Having your potential home inspected is a necessary step in purchasing residential property. A good home inspector will perform a thorough inspection of the home and its systems. Your inspector will then present you with a detailed outline of the home’s physical condition, and you may become aware of some defects in the home’s structure that were previously unapparent.
Things that need to be evaluated in a Home Inspection
A list of items that should be inspected includes:
Of course, the above list is not exhaustive, and to acquire a more comprehensive understanding, speaking with a professional home inspector is recommended.
At the completion of your inspection, you will review a computerized outline of the home’s physical condition. Remember, a home inspector is a generalist with a broad knowledge base, but does not specialize in solving the problems that an inspection may uncover. At this point, your inspector may refer you to a specialist for follow-up on any issues that are of concern.
After reviewing your prospective home’s report, your perception of the home’s value, or even its desirability, may be altered. If you still want to purchase the home, any inspection results that concern you need to be discussed with your realtor, who will negotiate with the owner on your behalf.
Many realtors provide their clients with a list of home inspectors to choose from. Review your candidates and look for certification along with extensive experience in the home inspection field.
For inspector certification, verify certification through The American Society of Home Inspectors. ASHI is a national, non-profit organization, with set standards and a code of ethics. For Further Information: www.ashi.com