How to Know What to Anticipate in a Home Inspection

During the home buying experience, the home inspection is an integral aspect. Future homeowners should ensure they are informed and educated on their home investment, thus states mandate what inspectors should/should not check during a home inspection. This eHow article is designed to inform readers on the basics of a home inspection, and inform where to find appropriate resources that will guide consumers on their inspections.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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1. 

   What is a home inspection?
   
   A home inspection is a visual inspection of the home and its mechanics to check the structure for any faults or unsafe conditions.
   
   The criteria for which an inspector checks varies from state to state, thus consumers should research what stipulations are made for compliant homes in their own areas.

2. 

   Why are inspections necessary?
   
   Home inspections help both the buyer and the seller in the home buying process. For sellers, an inspection defines and appraises the home’s condition and value. For buyers, a home inspection serves to disclose pertinent information about the home prior to the completion of the purchase. Whereas an inspection may illustrate issues with the home that the seller may need to repair prior to selling; an inspection may also protect a buyer from investing in a poorly constructed home.
   
   Inspections are also imperative for lending institutions. A lending institution will typically require an inspection prior to funding for the home is released, to ensure that the invested capital, or funds/money, being applied for the home is a justified loan. After all, a bank certainly doesn't want to loan thousands of dollars for a home that isn't worth its price. The inspection verifies that the home is a sound investment for both the lender and buyer.

3. 

   How can I find a home inspector?
   
   Although it’s easy to assume that all inspectors would inspect all the same areas of a home; they do not. The stipulations of what a licensed inspector must check vary from location to location, thus it’s important to educate yourself as a homeowner on what you should expect from your inspector in your state.
   
   When choosing a home inspector, potential homebuyers must remember that they will get what they pay for. Consequently, keeping the following points in mind will help a homebuyer choose an inspector who will do a quality inspection.
   
   * Buyers need to ensure that the home inspector they have chosen meets all state eligibility requirements. Because all states vary in their requirements for would-be inspectors, buyers may seek out their individual state’s requirements by contacting the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI) at 1-800-743-ASHI (2744). ASHI is the oldest professional organization for home inspectors. ASHI is non-profit, and has specific standards and practices that it requires its members to uphold.
   
   * When selecting a home inspector, the buyer may want to inquire whether or not the inspector is a member of any of their profession’s organizations. The ASHI and several other trade organizations require members to uphold strict professional standards and codes of ethics; thereby ensuring that their members typically act in their customers’ best interests. Other popular trade organizations for home inspectors include NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors), National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
   
   * Buyers should ask the home inspector whether he works part or full time. Full time inspectors are preferred, as an inspector working full time will naturally acquire more experience and knowledge. Also asking the inspector how long he has been in business will better equip the buyer to select an inspector with the most experience.
   
   * Selecting an inspector recommended by the real estate agent handling the sale of the home is not always ideal. In fact, should an agent refer to an inspector as a “deal breaker,” the buyer can almost assume that the labeled inspector performs comprehensive inspections.

4. 

   (How can I find a home inspector? continued...)
   
   * Buyers may also want to inquire with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), to ensure that the inspector chosen has a history of comprehensive inspections. Any inspectors with complaints filed with the BBB within the last year, should be questionable. Additionally, buyers may also ask their inspector if he carries Errors and Omissions Insurance. Errors and Omissions Insurance protects the customer, or buyer, from inspection flaws and oversights.
   
   * Because state requirements may require only minimal standards, the buyer should inquire with the inspector about what is included in the inspection. The inspection should include a comprehensive review of the property’s mechanical and structural systems, both inside and outside of the home. Homebuyers should expect the inspector to review and include the following structures in his report: the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.
   
   * The inspection should be delivered as a detailed, written report. Check-off list-styled reports are not considered comprehensive, and the buyer should not accept a report that has been hand written. To better equip the homebuyer in selecting a quality inspector, she may want to first request a sample report from the inspector.
   
   * Would-be buyers may expect for the inspection to take two to three hours, depending on the size of the home.
   
   * Inspectors offering repairs or improvements based on his inspection should not be used, as this is an example of a conflict of interest.
   
   * Buyers should attend the inspection, to ensure that any and all questions be answered; therefore, the buyer should first inquire if the inspector is comfortable with their presence.

[bossypants]

on 8/4/2009 Valuable information, well presented! We were lucky to get a good inspector. Your recommendations will take the luck out of and help buyers feel secure in their choices! Thanks!