

Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your property.

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Inspections include, eight major areas:

STRUCTURE:
The structure of the property is identified by the inspector; in terms of material used, construction type, and the areas that are/are not accessible. The inspector will determine whether the main structural components are sound, free from rot or insect damage, and strong enough to support the weight of the house.  Significant subcomponents, such as foundation type, framing materials, etc. are listed in the report and their problems are noted. The inspector also checks for major and minor problems in the various structural systems of the building, including the foundation, floor, wall and roof framing.

ELECTRICAL:
The properties electrical system is checked for capacity and safety. The inspector evaluates the system in terms of its current condition and considers its suitability for future intended use. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:
The inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment to produce comfortable conditions. By considering the age of the existing equipment and the intended capacity, the inspector can approximate the life expectancy and recommend appropriate repairs or upgrades within a budget.

PLUMBING:
The piping and fixtures throughout the house are checked for functional flow and life expectancies. The system is screened for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, such as freeze vulnerability or spillage/overflow. The laundry equipment, tile work, and domestic water heating equipment are surveyed as well. Useful upgrades are itemized and near term replacements budgeted.

BASEMENT / CRAWLSPACE / SLAB:
Water seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated and remediation advice is given. The inspector looks for possible problem areas that could cause structural problems, such as poor soil, surface drainage, close proximity tree roots, rotating stoops, etc.

KITCHEN:
The appliance are operated and deficiencies noted. The inspector recommends appropriate upgrades and approximates the life expectancy of each piece of equipment. Depending on age and usefulness, the inspector may suggest a budget for repairs from complete renovation to typical minor problems such as appliance malfunction, damage to floor seams, or inoperative door springs.

INTERIOR:
The inspector scans the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces for problematic conditions, such as visible evidence of water penetration, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security breaches. The ventilation and energy conservation aspects are checked and appropriate upgrades are itemized.

EXTERIOR:
The inspector walks on the roof (where safe and appropriate) and notes preservation deficiencies. Roof runoff controls and landscape drainage are checked and improvements are recommended where necessary. Stoops, steps, walks, and drives are checked for voids, surface problems, and safety hazards.