Most common questions,
What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic or well, in-ground pool etc.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Many, if not all of us have that contractor friend that's just as good. So why pay for something so simple?
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this certainly has an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
Not exactly, first understand what an inspection is and isn't. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home at that given time. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not "pass or fail" a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. It is also commonly advised to have an inspector present for the walk through to verify what has changed or been repaired between the time of inspection and closing date.
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic or well, in-ground pool etc.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Many, if not all of us have that contractor friend that's just as good. So why pay for something so simple?
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this certainly has an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
Not exactly, first understand what an inspection is and isn't. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home at that given time. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not "pass or fail" a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. It is also commonly advised to have an inspector present for the walk through to verify what has changed or been repaired between the time of inspection and closing date.