Why do I need a Home Inspection?
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If you are purchasing a home,
you want to protect the largest single investment you may ever make. A
home inspection will help you learn about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you
buy.
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If you are planning to sell
your home, a home inspection will give you a full understanding of the condition of the home. This will also alert
you to any repairs you may wish to make to get the house in better selling condition.
What is a Home Inspector?
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Home Inspectors come
from a very wide variety of backgrounds and experience levels. They have a very broad understanding of the systems comprising
the home and are trained to recognize and evaluate the severity of problems with any of those systems.
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When selecting your inspector,
look carefully at their background, formal training, continuing education, membership in professional associations such as
the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
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The home inspection should be
viewed as an opportunity for the prospective homeowner to walk through the home with a professional who will educate while
inspecting.
What repairs will the home inspector make?
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None! Home Inspectors
do not represent themselves as experts in any specific field though their background may include licensure or certification
as a contractor. The Home Inspector is a neutral party whose task it is to identify items in need of repair or replacement
and safety concerns. These items will come with a recommendation to seek the assistance of a qualified professional
in the area of concern.
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The Code of Ethics of the major Home Inspector associations do not allow inspectors
to offer their services to repair any of the defects they may find.
Who should attend the inspection?
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The prospective homebuyer(s)
and their Real Estate Professional may be present for the inspection.
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The seller and their Realtor
are also welcome to participate in the inspection. The inspection should be viewed as an opportunity to learn about
the home in detail from the Home Inspector.
Is there a contract documenting what will be inspected?
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Yes - Before the inspection
begins, you will be asked to sign an Inspection Agreement which will clearly document what will and will not be inspected
as well as the legal obligations and limitations of both parties to the inspection. We will make every effort to ensure
you have the Agreement prior to meeting for the inspection (e-mail or fax) and encourage you to review it with your Realtor.
Your Inspector will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the contract and its provisions.
How
much will the Home Inspection cost?
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The cost of the Home Inspection
will depend on the property itself. When we quote a price for the inspection, we will take into account the size and
age of the home (older homes require additional inspection time), the type of foundation (accessible crawlspace will be entered
and take additional time), any outbuildings you desire to be inspected.
How long will the inspection take?