What To Expect From A Home Inspection

When you have found that perfect house, the first thing you should plan to do before planning your decor, is to get the home inspected. A home inspection will give you the knowledge about your new home's foundation, structure, equipment, and its longevity. Will it stand up to the test of time or is it in such bad shape that it will end up costing thousands of dollars to repair and a whole lot of heartache?

Start with the basics and work toward less important matters. The inspector should check the roof and foundation and other structural components, the plumbing and electrical wiring, the heating and air conditioning units and duct work and the insulation. You should insure that your inspector is qualified to do this type of work by checking to see if he or she is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI produces a Code of Ethics that details what should be inspected in an inspection report.

A home inspection not only details major problems, but it also tells you what areas of the home require more maintenance to remain in good standing. When the inspection is complete you will have a better grasp of what your dollar is truly buying and you can make an informed decision about your purchase. To be clear an inspection determines the fitness of a home, not its value. When you receive your home inspection it is for you to use to determine your willingness to address the issues raised by the inspector and to understand the current state of the home.

You should contact a home inspector immediately after signing the contract or purchase agreement. Make sure the contract reads that the final sale is contingent upon the results of the inspection before signing it. The contingency clause should state what your obligation is and the seller's obligation in the event of a bad inspection. If major problems are discovered during the inspection, the seller may agree to repair the problems. If not you are no longer obligated to proceed with the sale as long as that was stated in the contingency clause.

Never try to omit a home inspection. It protects the buyer from being involved in a major financial obligation which could tax his resources for years to come. A house is the biggest obligation most of us contract to purchase in our lifetimes. It is better to know in advance just what we are getting into before we take the plunge. An inspection clearly details what to expect from our investment before we invest, saving us many unwanted expenses.

After the inspector has completed his job, know that whatever the outcome you now know what condition your new home is in. If it needs repairs, have it repaired and sleep under its roof with the awareness that your home is built well and will withstand the outside forces of nature. You did your due diligence, now enjoy your home.

By: Jeremy C. Winters

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