Tag: inspection

When you choose a company to have your home inspected, it will pay to choose a company with a good reputation and taking the help of word of mouth recommendations should point you in the right direction. When beginning the inspection of the home, it may help to first prepare a house inspection checklist which can often is quite exhaustive though having many points to inspect is always a good idea.

Exterior Checklist

To begin with, you can choose a number of things to include in your house inspection checklist for the exteriors including landscape, trees, plants, grading of soil, swimming pool (if present) and the roofing. Since new roofs can cost quite a bit, it would pay to inspect it closely including its materials, age, shingles, tar paper, gutters, roof line, layers of roof, chimney as well as any sagging or bracing of the roof.

Other items to include in the exterior house inspection checklist include propane tanks, sewer, building exterior, hairline cracks, doors and also windows especially the trim areas and also framing, foundation, cement, fences and garage, and finally the driveway.

You can also prepare a house inspection checklist for the interiors of the property that will include the basement and craw space, floors, walls, wiring, fireplace, heating and also cooling systems, plumbing, and finally, the bathroom and kitchen.

You should hire professional home inspectors who will examine as well as report accurately the condition in which your property is though an inspection of this kind does not lead to finding out the value of your property. In addition, even if the inspection is thorough, there is still no surefire means of finding faults that are not visible and these can be overlooked when the inspection is performed.

For new or even experienced home buyers, it is common knowledge that a home inspection is a vital part of the entire home buying process.  This inspection can save home buyers thousands of dollars or more in potential problems and repairs.  In most cases, a home inspection can be a telltale sign whether or not you want to purchase the home or not.  So what is involved in a home inspection?  First, the inspector meets the buyer and in most cases their realtor at the home.  They should check the major components of the house like the air conditioning and heating units, the main electrical panel, all major appliances, the roof, the attic and/or basement, and structural integrity of the home.  The purpose of a home inspection is to make sure that everything is in good condition and no major repairs need to be made.

A comprehensive home inspection will give buyers a look at the house’s major areas, and should provide them with a printed out inspection on paper.  This should cover all areas of concern, as well as areas that everything looks to be OK.   Many home inspections are fairly inexpensive, and can range from about $250-$500.  Often the cost depends on the size and age of the home.  Regardless, a home inspection can be money well spent.  It can prevent buyers from getting involved in a home that could be a headache later on down the road, and gives them a clearer picture of the condition of the home they are about to buy.  Knowing what to expect, what needs to be fixed, and what parts of the house are solid and safe can help ease potential home buyers’ minds.  It is a good way to ensure you’re getting a house that should be relatively worry free, at least for a few more years to come.

The structural integrity of a roof is one of the most important parts of a home inspection. It is so important that it can kill a deal to sell a home due to the expense involved with roof repairs. A roof inspection is part of a regular home inspection, however if a there is a possibility of trouble a roofing expert will need to be called in to give a thorough roof inspection.

A roof inspection is done to determine a roofs structural integrity, its expected lifespan, and when it may have to be replaced. Roof inspectors will not have to pull up shingles to do a detailed roof inspection. They will use an infrared thermograph to determine if moisture penetration is suspected. The roof covering is visually assessed, as are the fascias, gutters, soffits and flashings. In addition the interior walls and ceilings are inspected to check for signs of water infiltration. A report on the roof inspector’s findings is written detailing potential problem areas, and suggested maintenance and repairs.

When performing a roof inspection, the inspector will have a different checklist to go through depending if the roof is sloped or flat. Sloped roofs generally have a shingle covering made of asphalt, wood, or slate. They are normally flat, and rectangular, with the rows overlapping. The most common covering is a fiberglass asphalt shingle due to its cost and relative durability. During a roof inspection shingles will be checked to see if they are cracked, curled buckled or missing. Modern flat roofs are covered with a rubber membrane that is applied as a whole sheet whenever possible. They are bonded to the roof surface to keep it from being damaged by wind. The checklist for a flat roof inspection would include an inspection for punctures, cracks, blisters and ponding.

With proper maintenance, and an annual roof inspection, you will not have to worry about rain, snow or wind damaging your home.

When preparing to buy a house, one of the most important steps in the process is the building inspection, and it is a good idea to have a home inspection check list on hand to ensure that the assessment is done properly. Nothing can affect the value of a home more than problems that are not detected during the initial examination of the property. A potential buyer will often miss many of these troubling items, simply because he or she has not been trained extensively to detect such things. A professional inspector has a keen eye for detail and years of knowledge, which will serve to find even the smallest issues.

Items that should be on the home inspection check list for the exterior of the house include the foundation, siding, roof, and windows. The foundation should have no cracks, no loose blocks or stones, the placement of the house has to be secure, and the alignment must be perfect. Around the foundation, the grade should allow water to drain away from the house correctly. When looking at the roof, all of the lines must be straight, with no sagging, and all fascia boards should be in good order. There must be no missing shingles, missing flashing, leaks, and the gutters should be in good repair. All siding must in a good state, with no visible signs of leaks, and the windows should be inspected for any broken panes.

Inside the house, all of the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems must be on the home inspection check list. The water supply pipes should be free of leaks and properly insulated, where necessary. Water pressure must be tested, to ensure that all fixtures will work correctly. Drain lines should be checked for proper flow, they must have accessible cleanouts, and there should be no leaks. The entire electrical system must be examined for safe and proper operation. All heating and cooling systems have to be working properly, with no gas leaks and all of the proper safety precautions intact. By following a well-rounded home inspection check list, the new home owner will be aware of any potential problem areas, and will be able to make an appropriate offer for the house.

Termites are known as a wood eating insect.  These tiny bugs can do major damage to your home, foundation, and property.  Unfortunately, many people don’t realize it’s a problem until it is too late.  This is why getting a thorough termite inspection at least every year or so is very important.  A termite inspection is usually done by a trained professional who knows what they are looking for in terms of signs of damage or signs of the termites living in a specific area.  The inspector will check places under the house first such as the basement or crawl space, as well as the foundation of the home.  Usually a termite inspection only takes about 45 minutes or so, but this of course depends on the size of the home and the potential for damage.  If a home is cluttered by things like personal items, the inspection may take longer.

Since your home is one of the biggest and most important investments you’ll ever make, you want to be sure that it’s protected in as many ways as possible.  One way you can keep your home in tip top shape is by having a regular termite inspection so you can be sure there is no damage going on.  If ignored, termites can cause significant and very costly problems to a home’s structure, resulting in costly repairs.  By getting a termite inspection, you can ensure that your home is safe and free of these obnoxious pests.  Know what to look for in terms of signs of possible termite infestation.  Educating yourself is a big key to preventing termites from taking over.  Once you know what to look for and have a termite inspection company you trust, you should be able to have peace of mind that you can be termite free.

Home inspections are a crucial part to the home buying process.  Hiring a home inspector is very important since they can help you to analyze the condition of the house you are interested in buying.  Since a home is one of the biggest investments you will most likely make in a lifetime, being sure home inspections are performed accurately is very important.  So what happens when your inspection doesn’t go as planned?  How does one deal with a situation such as this?  It is the home inspector’s job to be 100% objective, and not lean one way or the other towards buyer or seller.  When they let the potential buyer know of some issues with the home, it is then up to the possible buyer to determine whether or not they would like to move forward with the contract process.  Usually, big problems like a cracked foundation, leaky basement, or faulty wiring are factors that can lead a buyer to run in the opposite direction.  Small things like a piece of siding coming off, or tiles missing from the roof should not deter you from buying if you really love the home.

Home inspections are there to assist the buyer with getting a bigger picture of the house’s condition.  If you feel that the results of the inspection are insignificant enough not to make or break a deal and you really like the house, it is recommended that you make an offer.  On the other hand, if the result of the home inspections shows major damage to the house that would cost a large sum of money to repair, you may want to reconsider.  Of course, some sellers are willing to pay the extra money and make the repairs.  This is often dependent upon how badly they want to sell the home.  It’s important to be able to “feel out” the sellers and see where they stand once you get the home inspection report.

If you have to obtain a home inspection for any reason, chances are that the home inspector should present you with a special report after the inspection.  Many times, this report is in a generic home inspection form that covers all potential house problems from basement to attic.

The home inspection form has sections for the exterior of the house, the basement, the attic, the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing, the foundation, and a section for any other problems the inspector may note, such as windows that are difficult to open and close, signs of water damage, or asbestos.  If a home inspector is not able to access a part of the house (such as the attic) this is generally a red flag and something that you should look into further before committing to the house. Read the report on the home inspection form carefully.  A home inspector simply states his or her observations, and may make recommendations about repairs, but it is up to you, the homeowner, to decide what problems are a dealbreaker.  Remember that you can use projected repair  costs to negotiate the house price.  Get contractor estimates for necessary repairs, add the estimates together, and ask the seller to subtract these costs from the price of the home.

If you are a seller, you can use a home inspection form to preempt problems.  Look at your house carefully based on the categories on the form.  (Leave the electrical inspections to the pros.)  Using a home inspection form can help you determine what problems an inspector might find.  Fix any problems that you can before a buyer sends an inspector to the house.  Alternatively, you can pull up a copy of your old home inspection form from when you bought the house; you can see which problems have been fixed and which have not.

Before you move into any new home, you should have a new home inspection performed on the house.  A house inspection will be performed by a trained building inspector and will check to insure that the house conforms to the building code and is safe for the future occupants.  The construction of a house is often contracted out to the lowest builder, which may mean substandard quality.  A building inspector will be able to point deficiencies out to the future home owner so they can have the home builder correct it.

A new home inspection will cover many different aspects of your house such as plumbing, electrical and the structural integrity of your house.  There are many things that you may not know about, such as the recommended thickness of your house foundation that a building inspector will quickly notice.  Many home inspectors have inspected thousands of houses in their careers and they have learned where the construction problems often occur.

If you’re looking for some assistance in choosing a new home inspector you might consider asking a friend or relative who they used to inspect their own home.  If you get a recommendation but still aren’t convinced they are a good inspector you could ask the inspector for some references of past clients.  When talking to the inspector ask about any licenses they hold relating to building inspections.  You should also ask for a time estimate for the inspection.  A typical inspection lasts 3 to 5 hours.  When you schedule your new home inspection you should make sure you have plenty of time yourself so you can attend the inspection and keep notes on any findings by the inspector.  Any shortcomings should be brought up to the home builder who can correct the problems. 

One of the most important people one will meet during the process of building or buying a house is the new home inspector. Before the mortgage is signed, this person will ensure that the house is in good condition, and that any repairs or upgrades that are needed will not come as a surprise. Whether the home is new or used, failing to have it inspected can potentially cost the new buyer thousands of dollars, if a problem is found later on.

The new home inspector will take a detailed look at all areas of the house, inside and outside. All of the basic structures, such as the roof, floors, and walls will be inspected for correct construction, and any possible damages. The plumbing, heating, and electrical systems will be examined to ensure that they are operating safely and efficiently. If any problems are found with the building, the new home inspector will make a detailed list of the issues, and he can also estimate the costs of the repairs that are recommended.

Based on the information from the new home inspector, certain changes can be made to the mortgage contract. A buyer can demand that the problems be fixed before the mortgage process continues, so that the house is ready to be occupied immediately after closing. Alternatively, the buyer may negotiate a lower price on the house, and have the repairs done after the purchase.

In the end, an examination of the home by a reputable new home inspector is well worth the negligible cost. There are many different agencies available to do a home inspection, so it is a good idea to do some research to find one of the better ones. Recommendations from other homeowners and realtors can help to narrow the field. In addition, the customer can also ask the new home inspector for a list of references before the person is hired.

Finding someone to conduct a homes inspect is not particularly difficult. However, finding a quality inspector will require some time and effort.
First, locate a home inspection company with excellent qualifications, such as Licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.).  If you want a P.E. to conduct a homes inspection on your home, ensure that your inspection report is stamped with the home inspector’s licensed P.E. seal. As engineering is state licensed and regulated, this seal is imperative for your protection. 

If you were to acquire a homes inspection from someone who is not a P.E., you could be charged an additional home inspection charge if the inspector locates a problem that requires a Licensed P.E.’s assessment. An example could be a structural flaw. To prevent additional charges, benefit initially from a company that provides Licensed P.E.s

When the homes inspection takes place at your residence, you will be bombarded with much information, and perhaps overwhelmed. You may hear technical terms such as plumbing vent stack, heat exchanger, steel flitch plate, and over fused circuit. These are actually everyday household objects. Thus, ensure that your home inspection report is not a checklist that you are provided with when the homes inspection is complete. A checklist may lack some information and engineering counsel that you require. Rather, the report should be detailed.

Next, be aware that home inspectors are each unique, with various levels of skills and experience. The home inspection firm that you choose ought to have professional associations. Examples of these groups include the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE). These groups vary from numerous home inspection trade societies. The variance is that NSPE and NABIE exclusively accept Licensed P.E. into their membership. In particular, NABIE members must pass challenging entrance requirements, be extremely qualified within the homes inspection vocation, and follow a stringent system of ethics.

Lastly, do not be deceived by home inspector “certifications.” Businesses or trade societies sometimes sell or offer these. They are also acquired through home inspection home-study, courses. Even a high school diploma is not required to be granted these certifications!