What is an Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation.

Home Buyers:
Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in.

Home Sellers:
More and more sellers are choosing to have a thorough inspection before or when they first list their home. First and foremost, you should have a home inspection for full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you did all you could do to reveal any defects within the home. Second, you will save money and hassle by knowing now what your defects are, not after you have already negotiated and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyers inspection. Defects found before the buyer comes along allow you to shop around for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer will present.

All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price but having a home inspection allows the problem to be addressed before the sales closes.

A home inspector’s report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection such as mold, radon and water testing.

It is often helpful to be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. But be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.

A home warranty does protect you against components that fail in the future. You may have to pay a deductible (service call fee) when you have a problem. If you choose to have a warranty, be sure and qualify coverage of your problem over the phone with the warranty company before they send a repairman. If you do not you may find out that your problem is not covered and you still must pay the deductible or trip service fee. If you have a home inspection and you know your furnace is old or another major component, you may be better off to buy a warranty before you purchase. We recommend you look closely at what is NOT covered in warranty company policies as you compare price.

The seller’s inspection report enables the real estate agent to create a “Hot Link” at their web site listing that will take the prospective buyer straight to the home inspection report with no diversions. The report is written in HTML and can be viewed over the Internet instantly.

After the listing is signed, a seller’s inspection is performed. If significant damage or defects are found, there will be disappointment, but no hysteria or regret. No deal about to go sour. The agent will discuss the problems with the seller and will determine if this listing is “AS IS” with full disclosure, or if any repairs need correcting to expedite the sale. The seller then corrects any problem areas, and calls for a re-inspection of the home. We will reinspect any deficiencies within 90 days of the original report at no charge. Clean up the report, and upload the revised report to the internet for your web listing link. Next, a buyer enters a contract agreement with the seller. The buyer will choose to trust the home inspection or, will have another inspection performed. The transaction proceeds as planned. This is a win-win situation.