Home Inspections

It is very common in the US real estate industry for the potential buyer to get the home inspected before he signs on the agreement to purchase. There are agencies which specialize in carrying out home inspections for a nominal fee. The fee for home inspection varies between a low of USD 300 to a high of about 600 USD. This is perhaps the most important tool a buyer possesses as a safeguard against inferior quality and defects which are not visible to the naked eye. Most buyers are absolutely unaware about the various components of construction of a house. The home inspection report not only provides a detailed report regarding the quality of components used, defects etc., but the agency also helps the potential buyer to understand the technicalities and contents of the report. The report furnished by the inspection agency could be an eye opener and help you walk out of the deal thereby preventing financial loss. Getting your home inspected would cover all aspects related to

* Structural elements used in the construction of the property -This would check for the quality of material used in the construction of walls, reinforced cement concrete used in flooring, strength of foundation and ceiling.

* Valuation of the exteriors - This includes checking and certifying the quality of exteriors, drainage facilities, window and door frames, lighting provisions and landscaping.

* Roof and Attic - would cover type of roof construction, ventilation and gutters.

* High value components such as water heaters, air-conditioning equipment, furnaces, chimneys and sprinklers and other electrical components such as main electrical panel and circuit breakers. The home inspection report would certify the quality of wiring to give you the necessary protection from electrical risks.

You would be surprised that almost all new homes would have issues highlighted by home inspection. Classify the deficiencies listed in the report into a minor or a major deficiency. If most of the problems are minor, speak to the seller to act on the report and get all the shortcomings fixed. Unless there is a something too damaging and the list contains a lot of major repairs, there is no need to walk out of the deal.

It is essential that you use a trusted and certified home inspection agency. Make sure that the agency has a valid license to undertake inspection. The selected home inspection agency should be a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) so that the inspection is carried out in accordance with the stringent norms of NACHI. You must be physically present during the course of entire inspection. This is a valuable experience and makes you wiser for all future assignments. You should avail this opportunity to ask as may questions to the experts and see as to how do they quantify risks. Usually it takes no more than 24 hours from the close of home inspection for the home inspection agency to furnish its detailed report.