Steps
- The average fee for a home inspection is between $350-$500, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home. The number of home inspection representatives is vast. There are home inspectors in that offer a lower price, but you must beware of their credentials, and their business ethics.
- Request references. Sometimes, contacting past clients will give you insight as to how capable a potential home inspector is. When you are ready to begin your search, keep the following questions on hand:
- How long have you been in the home inspection business?
- How many home inspections have you completed?
- What qualifications do you possess?
- How long does it take for you to inspect a home?
- Can I come along with you on the inspection?
- Are wood stoves and fireplaces inspected?
- What are the hours and days of your availability?
- Can you provide references of inspections you have done in the past?
- What ancillary services do you offer (such as Radon Testing, Wood Destroying Insect Inspections, Well System and Water Quality Testing, Lead-based Paint Inspections, Mold Testing)?
- Do you back up your inspection with a written guarantee?
- How much do your services cost?
- Interview prospective inspectors over the telephone or in person. Assure yourself that the inspector understands the principle-agent relationship that will exist between you, the client, and the inspector. Make certain that your inspector is working for you, with no hidden agenda (see www.ihina.org).
Tips
- Home inspectors will enter a home and analyze all of the major components that make up a house purchase. This is a valuable tool for both buyers and homeowners. Buyers will be able to make informed decisions on making an offer on a piece of property. Homeowners will know the sort of repairs or enhancements that their home needs in order to secure a sale. Home inspection companies will document the safety and overall condition of a home at the time of the inspection. Visual tools are used to make the assessments. Home inspection visits usually take about 3 hours for a minimal inspection, and 5 or 6 hours in order to arrive at a thorough, proper assessment. Depending on how old or large a house is, it may take longer or less time to complete. Home buyers will truly benefit from attending the inspection. Although a written report is furnished upon completion, it doesn't compare to the hands-on, up-front experience of going through the house with the home inspection representative.
- Make sure your home inspector has a working, extensive knowledge of all the important parts of a home. This includes the electrical and plumbing systems, as well as heating and cooling apparatuses. The roof and attic area will be inspected, as well as all of the interior and exterior structures, including the condition of the walls.
- Ask for proof that your home inspector has taken courses to provide you with a proper analysis, as well as possesses the necessary tools to complete inspections. These home inspection assessments can be used to gauge the amount of money it will take to effect repairs after a home purchase. All of the gathered information is taken into account when placing a real estate offer. Qualified home inspectors are able to detect the flaws of a home that are not easily recognizable to the untrained eye.
- Know what to expect when an home inspector conducts a review of the inner and outer areas of a house:
- Plumbing: While conducting a home inspection, old piping materials, faulty fixtures, water pumps and water heaters are some of the concerns that an inspector will focus on. Plumbing defects are one of the main issues a homeowner and/or buyers will face in terms of repairs.
- Roofs: A home inspection company will check a roof to see if there are any old or deteriorated shingles; as well as any leaks. Homeowners can gauge whether or not a roof should be replaced. Usually tar and gravel roofs last about 15 years, where wood shakes have an average life span of 20-25 years.
- Structural Damage: The overall condition of main structures in the house is also analyzed during a home inspection. Foundation walls are looked at. Floor joists and rafters are of importance, as are window and door headers. Older houses are checked for sagging and settlement issues.
- Heating Systems: The heat distribution pipes or ducts are some of things checked during a home inspection. A buyer will also want to know if operating controls are in good condition, as well as the condition of the chimney.
- Electrical Wiring: During a home inspection, the condition of the electrical wiring throughout the house is a concern. Wire connections and power overload prevention are some of the aspects an inspector will take note of.
- Water in the Basement: When water has entered the basement or crawl space of a home, a host of property problems are soon to follow. This includes mold and/or frame rot. Home inspectors are especially keen on detecting these problems, which are quite visible through discoloration, musty smells, mildew and water leak stains.
Sources and Citations
- Home Inspection Ottawa- provides more information on choosing a Home Inspection Company
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