Do I Need a Home Inspection?

For this house, YES...but seriously....

Congratulations! You have signed a contract to purchase a home! It will be your refuge, your solace, your place to return to time and again. It will be the place you entertain, laugh, cry, cook, play and sleep. It will keep you warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry when it rains...or will it?

There are no guarantees of any of those things, but there is something you should do to give you a better understanding of the mechanical and structural viability of what is probably your largest financial investment: Hire a qualified home inspector!

A home inspector will take a close look at your property and give you an opinion as to which items in the home are in good shape and which ones need attention or repair. A good inspector will have an eye for safety concerns and potential structural problems that could be hiding in your home and costly to repair.

It is a good idea to choose an inspector who has been certified by a professional organization. Those certifications require that inspectors stay up to date on evolving issues in the industry through continuing education. There are many, but the two largest are ASHI and InterNACHI.

A good Realtor should be able to refer a few inspectors to you. Also, friends and family that have moved recently can share their experiences with you. Talk to a few inspectors before you hire one.  Questions to ask:

1. How long have you been in business?
2. Do you have any certifications?
3. Can I see an example copy of a complete home inspection report?
4. Do you offer services like Termite inspections, radon or mold inspection?
5. What are your fees?
6. Do you have insurance?

Good home inspectors stay busy, so start your search as soon as you sign your contract. It is important to remember that ALL homes have imperfections. A home inspection is a tool for identifying if there are costly issues that may make the home purchase impractical for you. Sellers are usually willing to assist by repairing some defects that are identified through home inspection, so don't be afraid to ask for reasonable repairs to be done as a condition to closing on the property.

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