Information on Home Inspection?

 Office: (706) 773-0050

1.    What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a careful and detailed visual inspection of the home, designed to give you an unbiased and objective opinion of the condition of the home you are considering selling or buying.  A home inspection is the peace of mind that buyers and sellers need to proceed with the closing       

2.    What does a home inspection consist of?

Your inspector should visually examine all accessible mechanical systems (heating and cooling systems and components), interior electrical, interior plumbing systems, built-in appliances, inside and outside structural components (siding), the roofing system, the foundation, basement, and interior (walls, ceilings, and floors) of the home. 

3.    What should I look for in a home inspector?

Make sure you select a qualified and certified home inspector, who is working for you.  The inspector should operate under the Code of Conduct and perform the inspection in accordance with the Standards of Practice.  This is your assurance that he will not use the inspection to solicit repair work for himself or any particular contractor and perform the inspection to a predefined standard.      

4.    What will a home inspection cost?

Inspections vary geographically and from business to business.  The inspection may be based on a flat fee or square footage of the home. An additional fee may be charged for special, time-consuming activities such as stucco inspections.  Shopping around for a price is a good idea; however, cost should not be the only factor.  The quality of the inspection is the most important factor.  You may save many times the cost of your inspection if you are made aware of problems prior to listing or purchasing a home.

5.    Can I perform the inspection myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner cannot look at his home with the same unbiased, critical eye that the professional home inspector can.  The inspector's training, certification, and experience provide him with the knowledge of how to look, where to look, and what to look for.  Because the inspector is independent of the sales process and represents your best interest, it would be wise to use only a certified inspector. 

6.    When should I schedule a home inspection?

For new homeowners, schedule the home inspection within a few days after signing the purchase agreement.  For homeowners planning to sell, schedule the inspection prior to listing your home with sufficient lead-time to correct any deficiencies.

7.    Should I be present during the inspection?

I do  recommend that you or a representative for you,  attends the inspection 30 minutes at the end so that you are properly informed of the investment that you are considering making. 

8.    What if the inspection reveals problems?

Almost all homes (new construction and pre-owned) will have some problems or defects.  Minor problems can be expected and can usually be repaired after closing.  It is the major (and usually costly) problems that you need to be aware of and may require repair or replacement prior to closing.  Seldom would one of the problems be reason not to purchase the home.  If you choose, the inspection results can be used as a negotiating tool with the buyer.  A home inspection provides you with sufficient information to make informed decisions.