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| A professional Home Inspection will
provide you with the information you need to buy your home with confidence! |
|
| There are several key items that you, as the
buyer, should expect to receive as part of your Home Inspection. There are also some
expectations regarding the level of service provided by your Inspector, that you have the
right to insist upon. The following section will provide you with the information you need
to be confident that a professional and thorough Inspection is being performed on your
behalf, and your interests are being protected. |
| What To Expect DURING The Inspection |
|
- Be sure and try to personally attend the Inspection.
A typical Home Inspection takes between 1½ to three hours. It is well worth being able to
learn first hand, about the home and its systems.
- Be sure that the Home Inspector arrives fully
equipped to perform the Inspection. The Home Inspector should be fully equipped
with all the necessary tools and testing equipment needed to perform a full inspection
(ladder, flashlight, electronic testing equipment for carbon monoxide, electrical circuit
analyzer, moisture meter, level, etc.). A buyer should beware of the Inspector who comes
equipped with nothing more than a flashlight, does not take time to sit down with you
first and try and determine your specific needs and concerns, performs a "quick
walk-through", gives you just a handwritten check-list when done, and leaves without
spending time explaining what he has found.
- Follow the Inspector and ask questions. Remember,
this is your Inspection! No question is unimportant, or foolish. Learn as much as you can.
- Be sure that all the major components are evaluated.
All of the accessible components in the house should be evaluated, unless specifically
stipulated by your Inspector. You should not expect the Inspector to test certain
specialty items such as water treatment systems, central alarm systems, lawn sprinkling
systems, swimming pools and hot tubs, etc. If any such exist in the home, consult with
your Home Inspector to see if an outside specialist should be called in to evaluate them.
- Obtain a Repair Items List. At the
conclusion of the Inspection you or your Realtor, should receive a written list that
clearly itemizes any major defects, with attached repair costs (if possible). This way you
have the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase, as soon as
the Inspection is completed. The full written copy of the Inspection Report should follow
shortly thereafter.
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- Foundations |
- Appliances |
| - Water Problems |
- Fireplaces |
| - Electrical |
- Chimneys |
| - Plumbing |
- Paved Surfaces |
| - Heating |
- Garages |
| - Fixtures |
- Decks |
| - Structural |
- Outbuildings |
| - Cooling |
- Porches |
| - Windows |
- Rafters/Attic |
| - Doors |
- Siding |
| - Roof/Shingles |
- Exterior
"Shell" |
|
- Safety Devices |
|
- Lot
Grading/Drainage |
|
- Energy
Efficiency |
|
- Insulation |
|
- Attic
Ventilation |
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| * Note: Be sure to
consider if you need optional testing performed (i.e. radon, lead paint, etc.). Other Services |
|
| What To Expect AFTER The Inspection |
| After The Home Inspection You Should
Know: |
- You should know the condition of the home
you are purchasing (including positive and negative aspects).
- You should know what repairs are needed, as
well as the relative urgency of the repairs (and dollar amounts, if possible). You should
know a proper course of corrective action to take if repairs are needed.
- You should know if there are any unsafe
conditions that have the potential to affect you.
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| After The Home Inspection You Should
Expect: |
- You should expect a clearly written, easy
to understand Home Inspection Report. First, the Report should clearly
identify any potential significant defects that will affect your buying decision, and give
you a realistic approximation of repair costs. Second, it should
clearly identify any areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are
reaching the end of their useful life span.
- You should expect the Home Inspector to
answer any questions you have about the report.
- You should expect the Home Inspector to be
a resource as to future questions you may have.
- You should NOT expect the Home Inspector to
offer to repair or replace, for a fee, any defects noted in the inspection. This would be
a definite conflict of interest, which would then tend to cast doubt on the Home
Inspectors findings.
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