PREPARING FOR YOUR HOME INSPECTION
Some Sellers’ will not permit pictures to be taken of the inside of the home, unless prior permission is granted. If you want to take pictures, you should have your Realtor contact the Seller for permission, prior to the inspection.
Be sure to contact us in advance so we can prepare and coordinate the additional tests for you. If you plan on having any of these tests performed as a part of the general Home Inspection, often times they must be agreed upon ahead of time, and written into your Purchase Agreement with the Seller. You should contact your Realtor or your Attorney, to be sure that the specific additional test(s) you want performed is specified in your Purchase Agreement.
If you can’t personally be present at the Home Inspection then:
Remember, this is your inspection. This is the time for you and the Inspector to look at the house, and be able to freely discuss what you are seeing without fear of hurting someone’s (the Seller’s) feelings. When a Home Inspection is scheduled, it is important to emphasize this to your Realtor.
If you happen to be purchasing a home without the services of a Realtor, then the responsibility of interacting directly with the Seller, will be totally up to you. It can sometimes be difficult asking a Seller not to be present, during the Inspection. After all, this is still his home. We have found, however, that if at all possible, it is the best route to take.
DURING THE INSPECTION...
AFTER THE INSPECTION...
You should know
~ The condition of the home you are purchasing (including positive and negative aspects).
~ What repairs are needed, as well as the relative urgency of the repairs. You also should know a proper course of corrective action to take if repairs are needed.
~ If there are any unsafe conditions that have the potential to affect you.
You should expect
~ A clearly written, easy to understand Home Inspection Report. First, the Report should clearly identify any potential significant defects that will affect your buying decision. Second, it should clearly identify any areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end of their useful life span.
~ The Home Inspector to answer any questions you have about the report.
~ The Home Inspector to be a resource as to future questions you may have.
You should not expect
~ The Home Inspector to offer to repair or replace, for a fee, any defects noted in the inspection. This would be a definite conflict of interest, which would then tend to cast doubt on the Home Inspectors findings.
- Gathering together pertinent information
- Prepare Questions
- Pad and Pencil
Some Sellers’ will not permit pictures to be taken of the inside of the home, unless prior permission is granted. If you want to take pictures, you should have your Realtor contact the Seller for permission, prior to the inspection.
- Consider Optional Testing
Be sure to contact us in advance so we can prepare and coordinate the additional tests for you. If you plan on having any of these tests performed as a part of the general Home Inspection, often times they must be agreed upon ahead of time, and written into your Purchase Agreement with the Seller. You should contact your Realtor or your Attorney, to be sure that the specific additional test(s) you want performed is specified in your Purchase Agreement.
- What if I am unable to attend the inspection?
If you can’t personally be present at the Home Inspection then:
- Have a friend or relative join the Inspector at the home. Convey to them any specific questions or concerns you have, so they can relay this information to the Inspector. Have them take notes for you. Always try to talk to your Inspector by telephone after the Home Inspection!
- Talk to your Inspector by telephone after the Home Inspection. It is important to connect with your Inspector verbally, as soon after the Inspection as possible. He will be able to review his notes with you, and summarize what the major issues are (if any), and what areas are in need of near term maintenance. This first-hand information is invaluable in giving you a clear picture of the condition of your home. You need to be made aware of any potentially significant defects, as soon as possible.
- Your Realtor can assist by accompanying the Home Inspector, taking notes for you.
- Should the seller be home during the inspection?
Remember, this is your inspection. This is the time for you and the Inspector to look at the house, and be able to freely discuss what you are seeing without fear of hurting someone’s (the Seller’s) feelings. When a Home Inspection is scheduled, it is important to emphasize this to your Realtor.
If you happen to be purchasing a home without the services of a Realtor, then the responsibility of interacting directly with the Seller, will be totally up to you. It can sometimes be difficult asking a Seller not to be present, during the Inspection. After all, this is still his home. We have found, however, that if at all possible, it is the best route to take.
DURING THE INSPECTION...
- Important Points
- Be sure and try to personally attend the Inspection.
A typical Home Inspection takes between 1½ to three hours. It is well worth being able to learn first hand, about the home and its systems. - The Home Inspector will be fully equipped...
with all the necessary tools and testing equipment needed to perform a full inspection (ladder, flashlight, electronic testing equipment for carbon monoxide, electrical circuit analyzer, moisture meter, level, etc.). - Follow the Inspector and ask questions.
Remember, this is your Inspection! No question is unimportant, or foolish. Learn as much as you can. - Be sure that all the major components are evaluated.
All of the accessible components in the house should be evaluated, unless specifically stipulated by your Inspector. You should not expect the Inspector to test certain specialty items such as water treatment systems, central alarm systems, lawn sprinkling systems, swimming pools and hot tubs, etc. If any such exist in the home, contact us to see if an outside specialist should be called in to evaluate them. - Obtain a Repair Items List.
At the conclusion of the Inspection you or your Realtor, will receive a verbal list of any major defects. This way you have the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase, as soon as the Inspection is completed. The full written copy of the Inspection Report should follow shortly thereafter.
- Be sure and try to personally attend the Inspection.
AFTER THE INSPECTION...
You should know
~ The condition of the home you are purchasing (including positive and negative aspects).
~ What repairs are needed, as well as the relative urgency of the repairs. You also should know a proper course of corrective action to take if repairs are needed.
~ If there are any unsafe conditions that have the potential to affect you.
You should expect
~ A clearly written, easy to understand Home Inspection Report. First, the Report should clearly identify any potential significant defects that will affect your buying decision. Second, it should clearly identify any areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end of their useful life span.
~ The Home Inspector to answer any questions you have about the report.
~ The Home Inspector to be a resource as to future questions you may have.
You should not expect
~ The Home Inspector to offer to repair or replace, for a fee, any defects noted in the inspection. This would be a definite conflict of interest, which would then tend to cast doubt on the Home Inspectors findings.