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What Is A Home Inspection?
The goal of a home inspection is to give the client a much better understanding of the physical condition of the structure than would be otherwise known.To achieve this an inspector conducts a visual inspection of the home and its systems.
Why and When A Home is Inspection Needed?
Buyer
Buying a home is the single most expensive purchase most of us will ever make. For a nominal fee you can use the services of a home inspector to get a much better idea of the homes physical condition than you would otherwise have known. Large and costly problems may be brought to your attention before you buy the home, leaving you in a position to renegotiate the terms of the sale or just walk away from the deal. You may prefer to have the seller make repairs, or you may negotiate a price cut. The choice is yours. You will be in a far more difficult position if problems are discovered after the deal is closed. Just remember: Buyer beware.
Seller
Before you put your house on the market, you may want to seriously consider the benefits of having it inspected. Without a doubt, this is the nest time for a home inspection for all involved. All too often, a home inspection is performed as a final contingency of a sale with little time to absorb its impact. Any reported deficiencies at this time of high emotional stress can easily be blown out of proportion causing an over reaction and possibly death of the deal. People are far more receptive to such deficiencies when they are disclosed to them up front, perhaps while they are viewing the home for the first time. The additional benefits to a seller are fewer renegotiations, less surprises, a better selling price, less likely litigation for improper disclosure and an increased chance that a deal will close. Having a pre-sale inspection given to a buyer does not remove the buyer’s responsibility to perform their own due diligence and have their own inspection of the property.
What Does A Home Inspection Include?
A standard inspection report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition of the homes heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures.
What is the average length of an inspection?
The average inspection takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home. The inspection follows the standards of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Does The Buyer or Seller Need To Be There During The Inspection?
No, they aren’t required to be there for the inspection but it is highly recommend that they be present. It’s a valuable learning experience for most people and will help get the most benefit from the inspection. By following the inspector, one can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. One will be able to best understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.
Does A Newly Constructed Home Need An Inspection?
Absolutely! A professional inspection of a new home is important. One can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It’s especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, inspectors may find problem areas where the builder has taken shortcuts or not done good work.
Why Can’t The Buyer or Seller Do The Inspection Themselves?
Chances are that even if they are very familiar with home construction, they still don’t have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. Inspectors are not only familiar with all the systems of a home and how they work and need to be maintained, but also know what warning signs to look for that tell that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are personally involved in buying or selling a house, it is impossible to remain completely unemotional about the house and this may cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will provide an objective outside reporting of the facts.
What If The Inspection Uncovers Problems?
A report will tell you the condition of the house. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to the buyer to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect a decision to purchase. In the end, the decision rests with the buyer but knowing about potential problems gives them the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.
Will The Home Inspector Fix Any Problems Found During The Inspection?
No. The code of ethics as set forth by the State of New York prohibits the inspector from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. The purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.
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