| The
Home Buying Process - The Home Inspection |
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Your attorney should advise you that must have a home inspection. The purpose of
a home inspection is to provide a comfort level or to make the buyer aware, and
in some cases, a guarantee, that the home you are buying is not about to fall
down. While you may see with your own eyes things that are obvious - dirt,
paint, roof, a home inspection will reveal much more.
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1. What does your home inspection cover?
The home
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.
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2. How long have you been practicing
in the home inspection profession and how many home inspections have you
completed?
The home
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 home 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.
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4. Do you offer to do repairs or
improvements based on the home inspection?
Some inspector associations and state
regulations allow the home 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 home 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 home inspectors may be brought in for very
large properties and buildings. The inspector should give you a written
report, along with pictures to document their findings. Save these.
6. What is the Cost of a Home
Inspection?
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 home 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 home
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 home
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.
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