What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, or commercial building, you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase. You should use an experienced and impartial licensed building inspector.
What does a home inspection include?
My home inspection includes a visual inspection from top to bottom,
inside and out. The following is a description of what an inspection consists
of :
- General exterior, including roof, gutters, trim, chimney, drainage, trees, grading, and sidewalks.
- Structural conditions, foundations, walls, floor joist, roof rafters or trusses. Chimney & cap.
- Basements. Including water problems.
- Electrical, plumbing, heating, water heater and air conditioning if weather permits.
- Quality, condition and life expectancy of kitchen appliances and major systems.
- General interior, including walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and trim.
- Insulation and ventilation.
- Estimates on repairs and likely expenses in the next 5 years.
- Optionally, we can inspect for Radon, Lead, Water Quaility, and Energy Efficiency.
- Full written report with pictures. This will be delivered via USMail, and can
be delivered electronically within 24 hours.
Why do I need a home inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you
will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect both indoors and
outdoors in terms of repairs, maintenance and their cost.
A fresh coat of paint could be hiding sever structural problems. Water marks in
the basement could indicate a chronic seepage problem or may be the result of a single
incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents
his professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy,
so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards.
A home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as
the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the
inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are about
to purchase, and will be able to make your decision confidently.
If you have owned your home for a period of time, a home inspection can
identify problems in the making and recommend preventative measures which might
avoid future repairs.
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Can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds of homes in his career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of construction and with the proper installation and relationship of those elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.
Can't I Just Work with my REALTOR ?
Unlike many real estate agents who are simply licensed by their state to do
business, REALTORS have taken additional steps to become members of the local
board of REALTORS and have agreed to act under and adhere to a strict Code of
Ethics. A REALTOR will assist you in finding that home you have been looking
for and will assist you with the paper work on making the offer to purchase.
They will be helpful in many ways.
A licensed REALTOR will also tell you that they represent the seller of the property.
REALTORS will provide you with a sellers condition report made out by the seller.
Remember, these condition reports are usually not accurate as the seller may not
know of the defects in his or her own home.
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When do I call in a home inspector?
The best time to call in the home inspector is after you've made an offer on the
house, and before you sign the contract. You can ask a lawyer to add an inspection
clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings
of a professional home inspection. Remember your lawyer and your home inspector are
looking out for your best interest.
Source Building Services LLC can be reached toll-free at 1-800-746-4041.
Do I need to be there?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection but it is a good idea. By observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home, get some tips on maintenance in general and gain information that will be of great help to you after you have moved in.
What if the report reveals problems?
If the inspector finds faults in a home it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't but it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to re-negotiate the purchase price because of significant problems discovered in an inspection. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours.
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What is ASHI?
ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, has worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of its membership. The ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for home inspectors, and is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.
Does Source Building Services LLC (SBS) belong to ASHI?
Yes. SBS inspectors are members of ASHI and have met rigorous ASHI requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written technical exam and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. As ASHI members, our inspectors must continue to meet mandatory continuing education and stay current with the latest in technology, materials, and professional skills.
Our Code of Ethics
Source Building Services LLC, like all Members of the American Society of
Home Inspectors (ASHI), subscribes to an important set of principles contained in
the society's Code of Ethics. These principles require a high degree of professionalism
and integrity, and that a member act fairly and impartially toward his clients. Any
conflict of interest activity must be avoided in order to assure the consumer a
completely objective inspection.
Specifically, ASHI members may not:
(a) Reveal the contents of an inspection report to anyone but the client
without the client's prior consent;
(b) Be involved in any real estate activity from which they might benefit
financially as a result of their inspection work;
(c) Use the inspection as a vehicle to obtain repair or related work on the
house;
(d) Offer an opinion or evaluation on any subject with which they are not
sufficiently familiar and experienced.
It is by its members' strict adherence to this Code of Ethics that ASHI has
been able to develop and maintain the high standard of excellence which has
come to be associated with membership in ASHI.
How much does an Inspection Cost?
The inspection fee will vary depending on the size of the house, age of the house, complexity of the house and whether you wish to have additional tests done, such as septic, well, or radon testing. You should keep in mind that the cost of an inspection is very low when compared to the overall cost of the investment you are considering and the potential cost of future repairs. Perhaps even more important, is the sense of security and safety gained for you and your family.
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