Answering your buyers questions about a home inspection

What does it include?

An inspection by a North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Purchasing a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. Learning as much as possible about the condition of the property and the need for major repairs before buying will minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. You will have a much clearer understanding of the house you are about to purchase.

What will it cost?

Inspection fees for a typical single-family house varies geographically. Within a given area, the inspection fee will vary depending upon the size of the house, features of the house, its age, and additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. Check local prices.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of a home inspector. Knowledge, gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the important considerations.

Can't I do it myself?

The most experienced home owner, including one involved in construction, lacks the knowledge, training and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. He or she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how they fail.

You will find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house you really want, and this will affect your 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.

Can a house fail inspection?

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspection, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need major repair or replacement.

How do I find a home inspector?

Your agent is familiar with the service, and should be able to provide you with a list of names from which to chose. A good source is friends, or perhaps business acquaintances, who have been satisfied with and can recommend home inspectors they have used. In addition, the names of some local inspectors can be found in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service."

Recommend:

Prepare a list of questions and concerns and relate them in advance to the inspector. Bring the list to the inspection.

Plan to accompany the inspector during the entire process. Observing the inspector, asking questions, learning about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it will make the written report easier to understand. This will be like seeing the property through the inspector's eyes.

What if the report reveals problems?

The inspector will identify problems. No house is perfect. You will know in advance what to expect, not that you shouldn't buy the house. The seller may make repairs or adjust the purchase price. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

After experiencing a Home Inspection by a professional Home Inspector, there will be no doubt. Now you can complete your purchase with your eyes open relative to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep the information for future reference.