Buyer Center
Buyer Center Knowledge
About Home Inspections
Home inspections are an essential component of real estate transactions for millions of buyers, sellers and Realtors. Whether you are shopping for a previously owned home or a brand new home, an inspection provides insight to the condition of the home you are buying.
Who Needs A Home Inspection?
You do if you are shopping for a home.
A home inspection can help you avoid costly and unpleasant mistakes and provide peace of mind. It will help you identify the house that is right for you, and alert you to potential concerns prior to closing the deal. It also will teach you about your home and it's operating systems.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough visual examination of the home and property.
The process usually takes two to three hours, during which time the house is examined from the ground up. The inspection includes observation and, when appropriate, operation of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and appliance systems, as well as structural components: roof, foundation, basement, exterior and interior walls, chimney, doors, and windows.
When conducted by a professional, a home inspection covers about 1,000 check points in approximately 400 items around the home. Findings should be provided to you in the form of a comprehensive report. It is vital that such a report include an objective evaluation of the condition of the home, clearly relating existing defects and indicating potential problems.
Of Special Interest To Home Buyers
Buying a home is largely an emotional experience. Sometimes it is love at first sight. But often love is blind, and many buyers learn too late of such unseen conditions as cracked foundations, deteriorated plumbing, worn out heating systems, or dangerous wiring. A professional home inspection is your best defense against such pitfalls as: Costly repairs, inconvenience and disappointment. And unlike the home buyer whose observations are likely to be partial, the home inspector performs his role with an unbiased attitude.
Keep in mind, a home purchase is one of the largest long term investments of your life. As a result, you need to know as much as possible about your prospective purchase. By identifying existing or potential areas of concern, the inspection report will help secure your investment, avoid post closing surprises, and provide you with peace of mind. An insightful report is fundamental to making the right buying decision.
As soon as you become serious about the purchase of a home, you should consider a professional inspection. When you come to a decision to purchase a particular house, have a protective clause written into the purchase agreement which provides you with the right to have a home inspection company conduct a complete general home inspection.
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