Hiring A Home Inspector
When buying a home knowing the condition of the home is vital. Many problems cannot be seen unless you know what to look for. A home inspection should always be included when buying a home. Home Inspectors are trained to catch problems that would otherwise go unnoticed costing you thousands of dollars down the road.
The condition of a property affects the selling price for example a new roof can cost upwards of $15,000. If a home inspector uncovers that a home needs a new roof the buyer can negotiate with the seller to either lower the price of the home or the buyer can back out of the sale.
What does a home inspector check?
Interior
The interior of the house will be inspected for foundation movement such as cracked or separated drywall, unlevel floors and doors that are out of plumb. Appliances will be inspected along with the HVAC system, gas stoves, heaters and plumbing fixtures.
The electrical panel and breakers will be evaluated and checked for safety and compliance with state/local codes. If the home has a fireplace or gas stove these too will be inspected.
Structural Components
The home inspector during his inspection will note defects in structural components, unsafe conditions, improper installations, and signs of alterations while making recommendations that existing permits be verified. The inspection will cover accessible areas of the home.
Foundation & Basements
Your home inspector is looking signs that include cracked drywall or damaged unlevel floors that may be due to a bad foundation. He is also looking for mold and leaks in the basement. These issues can point to serious structural or foundation problems.
Framing and Facias
Inspectors look for any type of pest infestation and damage to framing and wood facias. Wood is also checked for mold and rot. The report will include recommendations for repairs or replacement.
Roofing
The roof is inspected checking condition of the trusses and shingles. The inspector is looking for any previous repairs or existing damage sagging and pest infestation.
Exterior
The exterior is inspected including siding decks concrete walkways and driveway. Observations are recorded such as cracks missing siding pest infestation including caulking around doors and windows. Home inspection covers all the most important parts of a home so buyers and sellers of real estate can make informed decisions.
Home inspector qualifications
As you can see home inspectors need to be familiar will most aspects of home systems and infrastructure, the different types of homes and their construction, plumbing systems, electrical and more. Most home inspectors go through training to be certified and licensed.
Some states require home inspectors to continue education classes to keep their licenses active. An inspector must also have insurance. A good source for finding a home inspectors worldwide is InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. They help train, certify and prepare home inspectors to be licensed in their state.
How to hire a home inspector
One way to hire a home inspector is through the InterNACHI as described earlier. Other ways include through your real estate agent. Local real estate agencies keep a list of reputable inspectors they have used in the past but don’t just go by their recommendation you still have to check them out.
When hiring a home inspector or any professional to inspect or work on your house check their credentials first. Recommendations are fine but what counts is are they certified, licensed and insured. Not all states require home inspectors to be licensed or certified in this case use extra caution and check references and if possible do a background check.
Before hiring any home inspector they should provide you with a written inspection agreement to sign. Completely read that agreement and only sign it if you agree to the terms.
Other resources include the American Society of Home Inspectors. On their website’s “Resources” page you will find regulations for home inspectors by state and more information that will be helpful in your search.
By Peter Carr
