 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
Table of Contents
What is a "Home" Inspection?A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. If you are thinking of buying a house, co-op, or condominium, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the actual purchase by an experienced and impartial professional home inspector.Back to TopWhy do I need a home inspection?The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect - both indoors and out - in terms of repair and maintenance and their costs. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Water marks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards.Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are about to purchase, and you will be able to make you decision confidently. Back to TopWhat does a home inspection include?A complete home inspection includes a thorough examination of the house from top to bottom. The inspector examines the heating system, the central air conditioning system*, the interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure.*When temperature permits. Back to TopWhat will it cost?The inspection fee for a typical one-family house averages between $250 and $300. For larger homes, antiques, or homes with special structures, the fee will be higher. However, cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to renegotiate the purchase price based on significant problems revealed by the inspector.Back to TopCan a house "fail" inspection?No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items may be in need of immediate or near future repair or replacement.Back to TopWhy Inspection Protection Co.?Inspection Protection is a professional home inspection company. We have offered our home inspection services since 1984 and have been involved in the field of home construction for more than 20 years. We are Certified Members of The American Society of Home Inspectors®. We have the necessary experience to provide you with thorough, impartial and professional inspections.Back to TopWhat is "ASHI®"?The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) was formed in 1976 as a non-profit organization to develop formal inspection guidelines, to establish a professional code of ethics and to give consumers an assurance of quality and professionalism. Today ASHI®, whose membership extends across the United States and Canada, is recognized nationwide as the leading authority in the home inspection field among inspectors and homeowners alike.Back to TopWhat does ASHI® do?ASHI® has established a uniform standards of practice for the home inspection profession, so that anywhere in the country a buyer who uses an ASHI® member can be assured of a complete and detailed inspection. ASHI® ensures that its members comply with the Society's strict Code of Ethics: no ASHI® inspector may have a commission agreement with a real estate broker, or offer to do any of the repairs he recommends. As part of its continuing education program, ASHI® keeps its home inspectors up-to-date with the latest in building technology, material and professional skills. ASHI® also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.Back to TopWho belongs to ASHI®?Only home inspectors who have met ASHI®'s rigorous professional and educational requirements may qualify for membership in the organization. Many ASHI® members have engineering, architectural, or technical degrees; others have had experience in various construction fields, or as building contractors. All ASHI® members have a long history of professional home inspection experience.Back to TopWhen do I call in the home inspector?The best time to call in the home inspector is after you've made an offer on the house, and before you sign the contract. Or you can have your lawyer include an inspection clause in the contract, making you purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.Back to TopDo I have to be there?It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea. By following the home inspector around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home and get some tips on maintenance in general - information that will be of great help to you after you've moved in.Back to TopWhat if the report reveals problems?If the inspector finds fault in a home it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to renegotiate the purchase price because of significant problems discovered in an inspection. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours.Back to TopIf the report is good, did I really need an inspection?Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You may also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, and you will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy you new home the way you want to.Back to Top |
|||
|
|
|||