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Questions about Home Inspections A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. If you are thinking of buying a house, co-op or condominium, you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional home inspector. Why do I need a home inspection? The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect--both indoors and out--in terms of repair and maintenance and their costs. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Water marks on the ceiling, roof decking or floor joists may indicate a chronic leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards. Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are about to purchase, and you will be able to make your decision confidently. If you have owned your home for a period of time, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid future repairs. What does a home inspection include? A complete home inspection includes a visual examination of the
house from top to bottom. The inspector examines the heating system, the
central air conditioning system*, the interior plumbing and electrical systems,
the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors,
the foundation, basement and visible structure. (See: SERVICES.) Can't I do it myself? Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands of homes in his career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationship of those elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they are considering, and this may lead to a poor assessment. What will it cost? The inspection fee for a typical one-family house starts at $200 and varies depending upon the size of the house, particular features, age, special structures, etc. However, cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to renegotiate the purchase price based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your realtor for guidance. Can a house "fail" inspection? No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of immediate or future major repair or replacement. Questions About FABI : What is FABI? The Florida Association of Building
Inspectors, Inc., (FABI), formed as a non-profit voluntary professional
society, has adopted formal inspection guidelines, a professional code of
ethics, and gives consumers an assurance of professionalism. Members of FABI
are independent professionals who operate their own inspection services. What does FABI do? FABI has adopted internationally recognized standards of practice for the home inspection profession, so that anywhere in the state a buyer who uses an FABI member can be assured of a complete and detailed inspection. FABI requires that its members subscribe to the Association's strict Code of Ethics: no FABI inspector may have a commission agreement with a real estate broker, or offer to do any of the repairs he recommends. As part of its' continuing education program, FABI keeps its home inspectors up-to-date with the latest in building technology, materials and professional skills. FABI also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance. Who belongs to FABI? Only home inspectors who have met FABI's rigorous professional and educational requirements may qualify for professional membership in the organization. Many FABI members have engineering, architectural or technical degrees; others have had experience in various construction fields, or have been building contractors. What else do FABI inspectors do? In addition to performing pre-purchase home inspections, many FABI inspectors help homeowners with analysis and solutions of specific problems, maintenance inspections, energy conservation, cracked foundations. FABI inspectors are also frequently called in to review new construction work in progress, restoration and home improvement plans as well as maintenance specifications and contracts. They can also inspect work upon completion to ensure that a contract has been properly fulfilled. If you find that you are involved in litigation regarding contractual work performed on your house, an FABI member can provide expert witness testimony. Of course, most FABI members also inspect commercial properties, multiple dwellings, condominiums, townhouses and cooperative apartments. Questions About Buying A New Home : When is the best time for an inspection? The best time to call in the home inspector is after you've made an offer on the house, and before you sign the contract. Or you can ask your realtor to include an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. Do I have to be there? It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea. By following the home inspector around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home and get some tips on maintenance in general-information that will be of great help to you after you've moved in. What if the report reveals problems? If the inspector finds fault in a home it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to renegotiate the purchase price because of significant problems discovered in an inspection. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours. If the report is good, did I really need an inspection? Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You may also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you want to. |
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