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[A84]A Pro Home Inspection

by David Haigh, Dav

Put yourself in the buyers shoes for a minute. These days a buyer can't be too careful, especially with so many foreclosed homes in uncertain condition on the market. Her real estate sales offer may depend on an acceptable home inspection. This inspection can make everybody involved a little nervous. After all, since a home is such a major investment, she'll want to be sure things are all right before she buys and makes it her home..

Is that home structurally sound? Are all the major and minor components functioning at the time of the inspection? Are those components going to have a reasonable life expectancy comparable to the price you, the seller, are asking.

So What happens when the home inspector she brings in finds major problems? What if there's a failing roof or a foundation that shows signs of moisture penetration? You can bet she'll be quite concerned, especially if she's a first time home buyer. She may want further evaluations or may back out of the deal altogether.

Most home buyers will have a home inspected, and the inspector will find problems, whether they're major or minor, you can count on it. The best way to avoid or minimize such problems is to have a pre-sale inspection done when you're ready to sell your home.

There are several important benefits of having a pre-sale inspection done. First, it will bring you peace of mind because you'll find problems before a prospective buyer's inspection points them out. Then you can take time to find reasonable and affordable fixes.

Second, the pre-sale inspection gives you a peak into what you can anticipate when dealing with the buyer. She may try to use the home's defects as negotiating leverage to lower the sales price. She may want major work done, which will slow the sales process or kill the deal entirely. Since a pre-sale inspection will mention any deficiencies and provide a cost analysis, you'll be better informed ahead of time.

But there's another side to this coin. The pre-sale inspection will also highlight the assets of your home. This gives you sound reasoning for your asking price and will leave little room for the buyer to negotiate a reduced price when she sees the home inspector's report.

A pre-sale inspection can help avoid a disclosure lawsuit. If the inspection brings to light something you weren't aware of, that will likely be disclosed on the disclosure form. You don't want something unexpected to pop up after your buyer has closed on the deal. She could say you knew about the defect and file suit for damages. This can cost thousands of dollars, cause mortgage default, or years of court battles and headaches. You want to demonstrate to your buyer that you're serious about making the sale and, most importantly, that you're honest.

Incidentally, if you're attempting to buy a home yourself, while trying to sell your current home, don't take home inspection shortcuts. If you're using the same company to do a pre-sale inspection on the home you're selling and a prospective buyer's inspection on the home you're contemplating, ask the company for a reduce price on one of the inspections.

When you are in need of a home inspection in Canada or the US, you should choose only those who incorporate the Standards of Practice of ASHI/CAHPI (American Society of Home Inspectors/Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors).

Home inspectors will enter a home and analyze all of the major components that make up a house purchase. This is a valuable tool for both buyers and homeowners. Buyers will be able to make informed decisions on making an offer on a piece of property. Homeowners will know the sort of repairs or enhancements that their home needs in order to secure a sale. Home inspection companies will calculate the livability, safety and overall condition of a home. Visual tools are used to make the assessments.

Home inspection visits usually take about 3 hours in order to arrive at a proper assessment. Depending on how old or large a house is, it may take longer or less time to complete. Homebuyers will truly benefit from attending the inspection. Although a written report is furnished upon completion, it doesn't compare to the hands-on, up-front experience of going through the house with the home inspection representative.

Requirements of a Home Inspection Representative

Your home inspector should have a working, extensive knowledge of all the important parts of a home. This includes the electrical and plumbing systems, as well as heating and cooling apparatuses. The roof and attic area will be inspected, as well as all of the interior and exterior structures, including the condition of the walls.

A home inspection representative will have taken courses to provide you with a proper analysis, as well as possess the necessary tools to complete inspections. These home inspection assessments can be used to gauge the amount of money it will take to conduct repairs on a new home purchase. All of the gathered information is taken into account when placing a real estate offer. Qualified home inspectors are able to detect the flaws of a home that are not easily recognizable to the untrained eye. Below, you will find what to expect when an home inspector conducts a review of the inner and outer areas of a house:

Plumbing: While conducting a home inspection, old piping materials, faulty fixtures, water pumps and water heaters are some of the concerns that an inspector will focus on. Plumbing defects are one of the main issues a homeowner and/or buyers will face in terms of repairs.

Roofs: A home inspection company will check a roof to see if there are any old or deteriorated shingles; as well as any leaks. Homeowners can gauge whether or not a roof should be replaced. Usually tar and gravel roofs last about 15 years, where wood shakes have an average life span of 20-25 years.

Structural Damage: The overall condition of main structures in the house is also analyzed during a home inspection. Foundation walls are looked at. Floor joists and rafters are of importance, as are window and door headers. Older houses are checked for sagging and settlement issues.

Heating Systems: The heat distribution pipes or ducts are some of things checked during a home inspection. A buyer will also want to know if operating controls are in good condition, as well as the condition of the chimney.

Electrical Wiring: During a home inspection, the condition of the electrical wiring throughout the house is a concern. Wire connections and power overload prevention are some of the aspects an inspector will take note of.

Water in the Basement: When water has entered the basement or crawl space of a home, a host of property problems are soon to follow. This includes mold and/or frame rot. Home inspectors are especially keen on detecting these problems, which are quite visible through discoloration, musty smells, mildew and water leak stains.

Choosing an Home Inspection company

The average fee for a home inspection is between $350-$450, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home. The number of home inspection representatives is vast. There are home inspectors in that offer a lower price, but you must beware of their credentials.

The best way to determine their competence is to request references. Sometimes, contacting past clients will give you insight as to how capable a potential home inspector is. When you are ready to begin your search, keep the following questions on hand:

1) How long have you been in the home inspection business?

2) How many home inspections have you completed?

3) What qualifications do you possess?

4) How long does it take for you to inspect a home?

5) How much do your services cost?

6) Can I come along with you on the inspection?

7) Are wood stoves and fireplaces inspected?

8) Can you approximate costs for potential repairs?

9) What are the hours and days of your availability?

10) Can you provide references of inspections you have done in the past?

Article Source : Pg. 133

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Both David Haigh & Pat Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

David Haigh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Finances and Home Management. You've carefully selected the home you're buying. Make sure you're as careful when selecting your home inspector. Don't get stuck paying for repairs missed by a quick home inspection. Author David Haigh is a professional. David Haigh's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Pat Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Home Improvement How to and Property Investment. Pat Johnson - President of located in Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaPleas visit. Pat Johnson's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.