A home inspection is an objective visual
examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to
the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up.
If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further
evaluation.
A home inspection will include a review of the condition of the home's
central heating and air conditioning
system, plumbing and electrical systems, the
roof, attic, insulation. ventilation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and
doors, the foundation, basement, structure, appliances, fixtures, exterior
grading, concrete, and more.
For a more detailed description of a home
inspection, see the ASHI Standards. Remember
to use your BACK button to return to this page. AccuSpec exceeds
these standards.
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The purchase of a home is probably the largest
single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can
about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before
you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties
afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection also points out
the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be
necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much
clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.
If you are already a home owner, a home
inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn
preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are
planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to
placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of
conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an
opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling
condition.
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The average fee for an AccuSpec home inspection in
1999 was $225. Fees start at $185 and go up from there and are based on square
footage, age, location, special services, and other factors. See Home
Inspection Fees
However, do not let cost be a factor in
deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your
home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the
cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The
inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.
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Even the most experienced home owner lacks the
knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected
hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is
familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper
installation, and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems
and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they
fail.
Above all, most buyers find it very difficult
to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really
want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information,
it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the
field of home inspection.
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No. A professional home inspection is an
examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an
appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which
verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or
fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may
need further evaluation and/or repair or replacement.
The best source is a friend, or perhaps a business
acquaintance, who has been satisfied with and can recommend a home inspector
they have used. In addition, the names of local inspectors can be found in the
Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service"
or "Home Inspection Service". Real estate agents are also generally
familiar with the service, and should be able to provide you with a list of
names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you will want to
make sure that the home inspector is a Member of the American Society of Home
Inspectors® (ASHI®) in order to be certain of his or her professional
qualifications, experience, and business ethics.
Also see Choosing
an Inspector
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The American Society of Home Inspectors®
(ASHI®) is the oldest and leading non-profit professional
association for independent home inspectors. Since its formation in 1976, ASHI's
"Standards of Practice" have served as the home inspector's
performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted by professional and
government authorities alike. Copies of the Standards are available free from
ASHI.
ASHI's professional Code of Ethics prohibits
Members from engaging in conflict of interest activities which might compromise
their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector will not,
for example, use the inspection to solicit or refer repair work.
In order to assist home inspectors in furthering
their education, ASHI sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops
throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its nearly 50 Chapters.
ASHI also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful
consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
Members of ASHI® are independent
professional home inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and
experience requirements in effect today. To become an ASHI Member, an inspector
must pass two written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250
professional fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate
status for no less than six months. ASHI Members are required to follow the
Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits in order to
keep current with the latest in building technology, materials, and professional
skills.
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A home inspector is typically contacted
right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often
available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure
that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase
obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This
clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are
obligated.
It is not necessary for you to be present
for the inspection, but it is recommended. You will be able to
observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the
condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will
also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property
first-hand through the inspector's eyes.
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No house is perfect. If the inspector
identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house,
only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the
purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is
tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this
information will be extremely important to you.
Definitely. Now you can complete your
home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all
its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new
home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information
for future reference.
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