The inspection fee for a typical one-family
house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a
given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such
as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as
septic, well or radon testing.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding
whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home
inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well
worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain.
Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance
with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a
guide.
A home inspection is an overall, non-invasive
analysis of the condition of a home at the time of inspection. This includes
the different systems, such as the plumbing, roofing, exterior, structure,
electrical, the interior, heating/cooling, insulation and ventilation. All of
the mentioned components must work independently, while acting as a single
system for a home to function properly.
The primary goal of a home inspector is to
protect the buyer’s interests…to identify and report on the major deficiencies,
unsafe or expensive problems that exist in the home. Once the inspection has
been completed, the inspector communicates the findings through a written
report. If possible, the clients should accompany the inspector during the
inspection. This way, the buyer can ask questions while the inspector educates
the client along the way. I always recommend that my clients come with me
because they will leave with a better overall understanding of the home.
In Cambridge Ontario, not all home inspectors
are required to be licensed, insured, educated in all housing systems, complete
appropriate field training unless they belong to a professional association. In
addition, to stay licensed, we are strictly required to continually update our
education by attending relevant courses. The home inspection field is
relatively new, when you compare it to other professions. It is continually
evolving to keep relevant with the changing building requirements and the
educated public. There is a lot of effort involved with this process, which
makes the role of a home inspector challenging, yet rewarding.
It is an evaluation of the visible and
accessible systems and components of a home (plumbing system, roof, etc.) and
is intended to give the client (usually a homebuyer) a better understanding of
their condition. It is also important to know what a home inspection is not! It
is not an appraisal of the property’s value; nor should you expect it to
address the cost of repairs. It does not guarantee that the home complies with
local building codes (which are subject to periodic change) or protect you in
the event an item inspected fails in the future. Nor should it be considered a
“technically exhaustive” evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the property
on the day it is inspected, taking into consideration normal wear and tear.
Aside from the time invested, the value of
the inspection and report can be measured by its usefulness. If the inspection
turns up little wrong with the house, you've bought some relatively inexpensive
peace of mind. If the inspection finds serious problems, your Home Inspection
Fee could end up saving you many thousands of dollars.
If you hire the right home inspector you will
hire a professional that provides an objective, visual examination of the homes
condition. As a home buyer you should view the home inspection as a way to gain
valuable information about the biggest purchase of your lifetime. It helps you
to determine if there are any major defects or needed repairs at the time of
purchase. It is also an educational experience.
Often home inspections are performed after a
sales contract is signed. The contract may be conditional upon the results of
the home inspection, and if major concerns are found you may have the option of
canceling the contract. The inspection should be arranged as soon as possible
after signing the contract. More and more often sellers are having their homes
inspected prior to placing them on the market so that repairs can be made
before hand, making the home more marketable.
Home inspectors not only look for needed
improvements they also highlight the positive aspects of the home. I encourage
the home buyer to attend the inspection, so that you can see firsthand the
workings of the home. It is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions
about the home and to discuss potential changes.
Optional Inspections (since these are not
found in every home, they are not normally priced into the above inspection
fess please inform your inspector if you want these inspected as well so that
he or she can supply proper pricing. Your inspector may refer you to company
specializing in these inspections.
The definition of codes is the minimum
building practices allowed to make a structure safe, sound, and sanitary. To
the extent that is allowed, obviously our standards and inspections are based
on accepted practices. But a home inspection covering complete adherence to
code is not possible due to the nature of the constraints of this inspection.
Much of the structure is covered disallowing visual inspection. The inspection
is non-invasive because the property may not be owned by the inspector nor by
the client.
In essence, a Home Inspection is a snapshot
of a house on the day of the inspection. It is a non-invasive, visual
evaluation of the property's basic structure, the structure's foundation or
basement, interior, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating and
cooling systems. The purpose of an inspection is to detect major visible
problems or defects and unsafe conditions.
A Home Inspection may be used to provide
information for various purposes. There are pre-purchase inspections, new home
construction and one-year walk-through inspections, pre-listing inspections and
inspections for the purpose of litigation in construction defect cases.
Most often, a home inspection is used to
assist a client in making a more informed purchasing decision. The inspector
may also educate the buyer as to typical life expectancies, items to budget for
replacement as well as how to take care of and maintain the property.
As a consumer and home buyer you have the
right to know exactly what a typical real estate (home) inspection is. The
information presented here is intended give you a better understanding of
exactly what your Home Inspector will and will not do for you during the course
of an inspection.
The goal of a home inspection is to give the
client a much better understanding of the physical condition of the structure
than would otherwise be known. To achieve this an inspector conducts a visual
inspection of the home and its systems.
Typical homes take 3 - 4 hours to inspect.
When the client arrives the inspector often presents a pre-inspection agreement
to be signed followed by payment. A good inspector then gives the client an
overview of the inspection process and invites the client to accompany him.
Upon completion of the inspection the
inspector should give the client a summary of what was discovered and an
opportunity to ask questions. The client then receives a signed written report
of the findings. The report is the client's property; no other party is
entitled to see it.
A home inspection is a thorough, in-depth
visual examination of the structure and operating components of a home. It is
recommended for buyers and sellers, or anyone planning to buy a new or older
home.
A trained inspector will point out areas of
concern during the inspection as well as educate you, the buyer, as to proper
care and maintenance procedures. This information will assist you in making an
unemotional, intelligent, and informed purchase decision. A professional home
inspection will also provide you with a feeling of security and peace of mind
regarding one of the largest investments of a lifetime.
AH & P highly recommends the buyers be
present at the inspection. If it is not possible to attend the inspection, we
will follow up the report with a telephone call to review our findings with
you.
A home inspection is a visual inspection of
the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing
correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is
found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written
report and may recommend further evaluation.
Home Buyers: Emotion often affects the buyer
and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a
home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before
moving in.
Home Sellers: More and more sellers are
choosing to have a thorough inspection before or when they first list their
home. First and foremost, you should have a home inspection for full
disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you did all you could do to reveal
any defects within the home. Second, you will save money and hassle by knowing
now what your defects are, not after you have already negotiated a price and
are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyers inspection. Defects
found before the buyer comes along allow you to shop around for a contractor
and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer will present.
A home inspection is a thorough visual
examination of the structure, systems and components of a home by experienced,
objective professional home inspectors. Homebuyers now entering the marketplace
view home inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest
purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any
major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase and will educate
them about the construction, operation and maintenance of the home.
In most cases, home inspections are performed
after the seller has accepted a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory
home inspection. The home inspection can usually be scheduled within a couple
of days. The homebuyer is encouraged to attend the home inspection and follow
the home inspector, so that he/she can see firsthand the workings of the home,
ask questions about any problems or defects that may be discovered or to
discuss potential desired changes or improvements.
The home inspector’s service to the purchaser
is primarily one of education. The goal of home inspectors is to provide the
purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home and
what repairs or improvements may be needed. In many cases the information
obtained from the inspection can save the homebuyer hundreds or thousands of
dollars. After the inspection is completed, a written report is prepared for
the homebuyer, documenting the results of the inspection.
Home Buyers entering the marketplace view
inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchases
of the lifetime. We recommend the client attend the inspection. Home
inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any
non-visible defects in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws should be apparent
without the aid of a professional. Home inspections highlight the positive
aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspectors observations or
recommendations help to dispel buyer anxieties, and provide useful repair and
maintenance suggestions.
Design complexity plays a role in roof
failures. The more penetrations, valleys, changes in directions increases the
probability for premature failure or leaks. Stepper roofs last longer because
water runs off quicker and does not back up during high winds. Resurfacing a
roof costs thousands of dollars, and will cost more if the existing roofing
needs to be removed prior to re-roofing.
Having a home inspected is similar to getting
a physical checkup. If a problem or symptom is discovered, the inspector may
recommend further evaluation. The inspection will take approximately three
hours to complete, depending on the size and age of the home.
In layman’s terms, having a home inspected is
similar to giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the
inspector may recommend further evaluation.
As a home buyer/seller or real estate
professional, you have a right to know exactly what a typical real estate
inspection is. The following information should give you a better understanding
of exactly what your inspector should (and should not) do for you during the
course of a home inspection.
First and foremost, an inspection is a visual
survey of those easily accessible areas that an inspector can clearly see. No
destructive testing or dismantling is done during the course of an inspection,
hence an inspector can only tell a client exactly what was clearly in evidence
at the time and date of the inspection. The inspectors eyes are not any better
than the buyers, except that the inspector is trained to look for specific
tell-tale signs and clues that may lead to the discovery of actual or potential
defects or deficiencies.
Buying a home is one of the most emotional
and stressful times in your life. During times like these, it's easy to look at
situations differently than you ordinarily would. A home inspector won't be
swayed by emotions while determining the condition of the house. Having a
professional and impartial inspection of a home not only provides you with
important facts about the condition of the home, it also takes away some of the
stress associated with the decisions you've made and need to make.
While most houses have at least minor
defects, homes are built by human beings and the only ones that don't make errors are those that don't do anything so keep in mind all problems have a solution. If there is something wrong
with any of the major systems of the home or if any of them are out of date or
near the end of their useful life, it may or may not be expensive to correct.
This doesn't mean you should or should not buy the house. By having a home
inspected, you gain the benefit of reviewing a full inspection report which
affords you the opportunity to discuss any potential or existing problems with
your realtor and lawyer. They can advise you on the best course of action, if
any is needed.
A home inspection by a professional is a
comprehensive visual and structural inspection, both inside and out, from
foundation to rooftop. You get a detailed report of the house structure,
systems and condition. A professional opinion from someone you trust... how
much is it worth when you are buying your home?
Home inspectors are generalists with broad
knowledge on many topics. The home inspector does a visual inspection and
reports the major deficiencies and items affecting the habitability of the
property. A good inspector must be well versed in all fields of residential
construction and have good communication skills. The home inspector gives an
overview of the condition of the property and discloses major defects.
Almost every home inspector will provide you
with a written report that explains the condition of the four major systems of
the home. These systems are Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning,
and Structural. Most, if not all, real estate contracts limit the buyer to
repair requests in these systems only. Because of this, some inspectors will
only inspect these areas.
Keep in mind that all used homes have
deferred maintenance. If the home inspector fails to point out these areas, are
you getting your money's worth? Deferred maintenance areas may start out small
and minor, but left unattended can be very costly in the end. A concerned home
inspector will not only make you aware of these areas, but will provide a
repair recommendation as well. The report should provide you with a clear
understanding between a major system issue and a deferred maintenance issue.
Any problems a home inspector finds during
the assessment is then documented and suggested courses of action are given to
the homeowner. The home inspection takes place after a buyer has made an offer
on a home and the seller has accepted.
Buying a home is one of the most important
purchases you will make. It is important to make sure you are making a
well-informed purchase and a home inspection can help you do this. This one
step can potentially save you thousands of dollars in unknown problems that
could have been dealt with at the point of sale and cost the previous homeowner
rather than yourself.
Home inspectors look carefully at the roof,
foundation, windows and doors for any sign of water entry and for existing
water damage. We also predict conditions such as grading towards the house or
other emerging wear that could allow water in the future, noting that
suggestions are then made for immediate and future repair considerations and
preventative measures.
Most houses cannot be inspected in less than
two hours. Depending upon the age, condition and size of the house, the
inspection can take longer.
The inspection should be documented by a full
written report, discussing noteworthy observations. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE
INSPECTOR'S OBSERVATIONS BE PUT IN PERSPECTIVE BY CLEARLY WRITTEN
RECOMMENDATIONS, in my opinion presented at the end of the inspection, not a day or so later sent electronically as instant information and knowledge is vital in the real estate process.
No house is perfect. The professional Home
Inspector can help you distinguish between minor imperfections and major
concerns. Many homes also have components that are significantly better than
average, these are worthy of mention.
A home inspection, sometimes called a
property inspection or building inspection, is a thorough visual examination of
a home that is performed by a Certified Professional Inspector at a specific
point in time. The inspection is non-invasive, performed for a fee, and is
designed to identify material defects within specific components of a home or
property. These components may include any combination of mechanical,
structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the
home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the
inspection process.
Homes may be inspected for a variety of
reasons but in many cases a home is inspected before a home is sold to reveal
any defects that may be problematic for the buyer. A typical home inspection
will include a complete walk-through of the house in which the condition of the
home is closely examined, any deficiencies or defects are noted, and
recommendations for repairs are made. The home inspection is intended to assist
in the evaluation of the overall condition of the home, at the time of the
inspection, and is not a prediction of future conditions.
A typical home inspection will take between 2
and 3 hours to complete. During this time the home will be thoroughly examined
from the exterior to the interior. A home inspection should include
observations and, when acceptable, operation of the mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, and appliance systems.
In addition a good home inspection should
document the condition of structural components, roofing, foundation, exterior
and interior walls, doors, windows, and chimneys. After completion of the home
inspection a comprehensive inspection report should be provided that documents
the condition of the home and indicates existing material defects or problems
that were visually observed by the home inspector.
A comprehensive home inspection is very
important when purchasing a home. Buying a home is one the largest investments
that many people make, but very few home buyers are experienced in building
construction, and overlooking a serious material defect could be very costly
down the road. Because of this, many buyers elect to have the home inspected
prior to closing the sale. This will document any defects that may be discussed
with the seller during negotiations.
A home inspection is a comprehensive visual
examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from foundation to
roof, as provided by an objective third party. The home inspector will provide
you with a report detailing any components that are not performing properly and
items that are unsafe. Areas that may need further evaluation or repairs will
also be noted by the home inspector. This report will give you the knowledge to
make an informed decision, and ensure that you are getting a good value for
your investment.
When buying a home, most people find it
difficult to remain objective about the house they really want. To obtain the
most accurate information about a home's condition, you should get an
impartial, third-party, home inspection expert. Hiring a professional home
inspector can actually SAVE you money: I usually reveal repairs, maintenance or
otherwise, that far exceed the cost of the home inspection. These repairs may
be done by the current owner, or, may be negotiated off the asking price. The
end result is that the home inspection saves you money, rather than costing you
money.
When selling a home, it is a good idea to
have a home inspection conducted before waiting for a buyer's home inspector to
uncover hidden problems. This will give you the time to decide whether it makes
more sense to have any necessary repairs completed yourself or disclose them to
potential home buyers prior to the negotiation process. You'll have a more
buyer-friendly home and may even sell your house sooner!
If you are planning to buy a house, you
should know that no house is perfect, even a brand-new one. This doesn't mean
that you won't find the house of your dreams. It does mean that when you find a
house that's just what you want, you should go one step further and find out its
problems or potential problems, if any, and get your home inspected by a
certified home inspector. Problems can be the result of deficiencies in
construction, deterioration due to aging, or safety and fire hazards. Very
often the problems are quite minor and can be corrected at little or no cost.
However, sometimes there are major problems that are quite costly to correct.
Usually when people decide to buy a home, the
decision is based on a superficial inspection of the house. They tend to make
an emotional decision which might be correct; however, it should be based on an
understanding of the true condition of the house and not on its cosmetic
condition.
A trained inspector will point out areas of
concern during the inspection, as well as educate you, the buyer, as to proper
care and maintenance procedures. This information will assist you in making an
unemotional, intelligent, and informed purchase decision.
Homebuyers view inspections as a way to gain
valuable information about one of the biggest purchases of their lifetime. It
helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system
inadequacies at the time of the inspection.
In most cases, the home inspection is
performed after the seller has accepted a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory
home inspection. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately or within a
few days. The homebuyer is encouraged to attend the inspection, so that he/she
can see firsthand the workings of the home. It also represents an excellent
opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to
discuss potential changes.
Home inspections should also highlight the
positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector's observations
or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser anxieties, and provide useful
repair and maintenance suggestions.
In its simplest terms, a home inspection is a
visual analysis of the major systems of a house. These include the Roofing,
Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Insulation, Plumbing and the
Interior.
Even brand new homes have flaws. But that
doesn't mean you should give up the search for your dream home. It does mean
that when you find the right house, you need to go one step further and find
out what problems are present and what the implications are. Buying a house is
one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so it makes good
sense to have it checked out by a professional. That is when you should call on
the services of AH & P.
The unknown can be a source of anxiety for
any home buyer. A home inspection is for buyers who want to know the true
condition of the house. After deciding that a home is suitable in terms of
location, size, interior layout and other lifestyle factors, it is also
important to learn about the mechanical features.
The home buying process can be confusing and
stressful. Not only do you need to consider things such as price and location,
you also have to worry about whether the house itself has any problems that
could become costly surprises down the road.
The home inspection should be an unbiased,
professional assessment of the condition of the house. It provides you an
expert opinion and professional report on the condition of the physical
structure and various systems within a house. It gives you peace of mind on
what is likely the largest purchase you will ever make.
In order to prepare the report, an inspector
must conduct a visual inspection of the house. The inspection process typically
takes about three hours to complete. This may vary, according to the size and
condition of the home. We strongly encourage you to accompany the inspector
during the inspection. This will give you a chance to ask questions and become
familiar with the systems of the home.
A home inspection is an objective, visual
examination of a home’s structure, systems and mechanical systems. Think of it
like having a personal physical check-up that includes blood pressure,
reflexes, temperature, etc., only on the home.
Of course you can inspect the home yourself.
However, most homeowners lack the knowledge and expertise of a professional
home inspector. Professional home inspectors are familiar with the many
elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance and will
document their findings to you in writing.
A Home Inspection is a visual examination of
a home and its essential components. The key word is visual. A "snapshot"
of the building and its components, on the day of inspection. The reason it is
visual is because the inspector is a guest in the owner/sellers home. He/she is
never permitted to "punch holes" in walls to see if there is adequate
insulation, electrical wiring conditions, check for mold etc. That being said,
a Certified Home Inspector is trained to look for and interpret real conditions
of the home and recognize any existing or potential issues related to health
and safety and/or structural defects of the home. Having a Home Inspector could
easily save you thousands of dollars.
There are many possible defects that are not
easily recognizable. Some defects can ultimately cost a fortune. Other issues
may be minor but if not properly addressed could easily become major. A Home
Inspector will not only recognize these issues but offer solutions that can
save you a lot of money and stress.
Being present during a Home Inspection allows
you to see and immediately question any issues that the inspector may find.
Remember, this is going to be your future home. Your home inspection could
represent the best time to learn an incredible amount of information about your
home and future in it. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, the home
inspector works for you and wants to share his/her knowledge with you on
important issues like home safety and proper home maintenance practices.
Many buyers arrive at their Home Inspection
unprepared. They are not aware of what all is involved in an Inspection, so
they are not able to adequately prepare for it. Due to this, sometimes a buyer
will have questions or concerns arise about the home. Often days after the
inspection was performed. Many times these questions could have been answered
by the Inspector, had it been brought to his attention.
A Home Inspection is a visual inspection of a
structure, made by a qualified professional, who is trained and has experience
in evaluating all the component features in a house, and who is able to give a
clear and accurate picture of the condition of these components. It is
important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature,
with no intrusive drilling or digging performed. When you and your Home
Inspector have completed the Inspection, the house must be in the same (or
better) condition than it was when you first began.
A Home Inspection should have a distinct
two-prong focus. First, the primary goal is to clearly identify any potential
significant defect that will affect your buying decision, and give you a
realistic approximation of repair costs. Second, is to clearly identify any
areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end
of their useful life span. Even though it is secondary, this area provides very
useful information that you will need when setting up your maintenance budget.
Buying a home could be the largest single
investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected
difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly
constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify
the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for
maintenance to keep it in good shape.
After the inspection, you will know more
about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. If you
already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making
and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future
repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you
the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling
condition.
