Home Inspections

First off, for all of those whom do not know, a Home Inspection is where a person or persons hire a Professional Inspector to inspect a property in which they have interest in no matter if they are on the buying side or selling side of the transaction. The majority of the times Home Inspections are ordered by the Buyers of a property but over the last couple of years Sellers have been getting inspections to help market their property for a quick sale.

Buying a home is a decision which is probably the most expensive decision most people will make in their lifetime. Unless one is familiar with all of the different phases of what is involved in the entire construction process, that decision to buy a home could be a very costly mistake. We are talking thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars just because the home was bought on emotion. That is why the Home Inspection is so very important.

Lets briefly run through the entire real estate transaction of a young couple buying their first home and they don't get their new home inspected.

Young Couple meets Real Estate Agent and tells the agent the size and type of property they would like to purchase. They go out looking over the next couple of weekends and they look at a dozen properties and then they see the one, the home of their dreams. They can't wait to get back to the Agents office so they can write up an offer and get things moving. They get to the negotiation part of deal and they are overwhelmed because the sellers have trimmed $5000 from the original asking price. The young couple thinks they are getting the house of their dreams at a great price and accept the seller's final asking price. In most cases their completed contract starts a 10 day inspection period (although that is negotiable); however the couple has looked at the house and didn't see any problems of any kind so they decided to not pay the $250 for a Home Inspection although the Real Estate Agent explained to young couple of the importance and value of an Inspection. The Agent got them to sign a waiver on the Buyers Inspection Sellers Response and life was good for the young couple.

They moved in and after a couple of weeks they discovered a water stain on the living room ceiling. They run to the window and looked out and it was a beautiful sunny afternoon and their first thoughts were it was raining. The couple had no idea what to do so they started looking for and calling plumbers from the internet and yellow pages only to find out because it was a holiday they were hard to locate all the while the stain continued to grow and the drywall began to bulge. They located a plumber and summoned them on their way but he was a couple of hours away. The drywall ceiling continued to bulge until it just could not hold any more water. At last it burst and water fell from the ceiling, along with drywall and insulation, down into the living room onto their brand new LCD TV and caused several thousand dollars in water damage by the time the plumber got there to shut the water off. The poor couple was now faced with thousands of dollars in repairs because they did not know a few things that a Home Inspection would have found.
If the couple would have spent $250 on a Home Inspection they would have known a few things that could have saved them the thousands of dollars they now face with repairs and damages.
The first thing they would have known, is where the main shutoff valve was for the water so they could have limited their repair cost to the leak repair and the ceiling drywall repair which would have probably been a couple of hundred dollars.

The next and probably the most important part thing they would have know if they had an inspection, would have been that the house was plumbed with Polybutylene piping which is known for its many problems and there were thousands of lawsuits from homes that had the piping installed. There were rebates offered and assistance was given for people to re-pipe their homes because this piping had so many problems. The Home Inspector would have most likely caught that and informed the young couple of the piping and would have probably recommended that it be re-piped and they could have made a more informed decision on purchasing the house. If they still wanted the house, they could have renegotiated the price with the seller to have the re-piping done.

Now their $5000 off of the list price which the seller dropped during their negotiations is not looking so good because now they have the cost of the re-piping and repairs which far outweighs that.

That is just a small example of what would have been found in the Plumbing phase of the inspection and a full Home Inspection covers all phases of the construction process such as Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Structural, Foundation, Roofing, Attic, Fireplaces, and so much more.

Please don't let this happen to you if you are buying a home, or to someone you know, and Real Estate Agents, please print this article out and let your clients read it if they are thinking of foregoing an Inspection.

Have your Home Inspection done by a Certified Home Inspector in your State.

Perhaps shelter is one of the basic needs that man requires. Hence, having to own your very own house can give you and your family the feeling of better security. In order to attain this, you can either construct your own house or you purchase an existing house. In the case of purchasing a house, ensuring that the house will be safe to live in must be done. One of the best ways of ensuring this is to have the house under Home Inspection.

Fundamentally, the process of visual inspection of the house's structure and components and search for anything that is defective as well as potential danger is called Home Inspection. Granting that there are existing problems inside the structure, a report regarding the details regarding these problems will be made by the home inspector and may provide a recommendation for more evaluation. Also, this will be one of the bases in deciding whether the house is fit to live in you and your family or not. Moreover, this will also help in finding the part of the structure. Hence, it only shows how important it is have such inspection before making any major decisions.

Home Inspection involves the examination of the condition of the different parts of the house which includes that walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical system, roof, attic, visible insulations and also the visible structure. Aside from the basic inspection, the home inspector can also do further testing that can help ensure the stability of the house and whether it is really safe and sound for you and your family to live in. Based on the defects found in the house, a recommendation can be formulated from the report and will prove to be the valuable grounds for the costing adjustment of the house as well as to determine who will be the one to pay for the repairs.

In order to have a more reliable and effective Home Inspection, it is best that you delegate this task to a professional Home Inspector. In one's effort to save a little money, one might let their relatives, friends or even themselves to the inspection. However, if they don't have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience in this task, then you can't be certain that the quality of inspection won't equal a professional's. Unlike with a professional Home Inspector, one can rest assure that they can deliver a qualified and an unbiased inspection that can deliver a professional report regarding the real status of the structure. Thus, it very much advisable for you must hire a real specialist in Home Inspection services.

In many states and provinces, home inspectors are required to be licensed before they start performing their tasks. The typical requirements for obtaining a license are to complete an approved training course and pass an examination selected by the state's licensing board. Moreover, several states and provinces also require inspectors to obtain continuing education credits periodically in order to renew their licenses. In order to obtain high quality training, it is important to look for reliable training providers.

Currently, in United States, there are three most well known professional associations that offer online and offline formal education for the new comers in home inspection industry.

o American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
It is the oldest and the most respected professional association for home inspection professionals in North America. It provides a wide range of home inspection courses to prepare the prospective candidates to become professional certified home inspector. Besides, ASHI organizes annual educational conferences and seminars to equip its members with the latest practice standards.

o International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
It is the world's most elite and non-profit inspection association. It is established to assist home inspection professional to achieve financial success and maintain inspection excellence. It provides accreditation and continuing education approvals for all candidates.

o National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)
It is a nonprofit professional association which promotes and develops certified home inspectors. Its Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) program is a customized course that develops "well rounded" home inspectors.

o National Association of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE)
This organization contributes in reviewing legislation, examining court cases and monitoring relevant government activities in all states. It is famous of producing graduates in the respective field, i.e. Board Certified Building Inspection Engineers.

Besides obtaining training from the above mentioned association, ones can also get the formal training from some accredited home inspection schools. The selection is much dependable on the credibility and reputation of training providers in the eyes of the public.

Many people will decide not to have a home inspection performed on the home or property they are buying. They may do this because they want to save the cost of the inspection, $320.00 national average a few years ago. What these people are learning too late is that the home inspection would have saved them money if they had it done before they bought the home.

For many first time home buyers, the purchase of a home is a big expensive commitment. The buyers may be stretched a bit on the available money at the time of purchase. One thing that sometimes gets skipped to save a few bucks is the home inspection. This is an error. The home inspection is part of doing due diligence to protect oneself from making a mistake or buying a home that is not in the condition that the buyer thought it was in.

During the home inspection the home is looked at by an inspector who will provide information as to the condition of the home and the various systems of the home. One area that can cost the new home owners thousands of dollars if not inspected is the heating and cooling system. Furnaces and air conditioners have an expected lifespan and it is important to learn form the home inspector about the age of the systems and if they are functioning as they should be. If the heating or cooling system is not operating as it should then the cost to repair or even the cost to replace the system can be negotiated.

As I do my Columbus Ohio home inspections I often come across older heating and cooling systems that are not operating as they should. Air conditioners should be able to drop the temperature from 14 to 20 below the return air temperature. As the air conditions age they may not function as well. This can be negotiated with the sellers. Also even if the heating and cooling system is operating as designed it may be getting old. A system that is at or beyond the life expectancy of it can still be a negotiating point.

With bank owned properties there may be no negotiating at all. It is still valuable to have the inspection performed because with the inspection information the buyer is better able to determine what the costs to make the home livable will be. Imagine the disappointment to buy a home only to find out late October that the furnace is old, not functioning, and will cost several thousands to replace. It is better to know upfront so as to make an informed buying decision.

Most articles that are written about getting a Sacramento home inspected are written towards people that are looking to buy a new or used home and that's a good thing. I wanted to change the focus in this article and talk to the person that is selling a home and what the benefits are when getting the home you're selling inspected before you sell.

So what are the benefits? The first benefit that comes to mind is the fact that you as the seller will know exactly what condition the home is in before you put it up on the market. That way you can make the decision to fix the problems before the buyer even sees the problems.

The benefit of you fixing the problems before the buyer sees them is the fact that the buyer can not use the problems that are found buy the home inspection to negotiate a lower price for the home. This is a plus for the seller.

The Sacramento home inspector is hired to be a second pair of eyes and third party that is unbiased about the home. Their job is to look at the home with their expertise to make sure that the home is sound and safe. They give the seller a complete report on their findings with pictures.

You the seller can use this report as a selling point to the buyer. This will make the buyer feel warm and fuzzy because you took the time and money to get the inspection done. This way the buyer doesn't have to spend the money or the time getting the home inspected. But don't be surprised if they get the house inspected again anyway.

Most likely they won't get the house looked at again because they are trying their best to cut costs and this would be just another expense for them. However if you don't get the home inspected before you sell it, most likely the buyer will have it inspected if they are smart. But now who has the leverage, you or the buyer?

It really is a good thing to go ahead and have the home inspected before you try to sell it. Do you really want to try to sell a home that may have a major problem with it?

The home inspector will inspect the foundation for cracks and any other problems it may have. They will also check the plumbing throughout the house to make sure that there are no leaks or piping problems. The inspector will also look at the roof from the outside and they will also check the attic for leaks. While they're in the attic they will also check the insulation for how well it will insulate.

The buyer doesn't want to have their money flying out the roof because of the lack of insulation. Having your home inspected before you sell is a win, win situation for you and the buyer. You should feel good about selling the home and knowing that the house is safe for a family to move in.

Home inspections are procedures done by a certified home inspection to assess the quality of a property. The sellers, buyers or third parties can request for a home inspection. Sellers require home inspections to educate themselves about the general condition of their properties. They are able to do the corrections based on the detailed report and suggestions of the home inspector. Thus the knowledge gained from home inspection can be effectively utilized to enhance the market value of the property.

Buyers will be investing a lot of money to purchase some property in the metropolitan areas like New Jersey. It will be an agonizing experience for the buyers to be confronted with numerous problems when they start living in the new location. Pre-purchase inspection of the house is sufficient to identify the major problems associated with the construction of the building; the equipments and appliances present inside, and also the problems like pest and mold infestation. Although the inspections are not invasive, the adept NJ inspector covers everything significant. Various inspection companies offer the services of expert New Jersey home inspector to assist the buyer.

An experienced, professional NJ inspector can identify various problems and present them in his report. Brief and simple description of the problems helps the new buyers to comprehend the problems very easily. Many times the home inspector explains various faults to the buyer who accompanies him throughout the inspection.

The buyer will be more interested in closing the deal faster. Still he does not want to waste thousands of dollars in addition to his vast investment. A genuine New Jersey home inspector preserves the interests of the buyer and provides the unbiased report. Customer feedback is an important factor that promotes or demotes the business of the inspection companies.

Once the NJ home inspector finishes the inspection report, it is the decision of the buyer to accept or reject the deal. If conditions are favorable, the property can be bought without further delay. But if it needs repair works, the buyer can transfer the responsibility to the building owner before closing the deal. Relying on the home inspectors suggested by the realtors is not beneficial as they do not protect the interests of the buyers.

DO HOME INSPECTIONS TAKE LONG?

A home inspection usually takes about six hours for the average home ( ½ hour travel to the home, inspectors usually arrive a ½ hr early, 2 to 3 hours at the home with you, ½ hour back to office, 1 hour to type the report, ½ hour to print copy and post the report to the web site, ½ hour back to the home to pick up the radon canister, ½ hour back to the office and ½ hour for the time spent at the home picking up the radon canister and final paperwork).

HOW MUCH IS AN INSPECTION?

Home inspections are inexpensive. If you buying a $350,000 home and the inspection fee is around $600, the inspection fee is less than 0.18% of the cost of the home! The cost of a quality home inspection is a bargain!

WHAT IS INDEPENDENCE?

Truly independent home inspectors do not rely on real estate agents for referrals. Although this drastically increases independent home inspectors marketing efforts and expenses (costs that must be passed on to clients) clients save money because the benefits clients receive far outweigh the additional initial expense of the home inspection.

WHAT PERSON TO HIRE?

Hiring a thorough and patient inspector will pay off when the inspector takes time to explain everything you need to know about your new home to you and answer your questions! Sometimes paying a little more for an experienced inspector will be a great value as the peace of mind you obtain is well worth it. Hiring a more experienced inspector can also produce short term savings during negotiations with the seller and long term savings since problems with the home can be remedied before additional damages are incurred.

WHERE TO GET REFERRALS?

Obtaining a referral from your attorney is recommended, as your attorney is likely to know what home inspectors take the honest professional business approach (Telling clients what they need to hear during their home inspection). Home buyers who use home inspectors recommended by the real estate agent selling a home to them may be unaware of the potential for a conflict of interest.

A home inspection is a standard prerequisite for buying a home in many areas, especially in a rural area like Rolla, Missouri. Most buyers understanding a home inspection's value, and use their inspection as a last bargaining chip before closing on their home. For a seller, knowing the importance buyers place in a home inspection is half the battle. The other half is knowing how to prepare your home - and your emotions - for the inspection.

Few homeowners jump up and down at the thought of a complete stranger picking out flaws in their home, their most prized possession. A home inspector's job is to come in with a long checklist of issues to look for in any home, and whatever minor or major problems they find are submitted to the buyer. The ball is then in the buyer's court - the buyer decides whether or not they will ask you to fix certain problem areas before they will continue with the purchase of your home.

Rule #1: Beat them to the punch by inspecting first

Ordering your own home inspection is a proactive step that contributes a great deal to a positive inspection. Before listing your home, hire a local inspector yourself, and remain open to the problem areas they point out. For the most helpful feedback, ask your Realtor for the name of a very thorough inspector.

The benefits of completing a home inspection before listing your home are twofold: Number one, any significant problems can be dealt with before you are at the negotiating table. Regardless of who purchases your home, major issues - like a leaking roof or a rusted-out hot water heater - will need to be addressed. If you were unaware of these issues, it's at least best to know about them upfront so that you aren't blind-sided by a major repair bill. This way, you can decide if you want to order a repair before listing your home, rather than 20 days into a contract when your home has been effectively "off the market" and you have to be out in 10 days. You should also disclose this information to a potential buyer, either that it is a known issue you prefer that they deal with or that it has been recently repaired.

Second, knowing about these issues up front will make your home one step closer to move-in ready. Buyers become uncomfortable after too many surprises, and you want to avoid any situation that would cause your buyer to jump ship because of unforeseen problems. When you inspect your home first, you and the buyer are both more prepared to deal with any issues that may arise, so everyone wins.

Rule #2: Keep your reaction in check

When you are trying to sell your home, avoid overreacting to the problems an inspector finds with your home. No matter how long you have lived in your home, there are likely issues you have overlooked that didn't exist when you first moved in. Just because you haven't had any problems because you didn't add a vapor barrier in your crawl space, that doesn't mean it won't be an issue for your potential buyer. If your buyer finds the issue important, then it should be important to you as well.

Since you have bought a home at some point (and may be searching for another right now), put yourself in the buyer's shoes. You don't want to invest your time and energy worrying about major problems right after you invest all of your money in a new home - you want to maximize your investment from the start. Your buyer's lender may even require certain improvements before they will provide financing. No matter what the reason, if your goal is to sell your home, avoid letting personal biases get in the way of your reaction to the home inspection.

Rule #3: You have the right to refuse any inspection request

The bottom line is that you have the final word in what does or does not happen to your home as long as you are the legal owner. Make an educated decision on what might be involved to resolve the issue, and make sure you understand what you might be getting yourself into whether you accept or reject the inspection notice. Feel free to contact the home inspector or a contractor so that you have all the facts you need regarding the current issue. That way, you won't feel bullied into making a decision you might regret. Knowledge really is power!

Overall, coming out on top in the home inspection category is not as grueling as some people believe. If you choose to inspect before you list your home, you will be prepared for any issues that might arise and more likely to keep your emotions in check. Understanding what is involved in any repair is just good business; this will help you make informed decisions. Managing these three things effectively will not only ensure that you survive your home inspection, but hopefully the sale of your home will be a smoother process thanks to your foresight.

By knowing in advance what home inspectors are looking for, the homeowner can eliminate many potential problems prior to a professional home inspection, realtors can help prioritize those items that will effect the sale and investors will know what to look for when doing market research.

For the Homeowner:

A self guided home inspection provides a step-by-step process that will help a Homeowner/Seller pocket more cash at the close of escrow.  By knowing in advance what home inspectors are looking for, the homeowner can eliminate many potential problems prior to a professional home inspection.

Eliminating problems outside of escrow allows the homeowner to leverage time and control expenses in their favor.  Having time to collect competitive bids from qualified persons for repairs, utilizing free services often available from local agencies, doing the repairs themselves and having the time to shop for the best price on materials are ways a self guided home inspection can build in more profit when the property sells.

For Real Estate Professionals:

When a client is willing to properly prepare their home prior to a formal inspection the Realtor acquires a more complete picture of a property's condition and thus more effectively advise a seller prior to and during the listing and sale.  The Realtor can also help prioritize repair items that will most affect the sale of the property.  The non-technical information the homeowner collects by doing a self guided inspection assists the Realtor by creating a more proactive seller.

For the Real Estate Investor:

Real Estate Investors/Buyers are taught that the profit is made at the purchase and realized at the sale.  Besides the property's location and features, having a more specific way to look at a piece of property prior to making an offer, purchasing a foreclosure or bidding at auction can have a significant impact on the decision to purchase or pass.

Investors/Buyers who learn how to look at a building from the perspective of a professional home inspector are able to effectively recognize a building's true condition.  This ultimately means greater control of costs, resulting in more profit when the property sells or reduced grief while living there.

VERY IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT HOME INSPECTORS

There are a few points to be aware of regarding the reports of professional home inspectors.  The information a report contains could have a direct impact on the sale and sales price of the property.

HOME INSPECTORS ARE NOT BUILDING INSPECTORS

Home inspectors are not required to be licensed in many states and they may not have any hands on construction experience. The report is a visual inspection made by a generalist who is not representing himself as a licensed contractor.

Home inspectors make mistakes like anyone else and all parties are free to get second opinions.

A HOME INSPECTION IS NOT A CODE INSPECTION

Home inspectors need a basis for the report findings.  One of the many sources are the uniform building codes.  Home inspectors use other sources of information including local building codes and ordinances, manufacturer's installation instructions and the Business and Professions code.

When the home inspector requests information regarding year built or when additions or remodeling construction is conducted, they do so because construction only needs to comply with the building codes in force at the time the building permits were pulled.

A HOME INSPECTION IS FOR A SPECIFIC LOCATION AT A SPECIFIC MOMENT IN TIME

After the inspector has left the site, if a window is broken, the furnace stops working or a toilet overflows causing damage, he or she obviously cannot report these situations.

THE HOME INSPECTOR IS A GUEST IN THE HOME

Inspectors are guests in the home and as such are not authorized to disassemble any fixture or appliance or remove any personal belongings, furniture, rugs or carpets.  They should, however, be authorized to operate all the usual components of the home including lights and switches, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, compactors, disposals, spa tubs, hot tubs, generators, fans, garage doors, furnaces etc.

WHAT AUTHORITY DOES A HOME INSPECTION REPORT CARRY?

The homeowner does not have to fix any items just because they were listed in the report unless such repairs are required due to law or regulation established elsewhere.  Common sense would dictate that hazardous conditions are addressed immediately but a home inspection report carries no authority requiring any person to take any specific action.  However, the information collected during a home inspection could be used by the buyer to ask the seller to lower the asking price or repair or replace certain items.

Repairs or replacements that are conducted prior to any inspection will almost always be less expensive than those requested to be done by the perspective buyer.

PASS OR FAIL?

The home inspection is a visual inspection of the property's condition at the time of the inspection.  A pass or fail concept is purely subjective and not an aspect of the process.

VERY IMPORTANT.   IF THE INSPECTOR DOES NOT SEE IT OR FIND IT, IT WILL NOT BE ON THE REPORT

HOWEVER, this does not release the seller from the legal responsibility of disclosing everything they know about the property.  The seller should not attempt to hide anything they find in their own investigation.  That is not only wrong, it is against the law.

In the disclosure process the term "material facts" means anything about the property that could effect the buyer's decision to purchase.  These facts must be disclosed by the owner, including any problems that have been repaired.  There may be nothing evident to any person who looks at the property but a neighbor could disclose the previous problem for you, and that could lead to a lawsuit.

FINALLY

In the inspectors reports, the terms "Notes" "Issues" and "Findings" each refer to the same thing.  They are aspects of the property that are potential hazards, flaws, defects or any condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the dwelling.  A responsible home inspector will look for and report on these items.

When you think of buying or selling a home, it is typical that a home inspection will be conducted. Home inspection is a walk-through of you home in order to scrutinize the condition of the property. This helps to identify problems that might become significant during the transfer of ownership of the home. A professional inspector usually conducts this. But before you hire a professional home inspector, you can inspect your own home using a home inspection checklist. This way, you can spot potential problems that you can discuss with the inspector later.

A good home inspection checklist will help you remember things as you walk through your property and look for potential problems. You should include in your list all the items inside and outside your house, and as you walk around, check each item and make some notes. You can check the exterior, the basement or crawlspace, furnace and air conditioning, plumbing system, electrical system, kitchen, windows, doors, fireplace, roof and attic.

Organize your checklist by different areas of your home, and it is to start at the outside and make your way inside. All the items included in your list should be checked if they are in very good, fair or poor conditions. Take notes if you notice something odd or if you smell something funny, or if a gutter is coming loose on the side of the house. No matter how small or how big the flaw, it is important that you take note before the professional inspector enters the scene.

Usually, when you plan to buy your dream house, you tend to overlook some details of the home because you are too overjoyed to have it, only to realize later that the property you bought is not your dream home at all. So you really have to be wise, and start by having a home inspection done before you close any deal.

As a home buyer, you must not ignore the importance of having a home inspection before finalizing the purchase. I always tell potential buyers, especially first-time home buyers, that purchasing a home is probably the largest investment they are going to make. Therefore, the investment must be made after having carefully researched everything you can about the home that you are about to buy. Doing your research carefully includes having an inspection conducted before finalizing your purchase so that there are no hidden, quite unpleasant surprises once the house is in your hands.

Yes, the inspection can seem a bit costly and time consuming, but it can literally save you thousands of dollars if the inspector determines that there are major structural flaws in the home which will need immediate correction. Consequently, it stands to reason that you will want to find a very professional, ethical and competent home inspector so that the inspection done on the home you are going to buy is as thorough as possible.

You can accompany the home inspector while the inspection is being conducted so that you can ask questions and stay as informed as possible about any damages or defects that the home may have. A typical home inspection will take a look at the air conditioning and heating, electrical systems, plumbing, floors, ceilings, roof, windows and foundation. The inspector will also take a look in the attic or basement, if it is applicable and the cost of the inspection will generally depend on the size of the home.

What will be most important to you is the home inspection report. If the home inspector you hired is professional, ethical and competent, you will receive a full report detailing the findings of the inspection. These findings must be detailed and thorough. They should include what is defective with the house you are thinking of buying, why it is defective and repair estimates. Ethics of the profession and sometimes law prevent the inspector from sharing the home inspection report from any other party without your full consent, which is why it is vital to hire an ethical and professional home inspector.

If the report does not contain repair estimates, then it would be worth your time and effort to get repair estimates. You will need repair estimates, along with the home inspection report, in order to renegotiate with the seller if the inspection finds that the house your are trying to buy has major structural defects. A word of caution: Any contract for the purchase of a home should contain a clause that will make the purchase contingent on the findings of the home inspection. If not, you might get stuck buying a home with major structural damage and you may end up paying thousands more to repair the flaws. A home inspection contingency will give you an out if the seller is not willing to negotiate the sale price and the inspection finds that the home will need costly repairs. As a buyer, you have every right to negotiate after the home inspection, and you also have every right to decide not to purchase a home which is found to have major structural flaws.

Home is the best place to relax and have comfort after all day's hectic schedule. One feels quite comfortable and energetic back at home after work. Home is the lifetime investment of a normal person who works hard day and night to have a dream home of his own. To purchase a home of your own, you need to hire some good home inspection company or home inspector that can help you in getting a dream home of worth your money. To look for a home inspector, prices are a matter of concern.

Home inspection is a vital step to get the right home. A thorough home inspection determines the actual physical check-up of the home to be purchased. It determines the structural condition of the property. Home inspection though makes some extra expense, but in the long run it can save up to thousands of dollars. A properly examines home is free from any defects and issues related to repairs and maintenance. You can easily search for some good and reputed companies online and have a decision to hire the best with nominal price.

Home Inspection Prices may vary with the time. Nowadays, world is undergoing economic crisis and similar is the case with the real estate. Usually the prices are much genuine as per time factor. This price has other factors to consider. Prices may vary with the area of the home to be inspected, time spent on inspection and the locality or the type of city you are looking for. A typical home inspector may charge on an average about $ 200 to $400 with just 2-3 hours . A professional company's considers inspection of major parts. Thus this cost might get a bit higher depending on the inspection of home parts according to your desire.

Every day, thousands of people around the world are buying a home. In most countries the real estate transaction process is very well organized and offers protection to the buyers in form of pre-inspection, compliance clauses, as well as other legalities. These are all designed to protect the buyer from buying a "cat in a bag".

Home inspection is certainly one of these processes and can save the home buyers a lot of money and frustration. The primary benefits include discovery of malfunctions and structural problems, leveraging the discovered inconsistencies to negotiate better purchase price, and avoiding buying a property that is unsafe or may require significant investment to repair it.

The critical step in this process is hiring a professional. Ideally, a certified home inspector who has many inspections under his/her belt. The "pro" knows where to look, when to look, and can properly assess the significance of given malfunction. Realtors, lawyers, mortgage brokers - all have a network circle that can be leveraged to select the best home inspector for the particular transaction.

The home inspector will inspect the inside and outside of the property. Primarily: driveways, walkways, stairs, decks, windows and doors, roof and gutters, skylights, vents, fireplace and chimney, basement/foundation, heating and cooling systems (Furnace and AC), electrical panels and wiring, flooring, and kitchen/bath operations. Upon inspection the inspector will prepare a report advising the home buyers of any current inconsistencies and areas that may pose problems in the future. The inspector will also advise about any safety issues and "legal" problems that the buyers may expose themselves upon purchase.

One of the most important benefits that home inspection offers is the identification of structural or unsafe construction problems. The cost associated with home repair on a structural level are astronomical and the buyers need to identify the problems before buying the home to avoid incurring these expenses. Another side of this issue is safety; a professional with a trained eye can detect any safety issues associated with the home construction and advise the buyers on possible action steps.

If the property needs some repairs or may require repair in the future, home buyers can consult contractors, shop around for material prices if they plan to fix it themselves, and consult the realtor to prepare an accurate estimate of costs and extra effort this property will require from them. Then proceed to assign a monetary value that can be used to lower the price. It must be noted though, the home owner may object to the price change and undertake the work themselves, in this case the price decrease may not be that dramatic and a follow up inspection will need to take place to make sure that the problem areas have been fixed properly.

The typical home inspection is priced between $200 - $500 dollars but the benefits certainly outweigh the cost. The variety of benefits associated with the home inspection may differ case by case but the home safety, structural diagnosis, and repair cost prevention will always be the core advantages of the professional home inspection. However, the inspection and report will only be as good as the inspector so it is very important to hire a professional with experience and proven track record.

Buying a home is like entering into life full of possibilities. It ensures peace of mind forever for a person who has long been searching for ultimate dwelling perfect in every respect. Since buying a home is one of the most important investments in life, it makes sense to hire experts who are quite capable to select a best home deal for you. Often, due to the lack of information or an unplanned hurry people find themselves at the wrong end. This is due to the fact that buying a home requires attention to very crucial details which can make or mar a decision to buy prime piece of property. If you wish to go ahead for professional help, then Long Island home inspection is the right place to arrive at. In Long Island, one can find home inspectors who are armed with an expertise to strike a satisfactory deal for you.

Home inspection basically, is a process with whose help you are able to acquire detailed information about the prevailing conditions of the house. Long island home inspection consultants provide you with a verbal and written report about the structural components of the house. This also includes details about the interiors and the exterior of a house, the mechanical systems, a termite inspection report and a carbon monoxide test. In some instances, colored digital photographs are also provided which displays any defect, if present, in the structure. This is a pre-emptive move on your part to avoid wastage of hard earned money. At Long Island, home inspection experts assist in providing you the right kind of information, further helping you in buying a perfect dwelling for yourself.

A professional home inspector evaluates the condition of a prospective piece of property. The main components of any structure are its foundation and the framing system which are considered critical in providing building comfort and stability. Long Island home inspection services take into account the mechanical systems of a house as well, which are designed in a specialized way to provide a comfortable and safe environment for anybody. A home inspector's skills and experience come in handy to check the viability of a safe operational condition of each system and then to report the defects, if there are any. Besides the mechanical systems, a home inspector assists in checking the roofing system ass well. Despite being an external component of a house, roofing is designed to protect the components of the dwelling.

A home inspector in Long Island has the professional acumen to carry out a detailed search about the crucial aspects of a home. This involves the exterior of a building and preparing the mold information report which assists in clarifying the doubts about the humidity levels of a dwelling. Long Island home inspection services are meant for checking the condition of interiors as well. The professionals from the firms check for themselves whether some items like bathrooms and plumbing, rooms and electrical overlap with each other or not. Also, mold formations are checked because if overlooked they can discolor the walls and flooring. Mold formation is also infamous for causing the allergic reactions to the residents of the house. Since it is considered a grave health hazard, it becomes imperative on the part of a home inspector to report about the same.

The attic is often overlooked when a buyer is set into buying a house. Even during a house inspection, the buyer usually forgets this part of the house, which can reveal a lot of things like the history of a house and clues that might lead to problems, which the current owner might not even know.

There are many problems and damages that a home inspector can discover if he inspects the attic thoroughly. The first among these are damages on rafters and supporting trusses. A roof inspection alone cannot reveal a defect in structure. The inspector might even say that the roof is fine, but with a closer and second look, the attic can be filled with broken rafters and trusses. If such problems can be revealed, it could be noted that a particular house is compliant with certain codes, giving peace of minds to buyers and sellers alike.

A home inspection that checks the attics can also reveal possible damages from a history of fire. The home inspector should be able to check that the rafters are of a natural wood color. Otherwise, especially if these are colored black or filled with soot for that matter, there is a very big possibility that the house was set on fire before. If, however, the rafters are painted white, the fire damage must have been covered. Be wary of such situations where the rafters aren't in the color that they should be.

In addition to fire, water damage can also be uncovered by the home inspector. Upon home inspection, the inspector will be searching for stains along the walls of the attic. Such stains will give hints that water may have been leaking through the roof, as water flows from the roof down to the bottom of the house. Also, the inspector should also look for condensations around pipes, which are factors for the rotting of wood.

Furthermore, insulation in attics can vary from house to house. Some ways can be blowing in some insulation or using fiberglass batts. A home inspector can be expected to know how an attic is insulated. Ask your home inspector some questions regarding this to be able to know if the attic is adequately insulated or not.

In home inspection, a chimney's condition cannot be seen by checking on the attic alone, but thorough inspection in this area can reveal a lot regarding the chimney's interiors and structure. Even if the interiors of a chimney are not exposed to outside elements, they can also breakdown, especially in the case of older houses. How can a home inspector check on these then? What he would be doing is to look for cracks along bricks and mortars that are crumbling.

If tiny pellets are found scattered in attics by the home inspector, it is also probable that rodents, raccoons, and squirrels may have taken residence before. These animals can bring damage to wood and weaken it, and they may have entered the attic through the eaves or some other loose board. Not only wood, they can also chew upon any wires found in an attic.

A home inspection must not miss any area of the house. The attic may be a place for storing whatnot, but one should be able to have this checked thoroughly. There are certainly a lot of things that can be uncovered by inspecting the attic alone.

When choosing a new residence you are mainly looking at the look and layout of the property. Before you finalize your purchase is the time when you might benefit from the expertise and service that a home inspection offers you. This is a procedure whereby trained professionals conduct a visual examination of your home and take note of all possible issues and fixtures that might strike them as danger prone. In the process they may uncover several other reasons why things might be in disorder. These people are trained and have had years of experience therefore it's reasonable to expect that they are relatively good at detecting potential trouble.

You might find it implausible if you try to keep your house in tip top shape with regular cleaning and care-taking but there are simply things beyond the capability of general cleanings to handle. For example, light bulbs go out, tiles crack from use, and wood either rots or gets overused. As a dweller, you might not take notice to these developments in your house because you are generally accustomed as to how the house appears. You don't really notice small changes because you easily disregard these details due to being accustomed to the house. That is not the case with a home inspection.

When you employ professionals, you employ the services of experts who won't be affected by the biases, comforts, and years of being accustomed to the residence. These people will look at your house through an objective and qualified perspective. Therefore their assessment will more than account for the discrepancies or possible design flaws of the structure. More importantly, the home inspectors are skilled in reviewing all aspects of the building including the electrical, and mechanical systems and areas of the house.

One concern you might have in particular is a continually flooded basement. Sometimes, it can't be helped but during storms and heavy rains the basement has water in it and you don't have a clue as to why. Or maybe there are incidents with the plumbing where water always seems to drain slowly or it runs rusty, which isn't good for any inhabitant of the residence. Fortunately these areas are covered in the normal review during a home inspection. Thus a viable assessment could be made in just a little time by checking out the trouble spots.

An inspection doesn't simply stop at the visual examination of course. After the examination, the inspector will compile a list of his observations on problem spots and potential trouble spots in an inspection report. After which you as the home buyer or seller can sit down together and talk about what needs to be done about these areas of trouble. Some times the owner will fix these areas or give you the buyer a better price on the house.

The home inspection is done to protect the buyer, not to blow the deal. When hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent you need someone to protect your investment and getting your home inspected by a qualified home inspector is your first protection.

The safety and comfort of your dwelling should not be comprised because you refused to have the home inspected before you buy. Make sure to invest in the services of a trained professional because the best course of action is to have your house checked.

The roof, windows, doors and exterior walls of your house work together to create a shield that keeps your home healthy and protects your family from the elements. When it comes to making timely repairs and home exterior improvements, a home inspection list can serve as a great guide in early detection and prevention of more serious and costly home repairs down the road.

If you use a home inspection list, routine maintenance checks of the exterior of your house are much less time-consuming. If you know what to look for and where to look, a semi-annual home inspection could be done in 30 minutes.

By conducting your inspection in a logical sequence, you will save even more time. A good strategy is to simply start at the top with the roof system and work your way down and around the house, finishing up with your foundation, driveway and sidewalks. Do not forget to make important interior inspections like looking for water damage and checking insulation and weatherstripping.

Home Inspection List:

Roof, Gutters, Soffits and Fascia

Regular inspections are essential to maintaining a healthy roof system. More can go wrong in the roof area than in just about any other part of your house. Most roof damage is due to water either from precipitation or condensation below the roof materials.

• Shingles - Inspect for buckling, cupping, wear, damage, missing shingles, leaks and exposed nails.
• Flashing - Look for gaps, leaks, damage, rust, corrosion and bad seals.
• Chimney - Examine flashing, mortar joints and bricks for loose or crumbling masonry. Look for soot buildup and check for pests.
• Ventilation - Check for obstructed vents and damaged covers or turbines.
• Gutter and downspouts - Check for leaks, holes, rust, clogs and sagging.
• Soffits and fascia - Look for signs of rot, damage, paint failure and cracks. Check for pests.

Siding and Trim

The first step in inspecting and evaluating siding and trim is determining the material type of your house's exterior. Common siding types are lap siding, shakes and shingles, vinyl siding, brick, metal and stucco. Once you have determined the material, you will have a better idea of how to fix problems you may uncover.

• Siding - Look for gaps, paint failure, rot, damage, and dirt buildup. Make note of popped nails, buckling and missing sections.
• Trim - Check for signs of rot, damage, cracks, splits and paint failure.

Doors and Windows

Regularly inspecting doors and windows for gaps and drafts is vital to minimizing home heat energy loss. More home thermal energy escapes through these areas than any other part of the house. The good news is that making home exterior improvements to windows and doors is fairly straight-forward and easy to do.

• Weatherstripping - Check to see if damaged or missing.
• Hardware - Examine for rust, corrosion, paint failure, sticking and misalignment.
• Glass and screening - Check for broken panes, torn screening, and deteriorated glazing or retaining strips.
• Frames and wood - Examine for rot, damage and paint failure.

Foundation

• Leaks - Look for water in the basement and condensation on interior walls.
• General condition - Check for cracks and deterioration.

Decks, Porches and Patios

• Wood surfaces - Inspect for rot, damage, paint failure and loose boards.
• Masonry surfaces - Look for cracks, stains and concrete failure.
• Railings, trim and accessories - Check for rot, damage, rust, and paint failure.

Driveways and Sidewalks - Look for cracks, stains and concrete or asphalt damage.

Security - Check outdoor light bulbs and test locks. Make sure entry points are well-lighted and test alarms.

The time it takes to inspect the different areas of your home's exterior is an excellent investment when compared to the cost of fixing problems that early detection could have prevented. Using the above home inspection list will maximize your time even more and make sure you have conducted a thorough examination of your house.

An inspection of the roof is part of a whole house inspection. Sometimes home buyers will decide to not get the home inspected in an attempt to save a few dollars. When home buyers skip home inspections they are opening themselves up for surprises in regards to the condition of the roof.

The roof of a home is one of the systems that is checked during a whole house inspection. It can also be a costly system to replace. A home inspection is the home buyers opportunity to have the home looked closely at by a person that has no vested interest in if the home sells or not. The inspector gives an unbiased report on the current condition of the home.

Good home inspectors will walk on the roof when ever possible. Snow and ice of course make it not safe to walk on. Slate roofs also should not be walked upon. While inspecting the roof may concerns can be found that will save the home buyer time, money and effort. If the roof is in immediate need of repairs or replacement then home inspector will reveal this and the home buyer can use this information to renegotiate the offer. Sometimes the seller will have the roof repaired or take money off the selling price. The can be thousands of dollars that can be saved for the home buyer.

A thorough home inspection of the roof system will also includes inspection from within the attic. It is from the attic that damaged sheathing can be located, past and active leaks, as well as conducive conditions for deterioration of the wood such as poor ventilation or blocked venting or a shower or kitchen vent that fails to carry the steam all the way to the exterior of the home.

Some other discoveries that I have found while doing home inspections in Ohio includes finding multiple layers of roofing materials on the roof. Typically only two layers are allowed, I have found four layers on a roof. The issue with more than one layer is that the lifespan of the second layer is not as long as it would have been if only one layer. The reason for this is that the additional layers will absorb more heat from the sun and virtually bake the shingles aging them faster. This can also be negotiated. By hiring a home inspector to conduct a whole home inspection you are protecting yourself from expensive roof conditions that you were not aware of.

With a huge market for home inspections in so small an area, New York home buyers must be cautious to avoid hiring unlicensed, suspended or any other illegitimate inspectors. Home inspections in New York is a competitive field with a great deal of rules and guidelines designed to regulate who is qualified to conduct proper assessments. What's more, since home inspection can be done fast and cheap if the regulations are not observed, anyone with a basic knowledge of construction can operate as an inspector as long as he can find clients who are unfamiliar with home inspection parameters.

First of all, when hiring a home inspector in New York, check for the license number of the company or individual you are hiring before you proceed any further. Most inspectors and inspection firms will display their license and status as a licensed home inspector on their home inspection reports and often right on their advertisements. Since legitimate inspectors and inspection companies want to let their potential clients know they are licensed it should not be difficult to obtain the license number from a person or firm you are considering hiring. In fact, a home inspector is required to provide proof of licensure to any prospective client or interested party in a real estate transaction. Most home inspectors are issued copies of such proof of licensure by the New York State Department of State. So be sure to see the proof before making any appointments.

After due diligence has been carried through and the home inspection is actually taking place, there are several warning signs you might be getting ripped off. To begin with, there should be no "walk-through" inspections. A home inspector will be taking considerable notes to include in his report. So if the fellow you hired just strolls through the structure and acts as if he were on a tour of the house, you would be within your right to report mal-practice.

A home inspection should include but is not limited to the structural elements of the building, the plumbing systems, the electrical system, the exterior landscape, the roof, the rain water drainage system, and the heating system. In addition, any home inspection will take ample time evaluating the building material and its present condition. Furthermore, an inspection, particularly in the case of newly constructed homes, will examine the workmanship involved in the construction process.

When ready for a home inspection in New York, you need to be wary of whom it is you are entrusting to take care of this crucial phase in any real estate transaction. Also, to learn about the process of inspection will help you know what you should expect.

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Did you know that a newly constructed house needs a residential inspection performed on behalf of the home buyer? Even buyers of older homes often forget to have a home inspection or even know they can require a home inspector as a part of the pre-purchase process. Failing to have the inspection performed can relieve the seller from liability with any needed repairs, and leave you holding the money pit.

Did you know that a house inspection from a professional will usually consist of over 2500 different items being looked at.  It is our job to completely evaluated almost all systems of the house from the roof all the way to the basement or crawlspace.  Certified home inspectors have demonstrated their ability to locate structural issues, HVAC problems, plumbing and electrical issues, and even issues outside of the home that may have been missed even by the local building inspector. The cost of a home inspection is very low compared to the cost of almost any missed repair issues. 

In areas like the humid Atlanta region there are issues such as water leaks, black mold, HVAC condensation, and leaching that may not be applicable in other areas. In fact each area of Georgia is different so if buying a home in North Georgia it is important to work with a reliable residential inspection specialist who has experience in the North Georgia area. After all, would an inspector from South of Atlanta know how to look for roof damage caused by snow on a home in Ball Ground? Not likely. Keep it local and find a home inspector to provide a home inspection on your next house or investment property.  Every area has it's own set of issues related to the climate alone. 

I guess just about everybody has been in the forest and seen fallen trees rotting on the ground, the bark and wood turning into a powdery like substance, and eventually the tree disappears altogether. How does this happen? It happens because a life form we know as fungi, and it is a wood destroying organism, has begun to grow in the wood. Fungi are filamentous organisms that begin as microscopic spores on the surface of wood, oh and by the way, fungi are just about everywhere and on everything, but what starts the fungus to grow is the right combination of moisture, temperature, oxygen, and a food source. When these four essential elements are present in the right combination, the fungi produce thin strand like cells called hyphae that grow into the wood cells and secrete enzymes that weaken the wood, and thus, the beginning of dry rot. Over time the process further destroys the wood cells until there is nothing left but for the powdery substance lying on the ground.

What can be done to protect wood against dry rot? There isn't much that can be done about temperature. Most fungi like a temperature between 30° F and 100° F, that's pretty normal. Oxygen cannot be eliminated; it's pretty much everywhere except for wood submerged in water. The wood itself is the food source, so food is present, can't change that. So what about moisture, we can do something about that.

Excessive water in wood acts as a swelling agent, which effectively opens the wood structure and allows the fungal enzymes to enter and diffuse from the fungus to the wood. It is a gradual process, but over time Mother Nature will win, just like she always does. What are we to do then to repel Mother Nature's army from invading our precious wood? Three things can be done, sealing wood, keeping moisture away in the first place, and treating the wood with toxic chemicals.

Let's first look at sealing the wood. There are many paints and sealers available on the market today, from water based acrylics to complex epoxies and everything in between, but they are all designed to protect by keeping moisture away. Paint stores can advise you on what is the best product to use for your particular need, but whatever you use, apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. As a home inspector, I can't tell you the number of times I see paint failing because no primer was used as is required by a manufacturer, or the surface was not prepped correctly. Money down the drain and the wood rotted anyway. A great example of this was the LP siding problem where the siding dry rotted extensively because it was not adequately sealed and protected. LP siding that was properly sealed and protected is still on many homes and doing just fine.

Keeping moisture away from wood in many cases is a matter of good design and does not necessarily increase costs. You can replace flat surfaces with sloped surfaces that carry water away from an object, thereby eliminating standing water on its surface. The proper use of flashing to shed water away from vulnerable areas. A great example of this is where a deck attaches to a house. Many times during a home inspection I see where a deck was built by the homeowner, attached to the structure without the benefit of proper flashing because they do not understand the role of flashing and how it is installed to divert water away from structures. In these cases not only does the siding suffer but the deck boards and deck structure can dry rot as well. Keeping support posts from direct contact with soil is another way of reducing your risk of dry rot or preventing it altogether. That brings us to those situations where there is direct contact between wood and soil.

There are wood products available today that have a "pressure treatment" which is advertised as being ok to install in direct contact with soil. In my opinion, these wood products may slow down the dry rot process, but do not stop it. How many railroad ties have we all seen that were pretty well dry rotted and falling apart. There is probably no other wood product in the world that has as much wood preservative soaked into it as a railroad tie. I think any time you can remove wood from having direct contact with soil you are better off.

Fungi that damage wood are classified according to the appearance of the damaged wood, as brown, white, or soft rot. Additionally, there are staining molds which are usually black but do not have any structural significance. Observation of these staining molds is important because they indicate an excessive level of moisture that should be brought under control. Whether the damaging fungi is brown, white, or soft rot does not really matter as a practical matter, they all significantly damage wood and they all went out of control due to excessive moisture in the wood. Signs of fungal attack in wood are usually subtle and that's because a fungal attack is a gradual process. As the process progresses, wood may change color, lose luster, and become soft. By the time dry rot is discovered, the only remedy is replacement of the wood. Dry rot is usually detected at the intermediate or advanced stages. You can use an awl or screwdriver to check wood by poking it into the wood and testing softness, how far the tool penetrates, and breaking a piece of wood off to see how it breaks away. Good wood breaks with a fibrous breaking pattern, where decayed wood is more brittle. Often dry rot will start in the middle of a piece of wood and spread outwards. Tapping on wood with a hammer is another way of testing for decay. If the wood has decay, the tap will produce a dull thud sound.

The simplest method of preventing wood decay around your house is to control moisture levels to the wood. From a home maintenance perspective, this can be accomplished by maintaining paint surfaces, eliminating plumbing leaks, maintain your gutters, maintain vapor barriers, increase air circulation around wood, and don't let the sprinklers soak your wood.

©2010

Typically a home inspection is thought of as a service that is performed shortly before one buys a home. This is the most common time in which a home inspection is scheduled, however there are several other times in which the services of a home inspector is very useful.

The use of the services of a home inspector prior to completion of a purchase of a home is often called a pre-purchase inspection. This inspection is conducted during the seven to ten day window of time after an offer to purchase a home has been accepted. The purpose of this inspection is to help inform the buyer of any issues with the home that the buyer may wish to address with the seller or the sellers real estate agent. With knowledge of the homes "weak" areas the buyers can often renegotiate the offer, get the concerning areas repaired, or is bad enough, walk away from the house.

Pre-listing home inspections are conducted before a home is officially placed on sale. This is done to help identify issues that will likely be a hindrance to selling the home. A bonus in having this done is that the sale of a home can actually be finalized two weeks faster. This is because the seven to ten day inspection window is often eliminated. Another good thing about have a home pre inspected is that the asking price is more justified. The price is better justified because the home inspection may have verified that the home is in good condition. Add to this any receipts you may have from repairs done as a result of the pre listing inspection and you have really made the home buyer feel confident that they are getting a home that is in good shape. This is more likely to be recommended for higher quality homes that have been kept in good condition and the sellers are wanted to take extra steps to justify the higher asking price.

Maintenance Inspections are another version of a inspection. With this version the home is not about to be listed or to be purchased. The owner wants to have a person with an experienced and eye look over the house. The inspector in the case is hired so as to catch issues early and before the issue can become a larger problem. It is common for this inspection to be limited to areas of the home in which the home owner does not have the ability to check out themselves such as the attic, crawl space or roof. This inspection can also be used by elderly people to get an unbiased report on the home. People fear being scammed and tricked into paying for repairs that did not need to be done. Home inspectors are neutral and most (like myself) do not do repairs and therefore have no motive to create an issue so as to get paid to repair things.

The residential home inspection is most commonly something a potential buyer arranges as a protection against hidden, undisclosed costs. But the home inspection can also be a tool the home seller uses to realize savings. Sellers often spend money up front for fix-up chores and repairs, anticipating that this will facilitate the sale and that they will get some or all of their expenses back upon closing. This article will show that the home inspection can be treated in much the same way.

What a home inspection can do for the seller is give him a leg up on his competition. Especially in a buyer's market such as we have today, any advantage is golden. Listing agents will tell you that the better a house is staged, the more it attracts potential buyers and the greater the chance to receive an offer at or near the asking price. In some cases, staging one's home isn't practical, such as when the seller is physically unable to do it, cannot afford even fix-up costs, or intentionally markets the house as a fixer-upper. If so, taking the trouble to contract one's own home inspection will still go a long way towards adding value in the eyes of a buyer.

Sellers should understand that, despite stronger disclosure rules nowadays, buyers are warier than they used to be. It is rare for a buyer not to order a home inspection, regardless of appearances. The seller should anticipate the buyer changing his mind and terminating the purchase agreement. Alternatively, he may request a (further) reduction in price and/or the completion of certain repairs prior to closing.

A great strategy to adopt in trying to avoid such disappointment and back-and-forth is having the house inspected before listing it for sale. This thorough examination, based on checklists and Standards of Practice, brings a fresh set of eyes to the building's condition. The inspection report lists items needing attention, such as safety issues, major defects requiring repair, minor problems that warrant monitoring and/or further evaluation, and conditions that are conducive to infestation of wood-destroying organisms.

It's best if the seller looks at the report objectively and unemotionally to determine what are likely to be important issues to the average buyer. He corrects or arranges to correct at least the highest priority ones, and only then puts his house on the market. He displays the inspection report for all to see, along with proof of corresponding repairs and their dates. Agents will eat this up and point out to their clients how forthright and candid the seller is.

What are the expected results? The buyer's worries about hidden repair costs are assuaged, perhaps to the point of his not bothering to have a separate home inspection. The buyer sees value and is more willing to pay full asking price. In fact, chances increase of attracting more than one buyer and seeing a bidding war. All because the seller took the time to walk in the buyer's shoes and to give him what he wanted.

In all likelihood, the seller recoups more than he spends, sells his home quickly, and shares in more harmonious relationships among all involved parties. The upshot is that the home inspection has brought savings to the seller in terms of money and reduction in stress.

The Barrie Home Inspector discusses the twelve most common items found during a home inspection. These are items that are commonly found during a home inspection but are listed in any order of importance.

1. Lot and Roof Drainage

Keeping water out of your house in one of the most important areas to be considered in building design and annual maintenance checklists. Eave troughs collect large amounts of water, average is 160 gallons per hour, which is then directed down to ground level to be dispersed. This is where most systems have problems, from missing extensions to reversed splash pads, and it is important to ensure all water is directed away from your home. I have actually come across homes where the sump pump was pumping water out into the exterior corner of the house where the water ran right back down the foundation to be re-cycled again. Areas around foundations are prone to settling and should be built back up to ensure that any water will flow away from home.

2. Foundations

The primary function of the foundation is to transfer the load of your house unto your footings. Water can enter your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Cement block foundations are required to be parged and then coated with damp proofing product to prevent this. Poured concrete foundations are required to have form holes sealed to prevent water entry. Minor cracks in foundations can be attributed to settlement of building or shrinkage cracks which would appear in poured concrete foundations. Any crack in your foundation is a potential source of water entry into your basement. If your area has excellent drainage and surface water is not an issue then sealing your cracks yourself could be an option, if not then a professional will seal poured concrete cracks using injected foam or epoxy for around 3 to 600 dollars. Sealing with epoxy will make the cracked area stronger than surrounding untouched area. Horizontal cracks in basements are stress cracks and usually should be inspected by engineer to ensure safety of the home.

3. Cladding

There are many types of cladding used in homes today, we are going to discuss brick veneer and vinyl siding, the most common types of cladding used in new homes in Barrie, ON.

Brick - There are two common types of brick in use today, clay and cement bricks, clay being the most expensive and more durable of the two. The most common defects in brick are caused by poor workmanship and settling of the house or foundation. Checking the brick work for cracks in mortar is very important part of your home inspection. Finding cracks prior to moisture and freezing damage occurring can drastically reduce the amount of work required to repair problem. Corbelled brick corners are an area where cracked mortar is very common but is an easy fix. Step cracks usually indicate a structural type problem is present and deeper investigation is required. Home owners can cause damage to bricks by building planters which allow soil to contact brick, this will result in spalling of brick face and eventually the brick will crumble and require replacement.

Vinyl Siding - This product has proven to be an attractive and low maintenance alternative to brick. If not properly installed vinyl siding can come loose which will make it very susceptible to damage. Properly installed siding has to be able to expand and contract without warping, this is done by not hammering in nails tightly and the fastening slot will allow siding to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Washing your vinyl siding spring and fall is also a good idea as this will help prevent staining from air borne contaminants. Vinyl siding is susceptible to cracking, especially in winter months when cold temperatures can make it extremely brittle.

4. Windows

Windows come in all sizes and shapes with many different types of opening models. We are going to concentrate on mainly the casement style window, as this is the type of window, which commonly has defects. Casement windows commonly have problems with the cranking mechanism. Stripped windows cranks are commonly found on windows in children's bedrooms and are mainly due to the fact that in the winter these windows tend to freeze up and then when the crank is operated, a stripped mechanism results.

Broken seals in thermal units are another common defect found in windows. Windows around 15 years, and older, are usually found to have problems with leaking thermal units. There is a process that involves inserting tiny one-way vents into these units which can eliminate the moisture problem and save you money. The "R" value of windows is not so high that this procedure would create a huge heat loss.

Then there is the common defects in windows, which can include, no caulking, cracked glass panes, improperly trims, sagging headers above windows, require painting and last but not least cracked or rotting wood.

5. Roof

We are going to concentrate on asphalt or fibreglass shingles as this is by far the most common type of product used in new homes today. Shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years depending on quality of product and environment that they endure. Shingles on south side of home usually fail first due to greater exposure to sun and UV radiation. Proper venting is a very important factor that can greatly affect the life of your shingles. Building code requires 1 square foot of vents for every 300 square foot of roof. Ensuring adequate venting is important part of home inspection, a lot of homes have inadequate soffit venting due to insulation preventing continuous movement of air. This allows moisture and heat to build up in your attic and will dramatically reduce life of shingles. Inspecting flashing, valleys, skylights, vents and eave trough are another important factor of your home inspection. Ensure your inspector has a ladder and walks your roof if he is able.

6. Furnace / Air Conditioning

Furnaces have an estimated life span of 15 to 20 years and this can vary greatly with maintenance being the biggest factor in extending life of your furnace. Your furnace cannot have any holes, be rusted through in any area and must be hooked up to an approved venting system. If connected to a "B" vent, a one-inch clearance must be maintained from combustibles, which also includes insulation. Check your flame color, yellow flames indicate incomplete combustion which may be fixed with a simple tune up from your furnace technician. Many furnaces have no cap for filter cover which allows for both heat and cold air to escape into your basement. Your HVAC duct should be taped using metallic duct tape to block any areas where air is escaping from your system. Humidifiers are a common cause of water source for damaging furnaces; they become clogged and overflow allowing water to enter body of furnace causing premature failure of unit.

Central air conditioners are essentially a sealed unit. Using a temperature gauge can determine if unit is operating at a level that is acceptable. I use 58 degrees F as a bench mark in testing in hot weather. This ensures that unit will maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. All lines and insulation are checked for any damage or required replacement.

7. Electrical

The number one concern for homeowners and insurance companies is aluminum wiring. Installed in the early seventies as a substitute for high price copper, aluminum has generated a lot of negative press, some maybe not deserved. Knowledge of aluminum wire is required to be disclosed by the home seller. Consequently some people are creatively hiding aluminum wiring. This might involve installing wire so insulation covers all exposed wire and running copper from main panel to junction boxes where it is connected to the existing aluminum wire.

Adding pony panels, which allowable and recommended, is a great way of expanding your main panels resources. I came across one pony panel, full sized 100 amp, which was powered off supply cables in switch box. This panel was noted in listing as an asset! There are a myriad of minor electrical problems to be checked in your home. Another main panel observation is that many people rather than add a breaker just attach two or more wires to an existing breaker, this is a not permitted and is a potential fire risk. Open junction boxes, missing covers, wiring contacting heat ducts and un-supported wiring are common defects noted on majority of inspections.

8. Plumbing

The other half of the keeping water away from your house equation is your interior plumbing system. Lack of caulking and sub-standard products or workmanship is also a big offender when it comes to keeping your house dry. Galvanized pipe is another item that insurance companies may be concerned about. Galvanized pipe tends to corrode from the inside out leaving no visible signs of impending failure, which tends to make insurance companies a little nervous about insuring homes with galvanized plumbing.

9. Insulation

Homes today have a much higher insulation R-value than older models, the standard for your attic insulation is R-32. Coupled with vapor barriers this is a very important part of your homes building envelope. Many homes have lots of insulation but it has been compromised by workmen installing products such as pot lights and never remedied. The un-suspecting homeowner never realizes the loss of heat and release of moisture that is taking place. I have inspected homes where there has been sun rooms added on and for two or more years that complete area has not had any insulation.

Vermiculite insulation is receiving a lot of attention due to asbestos hazard. Most vermiculite was produced from Libby mine in Montana and contains asbestos. There is some type of vermiculite that has no asbestos risk, which can only be determined by laboratory testing. Homeowners are obligated to disclose any vermiculite insulation that they know of. This is another area where your home inspector can help and possibly save you a lot of money and headaches.

10. Mould or Mold

We are addressing both Canadian and American mould or mold problems, eh!

Mold has been a inspection headliner for quite a number of years. Mold is present everywhere, outside, in your home and sometimes even in the wood you are building with. Moud requires three items to grow, they are; warm environment, protein supply (paper on drywall will do) and moisture. As you can see if you have any water or moisture problems in your home for any length of time then you probably have mold somewhere in your home. That is why it is so important to keep water out of your home and control the water you do have in your home by the proper use of exhaust vents, HRV units and humidity control.

11. Structural

The structural component of your home includes all the items that comprise the supporting elements of your home, which include but are limited to; footings, floors, foundation, walls, columns and piers and roofing system. Visual inspection involves looking for cracks, missing supports, under-sized support construction, twisted or cracked beams, joists, rafters, trusses or support members. Consider your structure as the exterior and interior framework that encompasses your home. Defects in this system can be considered serious and should not be taken lightly as you whole home depends on this system.

12. Miscellaneous

Here is a quick list of some of the items that I have come across that might not have been discussed above:

Septic tanks - Water pooling at the end of your bed or signs of effluent leaking are sure signs that you have some kind or septic bed problem. Buyer beware!
Chimney - Masonry chimneys can be visually OK but not approved for type of appliance you are using. Wood stoves and fireplaces usually require WETT cert for insurance.
Caulking - Any two different surfaces that are exposed to weather should be caulked. For example your window and siding should always be caulked.
Trees - Ensure there are no dead trees on property that might damage your house or any of your neighbor's property. Also trim branches away from any siding or roofing product.
Concrete Steps - Must be either cantilevered or on frost footing.
Handrails - Required to be 900 mm high in most exterior applications.
Decks - If over 23 5/8 inches (600mm) from ground are required to have guards & handrails.
Basement Bedrooms - Required to have separate exit on same level or window that is minimum area of 0.35 M2 with no dimension being less than 15 inches (380 mm).
Bathrooms - shall have either exhaust fan or opening window.
Hot Water Heater - Safety Pressure valve shall have vent directing blow-off to floor.
Garages - Required to have fume barrier and auto door closure if interior door installed.

These are just some of the common types of defects encountered during a residential home inspection, there are thousands of items that could possibly be identified.

Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspector

Have you decided to buy a home of your choice? Then, accept the reliable services of a home inspection company having qualified home inspectors. Home inspection services help the potential buyers to ease out confusion and tension. While buying a home, it is necessary to consider the price, location and condition of the structure. These services guarantee a perfect buying for a long lasting investment.

Home inspection companies are the best companion for first time home buyers. A qualified and experienced home inspector helps to minimize possible risks of unforeseen repair and associated costs. Present condition of the home including exteriors and interiors and its maintenance are included in the inspection.

The value of properties and house are determined by companies to produce a final report. Hence, take utmost care while choosing the right inspection company. You can consult with a prominent realtor in your area to collect details about reliable home inspectors. You can also get information through your friends and family members. Another best alternative is to browse the internet and search the yellow pages to choose a reliable inspection agency.

For the total inspection of all features of a home, it requires nearly two to four hours depending on the size and status of the building. An estimate of repairing works is also evaluated in the course of inspection. Normally, every factor related to the house such as foundation, electrical wiring, appliances, porch, garage, windows, doors, chimneys, heating and cooling systems, plumbing and fittings and related accessories are considered under inspection. Also, it uncovers problems such as water leaks, second-rate workmanship, designs, structural destruction due to insects or termites, moisture issues and use of poor quality building materials.

A complete report is provided after the home inspection detailing about the recommendations and supportive descriptions with diagrams and illustrations. A truly qualified home inspector submits unbiased report about a home/property for making a wise decision whether to invest in a particular home. Some inspectors even bring specialized tools, equipments and other materials to do an impartial evaluation. Competitive buyers can accompany the inspection to rectify queries regarding property ownership and maintenance details to conserve the home in good condition.

So before purchasing a home, it is wise to have it checked with a professional home inspector. This helps to obtain an accurate and clear idea about the strength and weakness of the building and make a better negotiation with the owner.

Having your home inspected before purchase is the best way to minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties. A home inspection can help you identify the need for repairs, maintenance, and possibly preventative measures to avoid future problems.

Standard Inspection

The standard home inspection report typically covers the condition of the home's heating and central air conditioning system; interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components. Regulations vary from state to state, so be sure to know the requirements. For more information regarding inspection standards, visit American Society of Home Inspectors.

The fee for inspection varies depending on the size and age of your home, its location, and the addition of optional services like septic, well, and radon testing. Expect to spend at least a several hundred dollars for an adequate inspection. Other additional inspections include, lead (required for homes built before 1978), environmental hazards (asbestos, formaldehyde, and petroleum), and soil (condition of soil around foundation and retaining walls).

Be aware that a home inspection is not a pass/fail examination. It is not an appraisal or a municipal inspection to verify code compliance. Your home cannot "fail" an inspection, but rather it describes its physical condition and indicates what needs to be repaired.

Typically, a home inspection is done soon after the purchase agreement is signed. However, before you sign you should be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract. This can be done on a contingency with the final purchase based on a professional home inspection and should specify the terms to which the buyer and seller are obligated.

Common Home Defects

Some of the most common defects and repair issues that home inspectors see are:

Poor drainage due to poor gutters and downspouts; faulty wiring due to an out-of-date electrical system; leaky roofs; unsafe heating systems; minor structural damage; plumbing issues; inadequate ventilation; and environmental hazards.

What to Do in Case of Defects

Some defects are serious, while others can be slight and an inspector can help you decide whether or not you need to act on the defects. Disclosure laws vary from state to state and can range from voluntary seller disclosure to mandatory seller disclosure questionnaires. At least thirty states require the seller provide information to the buyer about the condition of the home. To determine disclosure laws in your state, click here for more information.

What do teenagers and termites have in common? They'll both eat you out of house and home. The difference is, termites do it literally by doing serious damage to wood structures.

Termites invite themselves into your home, but you may not know it. If they go unnoticed for a long time, they can cause tremendous damage. When your home inspector conducts his inspection, a home inspection engineer should thoroughly check for evidence of termites. Your mortgage lender may ask for a clear termite certificate.

If termites are discovered, an anti-termite chemical, or termiticide treatment, or a termite baiting system will be needed to get rid of them. A licensed professional engineer may then be necessary to design repair procedures for the damaged structures.

Though there are different types of termites, it's the subterranean termites that make their home in the ground near a source of moisture, warmth, and wood. They send workers to find food for their colony, and they start in the lower parts of your home.

Food for termites is any source of cellulose, such as the wooden framing of your home, wooden flooring materials, and sub-flooring. They also like paper on sheetrock walls, newspapers, magazines and just about anything that contains cellulose.

Here are a few steps to lower the chances of termite infestation. Make sure there is no wood to earth contact of any parts of your home. Don't allow landscape chips from flower beds to come in contact with your home's siding. Keep gutters and their extensions clean so water can drain away from the building. This is a good idea for several other reasons as well, but don't invite termites with a moist environment.

Some homes are at greater risk of termite problems. For example, slab on grade homes with radiant floor heating are a natural breeding ground for termites. If you own a home with radiant floor heating, a wise maintenance procedure is to periodically have inspections done by a competent and qualified exterminator.

Detecting termites is difficult because termites eat out the inside of wooden beans, leaving the outer shell. Signs of termite damage include the following:

* A termite swarm flying or crawling around your property

* Damaged wood, especially pulp or saw dust around the house or under wooden overhangs

* Termite shelter tubes-sand colored tubes about the thickness of a pencil

* Change in sounds, such as woodwork that sounds hollow when struck or you hear extra creaks in floors

The best time to inspect for termites is in the spring and fall of the year. Any inspection should thoroughly check the basement, crawl spaces, and upper floors as well.

If you're planning to buy a home, you could find yourself in serious trouble by moving heavy furniture into an area where termites have damaged flooring. A home inspection can determine the extent of termite damage and whether major repairs or replacement is required for flooring or other structures.

The possibility of termite trouble is one more critical reason to have a home inspected before you either buy or sell.

Home inspection is essentially important especially for first time home buyers who are not yet familiar with the different system of the real estate industry. Both home sellers and buyers may hire home inspectors for different purposes and objectives. The former needs his property inspected prior to home appraisals or visits from potential buyers. This is to make sure that he gets a high market value for his property when put up in the market list. It is also very important to have your property inspected to determine areas that need immediate repairs and fixtures so that when you home buyer comes to visit, probably with his own home inspector, they will not find any flaws with your property.

Home buyers on the other hand need to have a property inspected before they make finalizations with their transaction in order to know if there are certain damages in the house that are still under the responsibility of the seller to repair and fix. It is also important in order to support whatever appraisal report comes out secure that you are actually paying for the exact value that the property is worth.

What are done during home inspection?
The home inspector or evaluator has several responsibilities in dealing with the process of inspection, most of whom are tedious and detailed assessment of the entirety of the property for sale. Home inspection is a vital component before sealing a deal thus make sure that you hire a competent and certified home inspector for your endeavor.

There are several things that inspectors evaluate in the same process that follows the following order.
o External Visual Inspection. The inspector generally inspects the areas surrounding the house and its exterior features as well. Things included in the inspection are roof peaks where he looks for potential dipping spots that are identifiable foundation or structural problems. He also checks the ridge vents, bath vent pipes, skylights and the roof ventilation system along with the conditions of the shingles and his estimation of its lifespan. The inspector may also do a follow-up external inspection to your home which includes the siding conditions of the property, landscaping lighting, sidewalks and driveways, sprinkler systems and the circuit breaker box situated outside the house.

o Interior Home Inspection. After checking the external features of the house, the inspector moves in and continues the necessary evaluation. Things to look for inside the house are cracked drywall, sticking doors and windows which are likewise potential foundation damages. He is also responsible for checking other important systems in house that will affect its primary functions such as the plumbing system. An overview of the faucets, toilets, showers, sinks and even garbage disposals are tackled vividly and included in his report. This also goes with the electric and water system in the property which may be affected with structural damages in the house.

A good home inspection does not only give you a report of all the damages found in the property but most importantly, provides possible and precise solutions to resolve the problem. Therefore, with its salient role in the overall assessment of your house, home inspection is truly an indispensable tool in knowing that your investment is all worth it.