Inspecting

JBSlemmer.com Inspecting
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A very good guide to inspecting a potential home for purchase is available at http://www.freddiemac.com/sell/consumerkit/english/index.html

Finding and Inspecting A House Yourself

First-time homebuyers are often eager to buy a house and frequently fail to take the time to do a thorough job of evaluating each prospect. The average homebuyer looks at approximately 16 to 25 homes before selecting one to buy. Homebuyers should be well prepared for each viewing so that features of various homes are not confused and the possibilities narrowed. Below is a list of "things to remember" when the homebuyer tours each house:

· Take a tape measure, flashlight and camera.

· Take down notes about the features of each room.

· Use the flashlight to see into dark areas, such as the attic or basement.

· Check for water damage and inquire about recently repaired areas.

· Find out what is included in the purchase price and what is not. Some sellers will include some of their appliances, others will not.

· Measure the room sizes: This will be beneficial in determining the amount of space a buyer may need.

· Inspect the interior and exterior items.

· Take pictures of each house if possible and the surrounding homes. The pictures can be valuable later as the homebuyer narrows the purchase possibilities.

· Take a look around the neighborhood because it is just as important as the house and property.

· Ask the seller or agent questions about the condition of the roof, appliances, heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing systems to determine if the house and property have been well maintained.

When you look at houses, use the Homebuyers Check Sheet below to keep track of their features. It is easy to become confused after looking at a number of houses. Prior to viewing the property, identify your needs on the check sheet. As you view each property, be sure to include the property address, asking price, yearly taxes and any features that it has. This will allow you in the comfort of your home to perform a comparative analysis on each property.

Professional Inspections

A pre-purchase, general home inspection involves visual examination of major building systems and components. The intention of the pre-purchase general home inspection is to provide the buyer with useful information about the condition of the residence and identify major deficiencies in the home’s structure, its systems and components.

A home inspector is a professional who has been trained to examine the visual condition of residential properties and determine if they are free from discoverable major mechanical (heating, plumbing, electrical, etc.) or structural (walls, roof, foundation, etc.) deficiencies.

A Professional Home Inspector will tell you if the roof or heating system will soon need major repair or replacement, and whether the electrical and plumbing systems are functioning properly. The inspector will let you know whether the major mechanical/structural systems are in overall satisfactory condition.

A Professional Home Inspector will locate discoverable major mechanical/structural defects and suggest repair methods. There are no problems of this type, mechanical or structural, that cannot be remedied. Professional Home Inspectors are generalists, much like medical general practitioners. They know how the home’s many systems and components work, both independently and together, and they understand how and why they fail. You should expect a permanent report of your inspection, either written or video taped. The report should describe the condition of the home at the time of the inspection based upon the inspector’s visual observations.

Professional Home Inspectors throughout the country are generally expected to follow the Standards of Practice established by the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI). The "Standards of Practice" are guidelines that specify the components of a home to be included in an inspection: the heating and air conditioning systems, the plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, gutters and down spouts, attic, visible insulation, visible drainage systems, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, garage, foundation, basement, etc.

The inspection is important and strongly recommended because you learn how to maintain the home you have chosen and you become an informed buyer. You should know about the home prior to buying and making that investment. By following the inspector, by observing and asking questions, you will learn a great deal about your new home and how to maintain it. This valuable information will serve you for many years after you move in. The inspector is paid by the person who selects the inspector and orders the inspection. The buyer selects the inspector and pays the inspection fee directly to the inspector.

How To Select A Qualified, Professional Home Inspector

The key professional qualifications of a Professional Home Inspector are experience, standards, and ethics. You should not leave your search until the last minute. Interview a Professional Home Inspector as soon as you find the right house.

Here are some important questions to ask:

1. Is the inspector a Certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors?

2. How long has the inspector been in business as a Professional Home Inspector?

3. Is the inspector specifically experienced in residential inspections?

4. Does the company do any repairs or improvements or make referrals to those who do? Such offers and/or referrals constitute an apparent conflict of interest and would be grounds to reject the inspector.

5. How long will the inspection take? (The average is 2 to 2 ½ hours.)

6. What will it include? (Get specifics.)

7. What will it cost? (The national average is $250.00.)

8. Does the inspection include a permanent report: written, video taped, etc.?

9. Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection? This is a valuable education opportunity and he/she should welcome the client along.

10. Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his/her qualifications current?

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