| Frequently Asked
Questions |
|
| |
| |
| 1. Why do
I need a home 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. A professional home inspection by
an ASHI New England Home Inspector will provide this information.
A home inspection may also point out some positive aspects
of a home, as well as maintenance actions that might 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. If you are already a home owner, a home inspection
by an ASHI New England Home Inspector may be used to identify
problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which
might avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have
a home inspection prior to placing your home on the market.
This will give you a better understanding of conditions which
may be discovered by the buyer's home inspector, and an opportunity
to make repairs that will put the house in better selling
condition. top
|
| |
| 2. What
gets inspected? |
A home inspection
conducted by an ASHI New England Home Inspector is a visual
observation of readily accessible areas of the property and
the major components of the home, including foundations, visual
structural elements, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows,
and roofing, as well as the heating, cooling, electrical,
hot water, plumbing, and sanitary systems. The purpose of
the home inspection is to inform and educate the client about
significant defects and concerns. The report provides a general
evaluation of existing conditions. Written reports are always
provided.
A home inspection can be likened to a physical exam by a
physician; however, it should be clearly understood that a
home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, a
building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or
an insurance policy on the condition of the property. Home
inspections are not intended to point out every small problem
or any invisible or latent defect in a home. Most minor or
cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to the buyer
without the aid of a professional. Learn
more about what is inspected.
Many ASHI New England home inspectors offer additional services,
such as radon testing, lead paint inspections, pest inspections,
pool inspections, and inspections of private wells and septic
systems, as well as Title V inspections in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts (MA). Each ASHI New England Home Inspector
can provide specific details about the services they provide.
top |
| |
| 3. How do
I find a home inspector? |
Perhaps the best
source for a referral is a friend or business acquaintance
who has used an ASHI New England Home Inspector and is satisfied
with the services provided. Use our
Find Local Inspectors utility that appears in the right
hand corner of every Web page to locate a home inspector near
you. ASHI New England Home Inspectors may also be listed in
the Yellow Pages under “Home and Building Inspection
Services” or “Home Inspection Service.”
Your attorney or real estate Buyer’s agent may also
be able to provide a referral to an ASHI New England Home
Inspector.
Be aware that there is some controversy whether Seller’s
agents (those who work for the Seller of a home) are able
to provide an unbiased referral to a prospective home buyer,
as there may be an inherent conflict of interest. Please be
advised that in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is unlawful
for a Seller’s agent to recommend specific home inspectors
to a Buyer. Whatever your referral source, be sure that your
home inspector is a Member of ASHI New England, so that you
are working with the very best in professional training, ethics
and experience. top
|
| |
| 4. Why choose
an ASHI New England home inspector? |
Members of ASHI
New England are independent professional home inspectors who
have met the most rigorous technical and experience requirements
in effect today. To become an ASHI member, a home inspector
must pass two written technical
exams, have performed a minimum of 250 professional fee-paid
home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate status
for no less than six months. (Prior to 1987, members were
tested by a peer review board). ASHI New England Home Inspectors
are required to follow the national organization's
Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits
in order to keep current with the latest in building technology,
materials, and professional skills. Because they participate
in a local chapter, ASHI New England Home Inspectors have
the added knowledge gained thru participation in group round
table discussions, monthly membership meetings and educational
seminars, and an established professional network that is
aware of the latest developments in the home inspection profession.
Many mortgage lenders, real estate attorneys, property appraisers,
and Buyer’s agents prefer that homes be inspected by
ASHI New England Home Inspectors. They recognize the knowledge
and experience of ASHI New England Home Inspectors, and they
value the professionalism assured by ASHI New England members’
home inspections. top |
| |
| 5. What
is the American Society of Home Inspectors? |
| The American Society
of Home Inspectors" (ASHI) is the oldest and leading non-profit
professional association for independent home inspectors. Since
its formation in 1976, ASHI's
Standards of Practice have served as the home inspector's
performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted by
professional and government authorities alike. ASHI Members
subscribe to a professional Code
of Ethics that prohibits them from engaging in conflict
of interest activities which might compromise their objectivity.
This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector will not,
for example, use the inspection to solicit repair work. In order
to assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI
New England sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops
throughout the year that are attended by home inspectors throughout
the New England area. top |
| |
| 6. What will it cost? |
| The home inspection
fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as
does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the
home inspection fee will vary depending upon the size of the
house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible
additional services, such as pest, septic, well, or radon testing.
It is a good idea to check local prices on your own. However,
do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have
a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector.
The knowledge gained from an ASHI New England home inspection
is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced home inspector
is not necessarily a bargain. The home inspector's qualifications,
including experience, training, and professional affiliations,
should be the most important consideration. top |
| |
| 7. Can't
I do the home inspection myself? |
| Even the most experienced
home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of an ASHI New
England Home Inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands,
of homes in his or her career. ASHI New England home inspectors
are familiar with the many elements of home construction, their
proper installation, and maintenance. They understand 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 information, it is best to obtain
an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of
home inspection. top |
| |
| 8. Can a
house fail inspection? |
| No. A professional
home 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 major repair or replacement. top |
| |
| 9. When
do I call the home inspector? |
| A home inspector is
typically contacted 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 sales contract, making your final 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. top |
| |
| 10. Do I
have to be there? |
| It is not necessary
for you to be present for the inspection, but it is strongly
recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask
questions directly, as you learn 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. top |
| |
| 11. What
if the home inspection reveals problems? |
| No house is perfect.
If the inspection identifies 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 adjust the purchase price
or make repairs if major problems are found. If your budget
is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future
repair work, this information will be extremely important to
you. top |
| |
| 12. Will
I know everything about the house after the inspection? |
| A home inspection can
be likened to a physical exam by a physician; however, it should
be clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be confused
with an appraisal, a building code inspection, a guarantee of
any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the
property. Home inspections are not intended to point out every
small problem or any invisible or latent defect in a home. Most
minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to
the buyer without the aid of a professional. top |
| |
| 13. If the
house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection? |
Definitely. Now
you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as
to the condition of the property and all its equipment and
systems. You will also have learned many things about your
new home from the inspectors' written report, and will want
to keep that information for future reference. top
|
|
|
