What is a buyer's home inspection?
It 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. Before you close, you need to consider whether or not repairs are needed now and who's going to pay for them.
Why is a home inspection important?
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. Review the inspection with your realtor and decide if there are issues that the seller should address and present them in a timely manner. While the inspection is not meant to be a tool for re-negotiations, many times it becomes one. By hiring a licensed inspector, you have employed a qualified, unbiased professional. When problems are found, they won't be easily minimized by the other parties because your uncle or friend did the inspection.
What if the report reveals problems?
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. If the situation calls for it, the inspector may recommend further diagnostic evaluation by a specialist such as a licensed heating contractor.
What does a home inspection include?
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.
What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
- A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected.
- A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
- A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks "Safety" not "Code" when performing a home inspection.
Should I attend the home inspection?
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.
In addition to the Buyer's Home Inspection, which is what you would have performed prior to purchasing a home, we offer other the following other types of inspections. They are all performed identically and professionally, and will likely be of great assistance to you.
Pre-Listing Home Inspections
Think of all that goes into selling a home...the cleaning, the garage sale, the worry, the uncertainty, finding the mortgage professional to get a new loan, and then finding a real estate professional to sell the house. Unfortunately, people sometimes forget to schedule a Pre-Listing Home Inspection. Yet, it could be the most important thing you do to prepare for your home sale. For what amounts to a small fraction of the cost of selling your home, have the peace of mind that your home is in good condition and maintain your selling price from a better negotiating position. Most buyers are not in the market for a "fixer-upper", so having your house marketed with everything fixed ahead of time is a very strong selling point and will often successfully set your house apart from others on the market.
Maintenance Inspections
Most people who are content to stay in their current house can benefit from a home inspection. We will go through your entire house and let you know the present condition and identify any possible unseen problems. Many of these issues are minor problems that can be caught before they turn into major ones. We will advise you on important maintenance and care items that will help you maintain your home for years to come.
Radon Testing
Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas. You cannot see radon and you cannot smell it or taste it, but it may be a problem in your home. This is because when you breathe radon-containing air, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Testing is the only way to find out about your home's radon level. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing of all homes below the third floor for radon. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Our testing follows all national EPA and state DOH guidelines for real estate transactions, and we are NYS-ELAP certified lab #11924. Testing includes placing the test devices, the additional trip to the property to collect the test equipment, laboratory processing fees, and a final written report that details the readings. All radon testing requires a minimum sampling period of 48 hours. Please factor this time into your real estate transaction, and we will do our very best to accomodate any pressing contingency periods.
