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What to look for in a Professional Home Inspector |
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Questions that should be asked of a prospective home inspector: |
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What is the inspector's experience? How many years have they been in the business and how many inspections do they do a year? |
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Exclusively inspections? Beware of contractors who do house inspections "on the side"--they may be looking for work! |
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What type of report? Will it be written or oral or both? Will the report contain suggestions for remedying deficiencies? |
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How long will it take? A good house inspection should take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size of the house. |
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What will be included in the inspection? See "What to look for in a professional home inspection" below. |
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What certifications do they have? Are they ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified? |
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Does the inspector have Errors and Omissions Insurance? This gives you some level of protection should there be an "error or omission" in the inspection--meaning the inspector missed something. |
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What to look for in a Professional Home Inspection |
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A competent and professional inspection will include a minimum of the following: |
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Foundation: How is the structural integrity of the foundation? Is there any evidence of cracks, shifting, or moisture problems? |
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General Construction: How is the quality of the general construction? |
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Exterior: Is the house in need of exterior repairs or maintenance? |
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Plumbing: How is the condition of the overall plumbing system? Any evidence of leaks or water pressure problems? |
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Electrical: Do any dangerous electrical situations exist? Are there apparent code violations in the electrical system? |
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Heating and Cooling Systems: What are the ages of the systems? Are the systems adequate for the size of the house? Have they been maintained properly? |
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Interior: Do doors and windows open and close properly? Are floors firm and level? |
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Kitchen: Are appliances functioning properly? Is the plumbing, including the dishwasher connection, in good repair? |
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Baths: Is the floor solid? Are there any evidence of previous or current water leaks? Is the plumbing in good repair? |
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Attached structures: What is the condition of any attached structure (sheds, decks, garages, etc.) |
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Roof: What is the approximate age of the roof? What is the estimated remaining life of the roof? What is the condition of the roofing structure as well as the shingles? |
