Home Inspections

Home Inspection is defined as the process by which a home inspector observes and provides a written report of the systems and components of a residential building including but not limited to the roof, heating, insulation, air conditioning, windows, electrical wiring, plumbing, drainage along with giving you the confidence you need to complete your transaction and guarantees a fair and smooth closing. It is also important to know what a home inspection is not. It is not protection against future failures, not a guarantee that problems won't develop after you move in, not an appraisal that determines the value of a home and not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. The inspection is the single most important investment and probably the least costly you can make for your home purchase. It is a visual, functional, non-invasive inspection of the readily-accessible elements conducted without moving personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris. Also one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property you want to buy, an inspection, is in the best interest of the buyer, the seller and the agents. It is for your safety, your financial protection as well as your peace of mind by helping you identify potential problems, surveying the property condition, and helps in considering possible repairs and/or updates.

The purpose, is for the inspector to find defects for you, so you can present them to the seller and negotiate the price of the house, or a solution to the problem. Normally, the fees are paid for by the buyer, although more and more sellers are retaining the services of a professional before sale negotiations begin. The misconception that construction experience is the only background needed to perform a quality inspection is a common mistake. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered and reported on. When the process is complete, the inspector will issue a report to the home buyer detailing what was found.

The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation of 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 structure, so that he/she can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it is time to make them. You will also find that written reports are easier to understand if you've seen the property firsthand through the inspector's eyes.

The whole process will enable you to take control of your real estate transaction and take a measure of your investment decision and experience confidence and peace of mind about your investment and any negotiation. The purpose of a home inspection is to provide a comfort level or to make the buyer aware, and in some cases, a guarantee, that the home you are buying is not about to fall down. A home inspection is critical for knowing the condition of the property you are looking to purchase, however, it should be clearly understood that a buyer's inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, a building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the property, it is designed to help give you "up-front" information so that you can be a well-informed homebuyer.