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Why get a home
inspection
Buyers today are more astute than ever and want
to be sure that they have invested their money wisely. After all, buying a home is the largest investment most buyers will ever make.
Fascinatingly enough for nearly all buyers, the buying decision is made after seeing the home for a very short time. (15 minutes or less)
In that short time, little can be known about the true condition of the home.
A home inspection by an independent third party can give buyers the peace of mind that they have made a sound buying decision.
The service provided by home inspectors is
unique. They use their training and background to identify potential
problems before they become major repairs. A small investment in a home
inspection now can save substantial money in the future and help to eliminate
surprises like unexpected repair costs.
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What is a home
inspection
A Professional Home Inspection is a visual inspection and evaluation of the properties accessible areas including; roof coverings, attic, and roof framing, foundation, and under-floor support systems, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, fireplaces, chimneys, water heaters, plumbing, electrical, central heating and air conditioning systems.
The buyer is provided with a written report describing all of the components and conditions observed during the inspection and, when warranted, a recommendation for repairs or further evaluation by a specialists such as a general or specialty building contractor.
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Some buyers have asked
If sellers and Real Estate Agents are required by law to disclose all known problems or defects, do I really need a home
inspection?
"Absolutely"
Why......? A professional home inspection by an objective third party frequently uncovers items that may have been unintentionally overlooked.
Sometimes sellers become so accustomed to a problem that they regard it as insignificant or forget about it all together.
Often a home inspector will uncover problems that sellers didn’t even know existed.
If caught in the early stages most problems are easily remedied and inexpensive to repair.
Regardless of the age of a home, all buyers should have a home inspection prior to the close of escrow.
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What you should know about home
inspectors
Currently there are no licensing requirements
for home inspectors in the state of California, therefore, not all home
inspectors are created equal. When selecting an inspector look for
inspectors who fit the following criteria.
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Ask the inspector about their background. i.e.; education, experience
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Do they hold any professional
licenses? i.e. Contractors, Engineers, Architects
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Find out how long they have been in the inspection
field and if they inspect full time. Most fulltime inspectors complete a minimum of 75 inspections a year.
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Is the Inspector a member of any professional trade organizations?
Examples of such are the, California Real Estate Inspection Association
(CREIA) or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Members of these groups are required to have proven technical knowledge of the systems found in residential properties.
To remain a member they must also abide by a strict Code of Ethics
and Standards of Practice
they must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education each year.
While membership in these groups does not provide regulatory protection, it is a good indication of professionalism and commitment to
quality service.
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What type of report do they provide?
Do their reports include recommendations for maintenance and upgrades?
Ask to see a sample report.
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During the home inspection is a good time for you to become familiar with your
homes systems and components. A professional inspector will encourage you to be present during all or part of the inspection.
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Will the inspector stand behind their work?
Are they covered by proper liability and professional insurance?
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Be very skeptical of any inspector who offers to bid on or repair any item outlined in their report.
This is an obvious conflict of interest, and violation of the California Business and Professions Code
governing home inspections as well as the code of ethics for any professional inspection trade association for which they may belong.
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Call the Better Business Bureau and find out if any complaints have been filed.
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