An important part of buying any home is the home inspection process. During the home inspection home buyers get an in-depth look at the home and the condition of various parts of the home. Homebuyers will learn if certain aspects of the home are in need of repair and which parts of the home are working fine. Through the home inspection process homebuyers ultimately learn if the purchase they are about to make is a sound purchase or one that should be reconsidered. This article explores home inspection when buying a home.
How To Choose A Home Inspector?
Selecting a qualified home inspection professional is just as important as the home inspection itself. In many states, home inspectors are required to be licensed, and in order to become licensed must at least pass a test and/or meet some educational requirements. The best way to make sure an inspector has met some minimum requirements is to work with a licensed home inspector.
If the state currently does not have any licensing requirements for home inspectors (Ohio, for instance, does not require licensing for home inspectors), it is best to examine the training the home inspector has received and any certifications they may also hold.
InterNACHI is one of the largest organizations in the United States that certifies home inspectors. Home inspectors are trained and certified by InterNACHI, a voluntary organization.
The American Society Of Home Inspectors (ASHI for short) is another voluntary organization that trains and certifies home inspectors. A code of ethics is also maintained by InterNACHI and ASHI, which their members must adhere to when conducting home inspections.
Homebuyers should attend the home inspection with the inspector. In addition to touring the home you are about to buy in detail, you will also gain valuable insight into its condition and operation. The best home inspectors will not only inform you about the condition of the house but will also provide you with advice on how to maintain it. A home inspector who discourages a buyer from attending could be a major red flag, as every home inspector should welcome buyers.
What Does A Home Inspection Cover?
Home inspectors examine many aspects of a house to determine the condition of major systems and components. Home inspectors will inspect the roof, the visible plumbing, the HVAC systems, the opening and closing of doors and windows, the garage door, the attic space, the crawl space, the outdoor house structure, the indoor house structure, and more.
In general, home inspectors will not examine landscaping and yard issues unless they are related to the house. In addition, they cannot provide an opinion on areas that cannot be directly observed. So if there is hidden mold behind the drywall that cannot be seen then the home inspector cannot provide an opinion on that condition.
If the home inspector feels there is an issue with something, in particular, they will recommend the homebuyer seek out additional experts to make a final determination. In the event that problems are discovered with the HVAC system, the home inspector will recommend that the homebuyer have a licensed HVAC technician perform a further evaluation.
Home inspectors may recommend hiring plumbers, structural engineers, mold inspectors, and more to ensure any potential issues are fully explored. It is up to the homebuyer to call in the appropriate professionals once an issue is brought to their attention.
The buyer will receive a full inspection report after the home inspection is completed. You should ask both your home inspector and your real estate agent any questions regarding a report item. You should immediately decide whether you want to purchase the home if major issues are revealed in the home inspection.
Bottom Line
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process. It is important to understand that by hiring a licensed and/or certified home inspector, you are gaining a professional who will be able to guide buyers on how to determine the condition and the operation of the house they are about to buy. In order to ensure that a home inspection is a worthwhile process, the timing of the process plays an important role, and it is imperative that all deadlines are met in order to get the best results from the inspection.
