Please
select one of the following topics:
What is a
home inspection?
What does a home inspection include?
Why
do I need a home inspection?
How much will it
cost?
Why can't I
do it myself?
Can a house fail inspection?
How
do I find a home inspector?
What is ASHI?
Who belongs to
ASHI?
When
do I call a home inspector?
Do I have to
be there?
What if the report reveals problems?
If
the house proves to be in good condition, did I
really need an inspection?
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual
examination of the physical structure and
systems of a house, from the roof to the
foundation.
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What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover
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 structural components.
The
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
publishes a
Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics that outlines what you should
expect to be covered in your home inspection
report.
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Why do
I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single
investment you will ever make. To minimize
unpleasant surprises and unexpected
difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as
you can about the newly constructed or existing
house before you buy it. A home inspection may
identify the need for major repairs or builder
oversights, as well as the need for maintenance
to keep it in good shape. After the inspection,
you will know more about the house, which will
allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you
already are a homeowner, a home inspection can
identify problems in the making and suggest
preventive measures that might help you avoid
costly future repairs.
If you
are planning to sell your home, a home
inspection can give you the opportunity to make
repairs that will put the house in better
selling condition.
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What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family
house varies geographically, as does the cost of
housing. Similarly, within a given area, the
inspection fee may vary depending on a number of
factors such as the size of the house, its age
and possible optional services such as septic,
well or radon testing.
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 sense of
security and knowledge gained from an inspection
is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced
inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the
inspector’s qualifications, including
experience, training, compliance with your
state’s regulations, if any, and professional
affiliations as a guide.
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Why
can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the
knowledge and expertise of a professional home
inspector. An inspector is familiar with the
elements of home construction, proper
installation, maintenance and home safety. He or
she knows how the home’s systems and components
are intended to function together, as well as
why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to
remain completely objective and unemotional
about the house they really want, and this may
have an effect on their judgment. For accurate
information, it is best to obtain an impartial,
third-party opinion by a professional in the
field of home inspection.
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Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an
examination of the current condition of a house.
It is not an appraisal, which determines market
value. It is not 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 components and
systems may need major repair or replacement.
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How do I find a home inspector?
You can ask friends or business acquaintances to
recommend a home inspector they have used. Or,
you can use the
Find An Inspector search tool for a list of
home inspectors in your area who belong to the
non-profit professional organization. To have a
list mailed to you, call 1-800-743-ASHI (2744).
Also, real estate agents and brokers are
familiar with the service and may be able to
provide you with a list of names from which to
choose.
Whatever your referral source, you can be
assured of your home inspector’s commitment to
professional standards and business ethics by
choosing one who has membership in ASHI.
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What is ASHI?
Since 1976, ASHI has worked to build consumer
awareness of home inspection and to enhance the
professionalism of its membership. The ASHI
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves
as a performance guideline for home inspectors,
and is universally recognized and accepted by
many professional and governmental bodies.
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Who
belongs to ASHI?
ASHI is an organization of independent,
professional home inspectors who are required to
make a commitment, from the day they join as
ASHI Associates, to conduct inspections in
accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice
and Code of Ethics, which prohibits engaging in
conflict-of-interest activities that might
compromise their objectivity. ASHI Associates
work their way to ASHI Certified Inspector
status as they meet rigorous requirements,
including passing a comprehensive, written
technical exam and performing a minimum of 250
professional, fee-paid home inspections
conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards
of Practice and Code of Ethics. Mandatory
continuing education helps the membership stay
current with the latest in technology, materials
and professional skills.
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When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted
immediately after the contract or purchase
agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be
sure there is an inspection clause in the sales
contract, making your final purchase obligation
contingent on the findings of a professional
home inspection. This clause should specify the
terms and conditions to which both the buyer and
seller are obligated.
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Do I
have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for
the inspection, it is highly recommended. You
will be able to observe the inspector and ask
questions as you learn about the condition of
the home and how to maintain it.
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What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies
problems, it doesn’t mean you should or
shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know
in advance what to expect. If your budget is
tight, or if you don’t want to become involved
in future repair work, this information will be
important to you. If major problems are found, a
seller may agree to make repairs.
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If
the house proves to be in good condition, did I
really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home
purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned
many things about your new home from the
inspector’s written report, and will have that
information for future reference.
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*The above
information is courtesy of
www.ashi.com *
