Home Inspections
Once you've found the home that you want, make an offer contingent on a home inspection. A home inspection will help you identify potential problems. Often these problems are minor and easy to fix, but sometimes there are major, expensive problems.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective, thorough evaluation of the structure, systems and operating components of a home at the time of the inspection.
What can you expect from a home inspection?
A trained home inspector will provide an independent opinion of the property's condition, noting areas of concern. A typical home inspection should last between two to three hours. Be sure to be present during the inspection so you can ask questions that will help you learn about your future home and how to properly care for and maintain it.
Once the inspection is complete, a report will be generated that will review the condition of the home from the foundation to the roof. Items that should be evaluated are:
- Central air conditioning and heating systems
- Attic, roof and insulation
- Basement, foundation and home structure
- Ceilings, floors, doors, walls and windows
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Hazardous materials and concerns
If a problem is found, the home inspector will include a description of the problem and may recommend further evaluation. If your inspection results are not to your satisfaction, you may negotiate with the seller by asking the seller to cover repairs, ask for a lower price or withdraw your offer.
Finding a qualified Inspector
- Referrals from satisfied customers
- Local consumer affairs office
- Referral from your real estate agent or mortgage company
- Yellow pages under “Building Inspection Services”