What is a home inspection?
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.
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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.
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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.
(* when temperature permits)
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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.
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What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house starts
at $250 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.
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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.
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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.
Today FABI, whose membership extends across the state of Florida, is
recognized throughout the state as the leading authority in the home
inspection field among inspectors and homeowners alike.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Questions
About Home Inspections