Can a house fail a home inspection?
A home
inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and
systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection is the equivalent
of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms of
problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies.
What does a home inspection
include?
Our full Inspection covers the house from top to bottom including:
Foundations
Grading and
Drainage
Interior walls,
doors, ceilings and floors
Exterior walls,
doors, windows, and door glazing
Fireplace and
chimney
Roof, roof
structure and attic
Attic power vents
Porches, decks and
carports
All built-in
appliances
Bathroom
exhaust vents and
electric heaters
Whole house vacuum
systems
Water heaters
Doorbells and
chimes
Garage door
operator
Cooling systems –
A/C and evaporative
Heating systems
Ducts, vents and
flues
Plumbing – water
supply, fixtures, drains and vents
Hydrotherapy
equipment
Electrical service
entrance panels
Electrical branch
circuits, connected devices and fixtures
Lawn and garden
sprinkler systems
A home
inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for
major repairs, and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future.
Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their
knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before
executing an agreement for sale or purchase.
A home
inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an
inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and
needs of the property.
For
homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to
learn about preventive measures that might avoid costly future repairs. If you
are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home on the
market provides a better understanding of conditions that may be discovered by
the buyer's inspector. It also provides
you an opportunity to make repairs that will make your home more desirable to
potential buyers.
Inspection
fees for a typical single family home vary by geography, size, features of the
property, and age of the home. Additionally, services such as septic
inspections and radon testing may be warranted depending upon the individual
property. Prices vary. It is a good idea to check local prices in your area as
you consider a professional home inspection.
In general, a good home inspection will be in the $200 to $300 range.
Do not
let the cost deter you from having a home inspection or selecting an inspector
you are comfortable with – knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth
the time and expense. The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain.
The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration in your
selection.
Even
the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional home inspector. A professional home inspector has the experience, depth
of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the
condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of
home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector
understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function
together, as well as how and why they fail and knows what to look for and is
uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition of
the property.
Most
buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional about the house
they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate
information about the condition of a home, always obtain an impartial
third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
This is
the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home.
Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not
trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home
inspection is a unique skill like no other.
Professional inspectors are trained to look at all of the systems of a
house and at the house as an entire system.
Often one component affects the performance of another. Professional inspectors get what we call an
inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and
experience to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a
professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a
purchase. Additionally, the State of
No. A
professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your
home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal
inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home
inspector will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the
physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or
replacement.
Real
estate professionals are generally familiar with the inspection services in
your area and can provide a list of qualified professionals. Additionally, professional organizations such
as the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors maintain lists of qualified
home inspectors in your area. NACHI
provides a locator service at www.FindAnInspector.us
or www.TX-Home-Inspector.com. Word of mouth, the experiences and referrals
from friends and neighbors are also a way to find a home inspector. Someone who
has used a home inspection service and is satisfied with the level of customer
service and professionalism of that service will likely recommend a qualified
professional.
Call
the inspector when you are ready to make an offer on the home you like the
best. Before you sign the contract or
purchase agreement, make your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings
of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to
which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Contact a home inspector
immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Home
inspectors are aware of the time constraints involved in purchase agreements
and most are available to conduct the required inspection within a few days.
While
it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always recommended that you
make time to join the inspector for their visit. This allows you to observe the
inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how its
systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with
the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.
No
house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate
you should not buy the house. His findings serve to educate about the condition
of the property before the purchase. When you go to the negotiating table, the
facts about the property will make you better equipped to establish a fair
price for the property. A seller may
adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered
during an inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be
involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.
Yes.
Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the condition of the
property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will have
learned many things about your new home, and will want to keep that information
for future reference.
You can
call me and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. My
service is a long-term investment.