Frequently asked Questions (FAQ’s)
A home
inspector is a licensed professional who has studied the structural, roof,
basement electrical, plumbing, HVAC,
and other systems of residential homes
and have passed examinations and schooling conducted By the state of New York.
They are certified members of professional home inspection associations and
take continuing education courses each year to further their knowledge of
residential housing systems. A home inspector
will non-invasively examine the condition of physical structure & systems
of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. During the home
inspection, an inspector is searching for fire, safety, and health hazards
as well as for conditions which may require expensive repairs. Think of a
home inspector as a detective searching throughout the house for clues that
lead to a conclusion of the home's overall condition.
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A home inspector makes an objective visual examination
of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.
The home inspector will examine the home's foundation, heating and central
air conditioning system, interior plumbing; electrical systems; the roof,
attic, and their insulation; doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and floors;
and many other visible parts of the property
(See Standards Of Practice).
You should expect a written report evaluating
the state of the home in question. A typical report has a summary containing
the conditions that need to be addressed. If the inspection takes place before the sale
of a home, the repairs advised by the home inspector are something that needs
to be discussed between the seller and the buyer. The seller may want to go
ahead and take care of the repairs or give credit to the buyer. Such credit
amount is deducted from the total amount to be paid by the buyer on the purchase
of the house.
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3 Can
the home I want inspected fail?
A home cannot
"fail" an inspection, as there is no score or passing grade given. A
professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a
house. It is not an appraisal,
which determines market value. It is not a municipal
inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector,
therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical
condition and indicate what components and systems may need a major repair or
replacement.
A home inspection in a non-invasive examination
and observation of the exterior and interior of a residential property including
the grounds structure and the mechanical systems to determine structural defects,
broken or obsolete components, and damage due to water, wear and tear, and
other conditions. During the course of the home inspection the inspectors
trained eyes will always be on the lookout for any potential safety hazards.
5 What
is the scope of the inspection?
We perform a home inspection on-site.
This evaluation will be limited to a visual examination of certain readily
accessible systems and components using normal operating controls and opening
readily operable access panels in a limited time period. Our inspection is not
a code-compliance inspection or disclosure statement, and our inspection report
may not be used for the issuance of permits or certificate of occupancy.
Our inspection is intended to provide
you with information about the condition of certain systems and components
of the property at the time of inspection and is not technically exhaustive.
We will perform this inspection in accordance with the Standards of Practice
of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) (See
Standards Of Practice). Our inspector is a generalist and is
not a licensed engineer or expert in any specific craft or trade.
6
Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?
If you are looking to purchase a
house, this is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You
should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the
need for any major repairs before you buy, so you can minimize unpleasant
surprises and financial difficulties afterwards. After the inspection, you will
have a much clearer understanding of the property.
If you are already a homeowner, or
if you have inherited a house, a home inspection may be used to identify problems
in the making and allow you to take preventative measures and may avoid costly
repairs in the future. If you are planning to sell your home you may wish
to have an inspection performed prior to placing your home on the market.
This will give you a better understanding of the conditions which may be discovered
by the buyer's inspector and an opportunity to make repairs that will put
the house in a better selling position. Having an inspection will help you
comply with current disclosure laws concerning the sale of your property.
Even the most experienced homeowner
lacks the knowledge and years of expertise of a professional home inspector.
An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction and remains
completely objective and unemotional about the home.
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is highly recommended. You will be able to accompany the inspector and ask questions directly as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property firsthand through the inspector’s eyes.
Current home owners, or home sellers,
or home buyers usually retain the inspector. The Inspector works for you and the
report created cannot be given to anyone else without your written consent.
The purchase of a property will likely
be the most expensive investment a person will make in their lifetime, and
safeguarding that expenditure should be a home buyer or seller’s main concern. All Phase Home Inspection, Inc. puts our clients
well being first, whether we’re helping you sell or buy a home. We want you
to know all that you need to be secure. As we are competitively priced, and
there are many factors that go into the cost of a home inspection,
CONTACT US for a free estimate.
11 When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted
immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before
you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making
your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional
home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which
both the buyer and seller are obligated.
A Home inspector is also contacted by the seller prior to a house being listed or after it has been on the market a while with no offers. (See Seller Inspections). Return To Table
12 What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector
identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house,
only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight,
or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information
will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree
to make repairs. Our reports are not intended to make of break any deal, just
provide you with accurate information, to make the best choice for you.
13 If the house proves to be in
good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely, now you can complete your
home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your
new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information
for future reference.
