The purchase of a home is one of the biggest investments
people will make in their lifetimes. But it is also among the greatest sources
of anxiety. A home inspection helps ensure home buyers of the quality of their
investment by making them aware of its condition and alerting them to any
concerns. This can serve to relieve stress, increase confidence and even reduce
the threat of legal action in the future.
Some of the benefits of a home inspection are:
Knowledge: Understanding exactly what you're buying - old or
new
Peace of mind: Helps in making a sound buying decision
Savings: The home inspection reveals the need for repairs or
replacements before you buy
Fewer surprises: The home inspection limits the number of
problems you may discover after you move in
Education: A good home inspection also gives you invaluable
details about your new home in addition to information about the condition of
the property. You'll learn where the main shutoff valves to the utilities are
located, how the house operates and more!
How do I find a good home inspector?
Not all inspection companies are alike, and selecting the
wrong company could cost you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement
costs. Consider the following when shopping for home inspection companies.
Experience: How much experience do the inspectors have and
how long have they have been in the business? The best home inspectors have
been in business for years and have seen thousands of homes.
Home Inspection Training: Have the inspectors gone through
any extensive home inspection training? In many states inspectors can simply
call themselves home inspectors without any training or licensing.
Association Membership: Is the inspector a member of a
professional home inspection organization?
Companies that are affiliated with
professional organizations are serious about what they do, and know about all
the new developments in their fields. Some well-known trade associations are:
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and National Association of Home
Inspectors (NAHI). Inspectors in your area can be located through these
associations.
Liability Insurance: Does the inspector carry Professional
Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions Insurance)? If you ever need to
collect on a legal judgment, an inspector without insurance my not be able to
pay your claim.
What if I'm buying a newly constructed home?
An inspection on a new home is important for the buyer to
level the playing field. As in any industry there are shortcuts and tricks of
the trade in the construction business, and someone who is unfamiliar with them
can easily miss them. A home inspector is better able to see nuances that may
not be readily visible to an untrained eye. You also need an inspector to
offset the builder's or contractor's interest. Much of the information about
homes is either taken for granted by people, or remains unfound.
For newly constructed homes, an inspection of the house
before the drywall is installed, otherwise known as a "preclosure
inspection", provides a level of quality assurance for the buyer that many
builders don't usually provide for their contractors. This inspection gives you
a better chance of identifying and correcting potential problems when they are
much easier and less expensive to fix, before they become physically or
financially prohibitive. For example, this inspection may prevent the need for
moving a wall so that kitchen cabinets don't protrude into a doorway opening,
or moving electrical receptacles so they are placed where you need them.
If you would like more information, or would like to order a
home inspection, please call 714-478-3324, or visit www.ochomeinspect.com
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