Why a Home Inspection???              

...the Pro's Advice: ...heating systems; plumbing & electric; roofs & ceilings;  structure & foundations... All these and more are items a prospective buyer can see. But can they judge their condition, quality and age? Probably not. But problems with these areas and others can turn a nice home into a bad deal. Any buyer should insist their offer allows for a series of professional inspections to be performed, and the results evaluated, before final acceptance of the home in question. A complete & thorough inspection, before final purchase, is on the must-do list for any buyer.

                                                          ...The FAQs:                                        
OK: I need a home inspection: who pays for it?  Typically, the buyer pays for inspections. Why? To insure unbiased or untainted results. This allows both buyer & seller to accept the results as valid. 

Well then, how much will it cost?? Like the homes themselves, costs vary. But here are some typical estimates:  For the home inspection, prices generally run from $350 to $500. The test for Radon gas usually costs $75 - $100, as does the inspection for wood-destroying insect activity or damage. Mold inspections are getting more common and prices have the most variability, from $200 up to several thousand. And if the home has private well or septic systems, or a pool, these should be inspected too.  

Who does the actual inspection work? To insure both the buyer & seller can accept the results, inspections should be performed by certified professionals in each specialty.

When are the inspections performed? As soon as possible after the buyer & seller reach agreement on contract details. The standard contract calls for the inspections to be done and the issues resolved within 15 days of agreement, but often these periods are shorter!

What is actually inspected? The home inspector literally starts at the roof and works downwards. Structural integrity & condition are assessed: systems like heat, a/c, plumbing & electris are analyzed: toilets are flushed, windows opened & closed, appliances run. In other words, a thorough inspection is performed. Radon inspections measure radon levels throughout the home. A check for wood-destroying insects is performed, looking for current or past activity or damage. Mold is more difficult to assess, as standards have yet to be established.

What happens if the inspections reveal problems? Offers can be written so a buyer can opt-out of the agreement without penalty, if issues that alter their opinion of the home are found. More typically, the buyer & seller come to terms on the issues, with either repairs, replacements or financial concessions made. If agreement cannot be reached, the contract becomes null-and-void.

My lender requires an appraisal: is this the same as the inspection? NO! The appraisal is used by the lender to establish VALUE, the inspection assesses condition: a buyer needs both!

Other questions about inspections??? Just email them to us at HomeFAQs!