1Listing: Home Inspection FAQs

Home Inspection FAQs

Reprinted from: United Professional Real Estate Inspections www.uprei.com

Why should I have a home inspection?

The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural concerns. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage condition or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.
As a seller, if you have owned your building for a period of time, an inspection can identify potential concerns in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures which might avoid future expensive repairs.
If your Realtor recommended a home inspection, it is because your realtor wants you to be a totally informed purchaser, they can only disclose what has been made known to them. They are looking out for your best interest by suggesting that a qualified home inspector evaluate the property you are about to purchase.

What is a home inspection?

An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

What gets inspected when I have a professional home inspection?

A UPREI Professional Home Inspection includes evaluation of:
Proper Drainage
Crawl Space & Ventilation
Insulation
Framing
Plumbing
ABS Pipe
Complete Exterior
Complete Interior
Air Conditioning
Safety Equipment
Swimming Pool & Spa
Carbon Monoxide
Electrical
Foundation
Masonry
Appliances
Windows
Doors
Roofing
Heat Pumps
Furnace
Siding
and more...

When do I request an Inspector?

The best time to consult an inspector is right after you have made an offer on your new building. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your professional Real Estate agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.

Who should I call?

A professionally trained home inspector who has been certified by a governing body like the American Institute of Inspectors, preferably one with many years experience.
Should the inspector be licensed?
Yes, but unfortunately, unlike your Realtor who had to complete extensive schooling and testing to receive his/her license, home inspectors are not legally required to be licensed or certified in California. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire a home inspector who is also a licensed general contractor with the state of California.

How is the industry regulated?

In California all inspections should be performed to the standards adopted by the California Real Estate Inspection Association. To become a member, your inspector must pass a written examination to prove their competency. American Institute of Inspectors (AII) and other professional training and certifying agencies train and certify their members through rigorous classroom and field testing. CREIA and AII inspectors must participate in continuing education courses to maintain their certifications and/or memberships. AII & CREIA inspectors adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.

Once I find a qualified inspector, what specific questions should I ask?

◊ How long to complete the inspection?
A typical inspection will take from two to eight hours depending on the size of the home and it's components. Then another two to eight hours of document preparation.
◊ Ask if they plan to meet with you on-site to review the report.This service is crucial to understanding your report and is an important part of any professional home inspection.
◊ What kind of report will I receive?
Many reports are hand written on a few pages, they look very unprofessional, and are hard to read. Look for a report that is computer generated narrative report customized to your home, not just a check list along with a narrative summary.
◊ What happens if the inspector honestly miss something?
Errors & Omissions Insurance, typically comes with a very high deductible, this means your home inspector must be financially able to pay the deductible from his/her own pocket, if there is ever a claim. Do a little background check to make sure his/her reputation is good within the community. Ask for the phone number of his/her banker, ask for his/her contractor's license number and his/her inspector's certification number and check them out.

How much does a home inspection cost?

This is sometimes the first question asked but tells the least about the inspector. Fees are generally based according to size, age and various other components of the home. Inspection fees from a certified professional home inspector generally start at $295, and are typically about $400. A quality inspection backed by a company who's been in business a long time, with a reputation for standing behind their work sometimes requires a higher investment but it's worth it. You'll avoid headaches later on down the line.