What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the readily accessible systems and components of a primary residential structure. A home inspection report is the written product of this evaluation. Because there exists no established objective criterion for the condition of the home prior to title transfer or sale, there is no passing or failing of a home inspection. There are many factors that are not in the scope of a home inspection that would aid in the determination of the acceptability of a home’s condition. The assessed value of a home is dynamic depending on many factors, such as market trends, past sales of comparable property, the condition of the property, etc. The expertise of a real estate professional is a valuable tool in determining the weight given to the condition of the property in this formula.
Do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection is always optional, but recommended. Yes please have a home inspection done. It doesn't matter if the home is a 100 years old or brand new, there may still be something wrong with the house. It will give you peace of mind. Even newer homes have defects, can have plumbing problems, AC Problems, termites, roof problems, and and and you just don't know. Brand new homes have a builder home warranty but issues need to be addressed as well. You can not address if you don't know about. Every defect equates to dollars you will need to spend.
Some Home Inspection companies got burned because they found something major wrong with the property they inspected, the transaction did not close because of this issue and so the Home Inspection Company did not get paid either. That is why more and more Home Inspectors like to be paid as soon as they are done with the inspection and before they give you their report.
Please keep several things in mind when choosing a home inspector
- Don't pick a home inspector based on price. There is a difference in home inspectors. A home purchase is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Would you choose a doctor based on price or do you want the best? The same applies to Home Inspectores.
- Find out how long they’ve been in business.
- Read client reviews. Are they from clients or real estate agents? Do they have testimonials from three satisfied clients, or thirty?
- Read about their qualifications and experience. Look out for clever wording like “10 years of industry experience.” This doesn’t equate to 10 years of “Home Inspection” experience.
- Does the home inspector want you to attend? If they don't that should be a red flag.
- View a sample inspection report.