Find An Inspector
When homebuyers choose an Member for their home inspection, they are hiring a professional that is dedicated to serving their client. members know that a home is much more than just a property to the homebuyer; it’s a place to start a new chapter of their life. The inspector’s purpose is to help their clients get a better understanding about their potential homes. No home is perfect, but members will provide the insight homebuyers need to decide if the home is perfect for them.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. On average, a single-family home inspection usually takes 2-4 hours to complete, though this is heavily dependent on the of the size and condition of the home. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis and recommendations.
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components
It is important to note that there may be some exceptions. If certain areas are inaccessible (locked door, tenant’s belongings in the way) or unsafe conditions (severely steep roofs, poor structural integrity) the inspector will explain the situation and note that they were not able to assess that specific area or system.
Why do homebuyers need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment the homebuyer will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before they buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding about their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence. If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can give them the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition
Choosing the Right Inspector
Finding a Home Inspector
When the homebuyer has found the right home, they will need to get a professional home inspection. It is critical to find a quality home inspector to understand the condition of the property before making this important investment. It can be confusing and hard to know where to start the search for a professional home inspector.
Find An Inspector Search
Find An Inspector search is a great way to find local inspectors who are members. The homebuyer can enter the address of their prospective home to pull a list of local inspectors and review their qualifications and services. There are different filtering options available so homebuyers quickly can find local inspectors that fit their needs.
Real Agents and Other Referrals
If the homebuyer is using a real estate agent, chances are that they have offered referrals of inspectors they have worked with. Many real estate agents and home inspectors build relationships over the years, and it can be an effective and quick way to get leads on potential inspectors. Another referral source homebuyers can utilize is their friends and family who recently have worked with an inspector.
Choosing the Right Inspector
Getting Started
The best place for a homebuyer to start is by reviewing the property listing to familiarize themselves with their prospective home. Having a good understanding of the home and its specific features will create a useful frame of reference. Similarly, the homebuyers should take note of any special inspection needs that they or their families may have. Understanding these factors can make the home inspector research more effective.
Is the inspector licensed?
Depending on where the homebuyer is located, the practice of home inspection may require a license by the state government. View State Regulations section to find out which states require home inspectors to be licensed. The homebuyer should verify that any potential home inspector holds a valid license, if required by their state
Home Inspection Checklist (Step by Step)
One of the most daunting aspects of buying a new home is running through the home inspection checklist to ensure that everything is up to scratch. After all, you don’t want to miss something that will become a potentially expensive problem for you later.
A home buyer inspection list isn’t just there to ensure everything is ready for you to move in, it’s also to alert you to any significant issues that may mean you shouldn’t be buying the property at all. This is particularly pertinent if you are dealing with a potential investment property as the new tenants will be coming to you with any issues.
What to look for in a new home inspection
It is important to remember that professional inspectors will be looking over the home for significant potential problems such as structural issues, damaged fixtures, or anything that may need to be replaced.
It is also a good idea to have a pest inspection to save hassles later. You don’t want to find out you could have prevented a white ant problem after the fact. This is also an excellent chance to be aware of any potential for pest issues that may pop up in the future based on the location of your home and the materials used in its construction.
For properties with a swimming pool, it is vital to have an inspection of the pool fencing, surrounding area, and the pool itself. For safety, you’ll want to make this a regular activity. It is also a good idea to obtain a surveyor’s report which will identify the boundaries of your property, so you understand what exactly is your land and what is not.
The complete guide to home inspections
Home inspections are one of the most important parts of buying or selling a home. The inspection report directly affects whether or not a deal will go through and the home’s price. Negotiations can be tough, and you need to know what to expect.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective exam by a licensed home inspector who examines the condition of the home’s structure and systems. After the inspection, the inspector provides an extensive report that includes summaries, notes, the life of major systems/equipment, and recommended repairs or replacements on red-flagged items.
A standard home inspection takes approximately two to three hours and includes an examination of the following:
Heating system
Central air condition system
Interior plumbing
Electrical systems
Roof
Attic and visible insulation
Floors, walls, and ceilings
Windows and doors
Foundation
Basement and structural components
The goal of the inspection is to provide the home buyer and seller with a clear picture of the condition of the home and identify any current or future problems. This allows the seller to make any necessary repairs before the sale or negotiate the repairs with the buyer.
Typically, a home inspection is ordered after the sales contract is signed, which should include a clause stating the purchase is contingent on the findings of the home inspection. Although you are not required to attend the inspection, it’s highly recommended so you can ask questions along the way
Home Inspection Checklist: What Homebuyers Need To Know
A home inspection is a professional, third-party inspection of a property that you intend to buy. Its goal is to evaluate the home from a structural and safety standpoint, as well as to ensure you’re buying a hazard-free, up-to-code property that’s a good investment of your dollars.
Home inspections aren’t required, but there are few cases where you’d want to forgo one. Use this home inspection checklist to learn more about the process — as well as what to do afterward.
Include A Home Inspection Contingency In Your Contract
Your first step is to make sure there’s a home inspection contingency — also referred to as a “due diligence” contingency — in your sales contract. This gives you a specified time period in which to have a professional inspection performed on the property
Understand How Your Home Inspection Contingency Works
In most cases, the inspection period is anywhere from one to two weeks from the date your sales contract is signed, though it depends on your specific agreement. The contingency period is supposed to give you enough time to:
• Find a good inspector.
• Set up your appointment (and, ideally, attend it).
• Receive your inspection report.
• Get any follow-up or additional inspections (more on that later).
• Decide how you’d like to move forward.
Hire A Good Home Inspector
Hiring a thorough, experienced home inspector is incredibly important. They should be current on all certifications (NACHI, ASHI, etc.) and up to date on all training and educational coursework. They also need a full insurance policy (this protects you if they’re injured on your property) and should have deep experience in the area you’re buying in. This ensures they’re aware of any current problems with soil, pest and even home builders in your region.