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FAQ's
• What is a home inspection?
• Why do I need an
inspection?
• What is required
to be a home inspector?
• What will an inspection
cost?
• Can't I do it myself?
• Can a house fail
inspection?
• When do I call in
the home inspector?
• Do I have to be there?
• Can a Seller have
their house inspected prior to listing the house for sale?
• If the house proves
to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
• Do I need an inspection
on a brand new house?
What
is a home inspection?
A home inspection
is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.
The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation
of the condition of the home's heating system, central air
conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing
and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation;
walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation,
basement, and visible structure.
Having a home inspected
is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms
are found, the inspector will identify them in the report
and recommend repair or evaluation by the appropriate specialist
or tradesperson. ^Top
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Why
do I need an inspection?
The purchase
of a home is probably the largest single investment you
will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about
the condition of the property and the need for any major
repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant
surprises and difficulties afterwards.
Of course, an inspection will also point out positive aspects
of a home, as well as some maintenance that will be necessary
to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will
have a much clearer understanding of the property you are
about to purchase, and will be able to make a confident
buying decision.
If you have
owned your home for a long time, an inspection can identify
problems in the making and recommend preventive measures
which might avoid costly future repairs. In addition, home
sellers may opt for having an inspection prior to placing
the home on the market to gain a better understanding of
conditions which the buyer's inspector may point out. This
provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the
house in better selling condition.
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What
is required to be a home inspector?
All Arizona
home inspectors must be certified by the Arizona Board of
Technical Registration, (BTR). The basic requirements
include completing 80 hours of comprehensive classroom training,
passing the National Home Inspector Exam and completing
30 parallel inspections with a certified home inspector.
These are minimum qualifications and may be sufficient for
state licensing, but do not guarantee that the inspector
has sufficient experience and knowledge to inspect all types
and ages of houses and systems. Before you hire an inspector,
it makes sense to find out their background, experience,
how many inspections they have completed & especially
what their customers have to say about the service. ^Top
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What
will an inspection cost?
The cost of
an inspection varies based upon a number of factors, including
size, age, special services requested, etc. However, do
not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have
a inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector.
The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the
cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily
a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his
experience, training, and professional affiliations, should
be the most important consideration.
Rather, you should
consider the inspection as an investment that will pay for
itself many times over. You do not want the life-changing
decision of buying a home to be something to regret. ^Top
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Can't
I do it myself?
Even the most
experienced home owner lacks the knowledge, objectivity
and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected
thousands of homes in his or her career. An inspector is
familiar with all the elements of home construction, their
proper installation, and maintenance. He or she understands
how the home's systems and components are intended to function
together, as well as how and why they fail.
Above all, most buyers
find it very difficult to remain completely objective and
unemotional about the house they really want, and this may
affect their judgment. For the most accurate picture, it
is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an
expert in the field of inspection. ^Top
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Can
a house fail inspection?
No. A professional
inspection is an examination of the current condition of
your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines
market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies
local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will
not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical
condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
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When
do I call in the home inspector?
A home inspector
is typically called right after the contract or purchase
agreement has been signed, and is often available within
a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there
is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase
obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional
inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which
both the buyer and seller are obligated.
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Do
I have to be there?
It's not necessary
for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended
you be there for the inspection wrap-up. By observing and
asking questions at the wrap-up, you will learn a great
deal about the condition of the home, how its systems work,
and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report
easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand
through the inspector's eyes.
What if the report
reveals problems? No house is perfect. If the inspector
finds problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't
buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to
expect. A seller may be flexible with the purchase price
or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget
is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in
future repair work, this information will be extremely important
to you. ^Top
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Can
a Seller have their house inspected prior to listing the
house for sale?
Absolutely!
A pre-listing inspection can identify concerns with the
house and give the seller the opportunity to correct the
problems prior to the sale. In this way, there will
be no ‘suprises’ that come up during the buyer’s
inspection. Concerns identified by the buyer’s
inspection are often blown out of proportion due to the
additional stress and time constraints involved with the
real estate transaction. The pre-listing inspection
allows the seller to address concerns in a rational and
effective manner outside the real estate transaction environment
thus ensuring the successful sale of your home.
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If
the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need
an inspection?
Definitely.
Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind
about the condition of the property and all its equipment
and systems. You will also have learned a few things about
your new home from the inspector's report, and will want
to keep that information for future reference. Above all,
you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed
purchase decision, and that you will be able to enjoy your
new home the way you want to. ^Top
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Do
I need an inspection on a brand new house?
Although builders
do offer a warranty on their home, it is up to the buyer
to identify problems to be corrected by the builder.
Generally, builders allow the buyer to complete a walk through
inspection to identify cosmetic concerns that are readily
visible to the new homeowner. A professional inspection
identifies functional problems related to the major systems
that would not be identified during the walkthrough inspection.
For example, is there sufficient insulation in the attic,
are the electrical plugs wired properly and GFCI protected
where required, roof issues, structural problems, etc.
The new home inspection allows you to correct problems under
the builder warranty, save you costly repairs and to provide
you with peace of mind after you move in and when you eventually
sell the house. ^Top
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