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A home inspection takes place when a home is placed
on the market (at time of listing) or when an offer has been put
on a house (usually within 10 days from date contract was accepted).
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of readily
accessible areas of the physical structure and systems of a home.
The purpose of the inspection is to inform the buyer or seller on
the condition of the home so they will have a better understanding
of the home before purchasing or putting the home on the market.
The home inspector will visually examine and report on:
- Structure
- Plumbing system and fixtures
- Built-in appliances
- Attic
- General exterior
- Heating and cooling systems
- Electrical system
- General interior
- Roof
- Grounds
A home
inspection also may include pool/spa and equipment, lawn sprinklers
and drip systems or other specialty systems. There is usually an
additional fee for these systems.
Now let’s see what’s not
inspected:
- Cosmetic items
- Compliance or certification for past or present
governmental codes or regulations of any kind
- Geological stability or soil condition
- Flood potential
- Structural certification
- Presence or absence of rodents, termites, and
other insects
- Building appraisal
- Shut down or inactive systems
- Wells and septic systems
- Underground piping
- Central vacuum systems
- Load-control systems
- Security or intercom systems
- Phone and cable systems
- Low-voltage lighting
- Water conditioners
- Solar systems
- Fire and safety equipment
- Heat exchangers
- Environmental conditions, including but not
limited to toxic or flammable chemicals, asbestos, radon gas, lead
paint, urea formaldehyde, water and airborne hazards, and
electromagnetic fields.
One of the biggest mistakes made during the
inspection process is not having the buyers at the home during the
entire inspection. This greatly increases the chance of a
misunderstanding, overstating, or understating what the inspection
revealed, which may lead to a blown deal or a lawsuit. The
inspection is the buyer’s time to find out everything about the
condition of the house and how systems operate, and even to receive
maintenance tips for the house.
Let’s talk about cost and how
long an inspection takes. A 2,000-sq. ft. home built in the last 25
years could cost between $175 and $250. The majority of home
inspectors will be at $200. The inspection usually takes an hour per
1,000 sq. ft., but could take longer based on age and condition of
the home.
The difference in price and time in most cases is
going to be experience. In this industry, the old saying, “You get
what you pay for” couldn’t be more accurate. The industry is flooded
with start-up companies and part-time inspectors. The inspection
industry is unregulated, so anyone can become a home inspector.
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