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Why
Get A Home Inspection? |
 The Real Estate Industry and smart homebuyers know the
importance of a "Professional Home Inspection." Smart homebuyers
want to know what the physical condition of their potential home purchase
is. They want to avoid buying the proverbial "Money Pit."
The home’s
location and visual appeal are what motivates buyers, and they may believe
it appears to be in excellent condition. However, unknown, costly
deficiencies often exist, which the buyer should know about before
purchase. Therefore, they should hire a trained and qualified Home
Inspector. The Inspector can detect any problems, and convey the true
condition of the property in the form of a written report.
We suggest
considering the following points to help you maximize the benefits of your
next home purchase and that, "Home Inspector."
- Get a 5 to 10 day time period for the inspection
written in the offer, purchase and sale agreement, giving you time to
obtain a good inspection, and think about the report after you receive
it.
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- Choose a trained and qualified inspector. Many
inspectors are trained Architects and Engineers, while some are
trained by home inspection schools. Choosing takes time, and should be
done in advance. Request a list from your reality agent, and search
through friends for referrals. Good training is important.
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- Points to look for first can be found in a sample of
the inspector’s report. Is it presented in clearly written,
easy-to-understand English? The report should include all of the
independent parts of the house. Each part should be presented with
findings and conclusions that are easy to understand. Any
recommendations should be simple, and may often refer you to other
professionals, specialists and technicians who are more qualified in a
particular field.
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- Does the inspector have formal training? The inspector
could have been formally trained over a period of time in a classroom
setting and in the field. Others have been trained through
correspondence and self-help seminars including field training. Some
have on-the-job training that is good, but can also be a false
credential. To properly inspect and communicate, the individual should
have some evidence they can do so. Having worked in related fields
does not assure you of this ability.
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- Call and interview the inspector. They should be easy
to communicate with, and in a professional and businesslike manner.
Mature and conscientious inspectors give you the feeling of genuine
empathy and are sincerely interested in you getting the most for your
money. You are paying for quality inspecting and communication, orally
and in writing.
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- Ask if the inspector will take you along on the
inspection, and are they comfortable with your presence, at least for
part of the time. The inspector should explain everything either
during the inspection or afterwards. All of the inspector’s time
should be yours for this part.
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- Inspection experience is important, and so is other
work in related fields, but the most important points are
communication, and the care taken in preparing a written report,
either fully narrative or partially through the use of a preprinted
form. On-site reports are adequate for many home inspections, but full
narrative reports for more detailed reviews are best for a clear
understanding and explanations with recommendations. The inspection
report is better prepared within 24 hours of midnight of the day of
the inspection, if a full narrative is what you purchased. The report
is the ‘product’ you are paying for. So, get one which is
carefully written and easy-to-understand, either using a form or a
full narrative style of report.
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- Shopping by price is usually a disaster. Search for
the most qualified inspector you feel most comfortable with, and pay
the requested price. This is probably the most important and largest
purchase of your life. Do not blow it using less than the best because
of price. Good inspectors know what they are worth and so should you.
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- Meet the inspector at the house, and take a note pad.
Do not worry, everything you discuss and take a note about (and more)
will be seen in the report. The notes will help you think in advance
about work orders you may include in the purchase.
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- Membership in an association is a good point, but not
any assurance of the quality of the inspector or their inspection.
None of the associations have a disciplinary board to police their
members. Some have entry training requirements, but this does not
guarantee you of the quality of services. However, most of the
associations require their members to follow their Standards of
Practice and Code of Ethics. Otherwise they are not allowed to be
members of the association. You should be able to get a copy of these
before the inspection. Just remember that all of the titles and
memberships have merit, but nothing to do with the ability to
communicate, and the integrity of the home inspector. Did you like
reading the sample report? Do you like the inspector? Does the
conversation seem businesslike and professional? Are you comfortable?
Michael W. Pederson is a Washington state
licensed Architect who has been providing Building Inspection Services
since 1986, training Home Inspectors since 1993, and is President and
Founder of NARIES
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