The Home inspection

Of a property is a very important step in the home buying process. It is the best way to find out exactly what is wrong, or right, with the home. It may seem that the cost of a home inspection is just another bothersome expense involved in purchasing a home. However, the value is unsurpassed. The cost of an inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind about your purchase.

The FREE Home inspection Kit

Industry has grown rapidly in recent years. This is partially because of changes in disclosure laws. Another reason is that real estate professionals frequently recommend that a home inspection be performed on properties under contract. But even more often, home buyers see the need for an objective expert to look beyond the paint and finishes and thoroughly inspect the major systems of the home they plan to purchase.

Many prospective buyers hire professional home inspectors, residential architects, structural engineers, or building contractors to visually assess the condition of the structure and installed systems of a home before closing the deal. The important point to remember is to hire an expert who is familiar with the type of home to be inspected, and who has the practical experience and technical knowledge to assess the condition of the house. No house or condominium will ever "pass" or "fail" this type of inspection. Rather, it is designed to educate the buyer about the condition of the property. If the inspector finds evidence that repairs are needed, the buyer may be able to negotiate to have the work done by the seller, or lower the price of the home based on the cost of the repairs.

An inspector, ideally, is an impartial examiner. He, or she, is not hired to give opinions as to whether or not to buy the property, estimates about the value of the home, or suggestions on who to hire for repair work. The home inspector should not be confused with the local building inspector, the real estate broker's inspector, the appraiser, or the pest control inspector. It is also important to keep in mind that the inspector is hired to represent the buyer and to inform the buyer about the physical condition of the property. It is the buyers' chance to get objective information about the house which may become their home.

Generally, the inspector will examine:

• The structure of the house, such as the foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs and attic
• The exterior, such as wall coverings, chimneys, caulking and weather stripping, roof, roof penetrations, grading, drainage, driveways and patios
• The interior, such as steps, counters, railings, cabinets, sinks and showers, visible insulation and ventilation
• The interior plumbing, such as fixtures, faucets, water flow, drains, water heater
• The electrical system, including wiring, fixtures and overload protection
• The heating and air conditioning, both main equipment and distribution system