THE 411 ON HOME INSPECTIONS

You have spent the last few weekends touring homes with your real estate agent.  You have found the house you want to make your new home.  One of the things your agent tells you is, "You need a home inspection."

Why do you need a home inspection?  It will help you identify any issues with your home and assess the value of the problem(s).

What does the home inspection include? A professional inspector will visually check your home for damage or needed repairs.  Items on a typical home inspection include:

 *plumbing
 *electrical wiring
 *HVAC system
 *water heater
 *roof
 *insulation
 *interior and exterior structure
 *any other major components of your home

How long does a home inspection take? You can expect the inspection to take between two to three hours, depending on the size of the house.  Upon completion of the inspection, a home inspection report will be given you with a list of items to repair.

What affects the price of the home inspection? Home inspection fees vary nationally. Many home inspection companies base their price on a fixed percentage of the home's selling price, while others base the price on your home's square footage.

When you order a home inspection, the company will need some basic information such as the total square footage, the number of floors, bedrooms and bathrooms, is there a basement, crawlspace or attic and porches.  These locations are all included in the home's total square footage.

Does a home inspection cover everything? The simple answer is NO. There are a number of elements such as your home's construction, location, home's age, and some regions require addition test, such as Radon.  Should an additional test/inspection be necessary your home inspection company can advise you as to their cost.

What is the average cost of home inspection? The national average is between $244 and $421, depending on the size and location of your property.

Does the inspector need a certification? It goes without say, but it is a good idea to choose an inspector with a professional certification.  Organizations that certify home inspectors include:

  American Society of Home Inspectors
  National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
  National Association of Home Inspectors 
  American Home Inspectors Training

When hiring a home inspector, ask about their certifications and licenses and any other qualifications they must have.  

Final thot:  You are investing a significant portion of your hard earned cash into a house that you will call home for you and your family.  It is important that you know its strengths and weakness before you invest.  The home inspection is your home's "x-ray" to know if it has "good bones".