WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make.
You should learn as much as you can about the condition of a property and the need for
any major repairs before you buy. Of course, a home inspection can also point out positive
aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good
condition. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the house
you are about to purchase. If you are already a homeowner, a home inspection may be used
to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures, which might help you,
avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have
an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better
understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's
 buyer's
inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better
selling condition.
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
A home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's: heating system,
central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical
systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings,
floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and visible portions of structure(s)
as outlined in the ASHI Standards of Practice.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost
of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the
size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional
services, such as well / septic systems that may require inspection, radon testing, or
other inspections that may be offered. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own.
However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home
inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection
is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain.
The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and professional
affiliations, should be the most important consideration.
CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?
Even the most experienced homeowner or homebuyer lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes
in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction,
their proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems
and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all,
most homebuyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional
about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most
accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an
expert in the field of home inspection.
CAN A HOUSE FAIL INSPECTION?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your
prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal
inspection, which verifies local
code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will
not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its current physical
condition and indicate what may need immediate repair or replacement and can provide
details about how long components typically may last.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS?
The American Society of Home Inspectors, "ASHI" is the oldest and leading non-profit
professional association for independent home inspectors. Since its formation in 1976,
ASHI's Standards of Practice have served as the home inspector's performance guideline,
universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities alike.
Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI. All Members of ASHI subscribe to a
professional Code of Ethics that prohibits them from engaging in conflict of interest
activities that might compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that
the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit repair work. In order
to assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI sponsors a number of technical
seminars and workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its nearly 50
Chapters, and which the state of Indiana has its own recognized Chapter of ASHI. ASHI also
serves as a
public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to
homebuyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
WHO BELONGS TO ASHI?
Members of ASHI are independent professional home inspectors who have met the most
rigorous technical and experience requirements in effect today. To become an ASHI member,
an inspector must pass two written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250
professional fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate status for
no less than six months. ASHI Members are
required to follow the Society's Code of
Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits in order to keep current with the
latest in building technology, materials, and professional skills.
Become ASHI certified
HOW DO I FIND A HOME INSPECTOR?
The best sources are friends, or perhaps business acquaintances, which have been
satisfied with and can, recommend home inspectors they may have used. In addition, the
names of local inspectors can be found in the Find an Inspector link of this web site.
They may also be found in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under 'Building Inspection
Service' or 'Home Inspection Service'. Real estate agents are also familiar with the
service and should be able to provide a list of names from which to choose. Whatever your
referral source, you will want to make sure that a home inspector is a Member of the
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) in order to be
assured of his or her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics.
Click here to find a ASHI Certified home inspector in your area
WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?
A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has
been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign
a purchase agreement, be sure that there is an inspection
clause in the sales contract making your final purchase obligation contingent upon
the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to
which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended. You will
be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the
condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will
also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand
through the inspector's eyes.
WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
No house is perfect. If the inspection identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily
mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A
seller may adjust the Purchase Price or make repairs if major problems are found.
If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work,
this information will be extremely important to you.
IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open with
respect to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You
will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspectors' written report,
and you will want to keep that information for future reference.
Find an ASHI Certified Home Inspector for your area
|
