Q: What exactly is a Home Inspection?
A: A Home Inspection is an important process whereby all accessible elements of the home are checked by a qualified individual, rated on a specific scale, and further commented upon when necessary for clarification. The Home Inspections is an examination of the building's exterior and interior, including structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, which are visible to the inspector on the date of the inspection, and to alert clients to any defects or major repairs that are visually detectable. A home inspection may be required by your lender, but more importantly, knowing that your new house has been professionally inspected gives you peace of mind.
Q: Why do I need a Home Inspection?
A: The purchase of a home is the largest single investment most people will ever make. It is important to learn as much as possible about the condition of the property before you buy. A home inspection may minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties after the purchase. A home inspection will give you a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase. A home inspection provides an impartial, evaluation of the visual physical condition of the property both mechanically and structurally. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This preemptive measure can help you get the house in a better selling condition which can greatly facilitate a sale.
Q: How long does an inspection take?
A: A trained inspector will be at your home for 2 to 4 hours, perhaps longer depending on the size, condition and age of the property. Beware of the inspector who is in and out of the home in less than two hours. It takes time to get to know a house. It takes time to evaluate the structure. It takes time to evaluate a heating system and the cooling system. It takes time to check the kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. It takes time to do each of the things you need the inspector to do.
Q: Should I be concerned with qualifications?
A: Absolutely! An inspector must have a full working knowledge of every system in a home. Most inspectors had formal training in just one trade. To become inspectors, they had to cross-train in all the other relevant trades. The more knowledgeable inspectors started with a degree in a field, such as engineering or architecture, that provides a broad background in general construction, or they were trained to operate as a general contractor. These are good bases to build from. One does not acquire this kind of knowledge by taking a few courses or reading a book. A good rule of thumb is to look for ten years of formal training and on-the-job experience in related fields.
Q: Who does the Home Inspector work for?
A: Home Inspectors are hired by the BUYER before the closing to see if the home has items that need major repair or replacement. An inspector will give an objective, third-party view of a property and will let the BUYERS know if there are conspicuous problems with a property.
Q: Do I really need to be present at the time of the inspection?
A: No, but it is highly recommended that you be present. The inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions during or after the inspection. Our inspectors will also point out to you areas that are potential problems. This fact is important, because you will be able to see firsthand the extent of problems that are sometimes hard for an inspector to convey in a written report. Inspectors can show you how heating and cooling systems work. They can also provide maintenance tips on how to keep the home in good condition and working order.
Q: What goes into a Home Inspection?
A: A home inspection gives you, the buyer an impartial, physical analysis of the overall condition of your potential new home and items that may have to be repaired and/or replaced. The inspection give you a detailed report on the condition of the structural components, exterior, roofing, plumbing, heating, insulation, ventilation, air conditioning and interiors.
Q: What if problems are found?
A: The steps to correcting those issues must be handled by the buyer and seller. Many times, the seller will agree to minor repairs and replacements. For more expensive problems, skillful negotiations are needed. Sometimes the seller will cover it, other times, the cost will be shared by both the buyer and seller. And sometimes, the seller will refuse to make the requested repairs and the contract on the house will terminate. Buyers should not spend too much time worrying about the issues of how a home inspection report will be settled until they reach that point in the transaction.
Q: Should I hire a home inspector for a new home?
A: Most experts recommend having a home inspected, new or old. For new home, ask the builder to provide copies of any inspection reports on the property, architectural plans, surveys and pertinent construction documents for your inspector to review.
Q: Are appraisals and home inspection the same?
A: Part of the underwriting of a loan is the requirement of an appraisal. An appraisal is different from a home inspection. An appraisal is for the lender to make a lending decision: A home inspection is for a buyer to make a buying decision. The lender does an appraisal for the following reasons:
- to estimate the value of the property
- to make sure that the house is marketable.
Plainly put, Appraisals are not home inspections.
Q: What is the best way to schedule a home inspection?
A: Call Boston Home Inspectors as soon as you are notified that your offer has been accepted. We try to work around your schedule to create an appointment time that is convenient for you, but this is not always feasible. An inspection must begin during daylight hours, and usually takes 2-4 hours. Since many home buyers request evening and weekend appointments, these times usually book up first. If you can be available during normal business hours, it will be easier to get the inspector of your choice during your contingency period.
Q: BE AN INFORMED BUYER
A: It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be an informed buyer. Be sure that what you buy is satisfactory in every respect. You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a qualified home inspector. You may arrange to do so before signing your contract, or you may do so after signing the contract as long as your contract states that the sale of the home depends on the inspection. For a complete professional analysis of your potential new home, call BOSTON HOME INSPECTORS at 617-464-1047 or e-mail service@bhi.us.
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