A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. Home buyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase.
Usually, home inspections are performed after a sales contract has been accepted by the seller. The inspection is generally scheduled to within a few days if not immediately and will take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size, age and condition of the home. The home buyer is encouraged to attend the inspection if they're available so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home. It also provides an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes.
Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector's observations or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser anxieties, and provide useful repair suggestions.
The home inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home so that they can better make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector's role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection is completed, a written report should be prepared for the home buyer, documenting the results of the inspection. The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal or a home owner's warranty.
A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. As a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. http://nahi.org/
Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry on the whole is unregulated and many unqualified people offer home inspection services. Home inspection companies that offer to do repair work should be avoided.
