By Larry McGann – Sprire Home Inspections, NY
http://www.spireinspections.com
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the componets of a home from the roof to the foundation.
What does it include?
The structural inspection takes in the roof material, the siding, doors windows, the drainage around the home, the interior condition, plumbing, electrical heating/cooling system, the attic and insulation, the basement and the type and condition of the foundation. The Standards of Practice from National Associations websites can offer full details.
Why do I need one?
A home inspection is usually ordered when a purchase contract is written on a home for sale. A home is our biggest investment other than our children. It is wise to have a trained licensed home inspector help identify potentially costly repairs that may be needed.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
How much will it generally cost?
Cost varies from inspector to inspector as well as house to house. As well as from region to region.
Why can’t I do it myself?
You can do it yourself if you feel confident that you will be able to identify the issues a house may have. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Can a house “fail” an inspection?
In my opinion a house neither passes of fails a home inspection. It is an educational process of the condition of the home. What a buyer does with the information given them on an inspection report is when the terms pass or fail seems to come out.
Does that mean I can’t buy it if there are any problems revealed?
No, a home that has problems can still be purchased, but the buyer/seller are aware of additional expenses that maybe necessary.
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