What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual inspection to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is not a warranty. A warranty can be obtained separately. An inspection will determine the areas of the home that are in need of repair, worn out or are unsafe. The homes interior and exterior, from the roof to the foundation and the exterior draining and retaining walls should be inspected. If problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Have you heard of the old adage that you get what you pay for? A home inspection is a way of guaranteeing that you are getting the best possible home for your money. A home inspection will provide you with the reports that you need to make sure that your home is a safe and secure place for your family, a home that is right for you. The purchase of a home is one of the biggest endeavors you will make and you should know all the information about that home before you buy it. There can be a number of things that the untrained eye can’t see and a professional home inspection can give you the peace of mind to know that you are getting your money’s worth out of your home. Home sellers may want an inspection to find problems that a buyer’s inspection would have found. The seller can then make the repairs prior to the home going on the market.

What things are looked at when I get a home inspection?

3D Home Inspections, Inc., will inspect hundreds of components in numerous major categories such as:  Site and Grounds elements, Exterior Dwelling Components, Structural Components, Roof, Attic, Heating and Cooling System, Plumbing System, Electrical System, Interior Components, Built-in Appliances, Basements and or Crawlspaces if Applicable, Garages, etc. and follows the Arizona Standard of Professional Practice for home inspectors and much more. A copy of the Arizona Standards of Professional Practice can be obtained at (www.btr.state.az.us).

Does a new home need a home inspection?

Yes. A new home does need a home inspection. Many things could break or there could be problems during the building process that go undetected. There can be leaky pipes, cracks in the foundation, poor craftsmanship that could lead to numerous other problems. With a home inspection, all of these problems can be repaired before you take possession of the house, and in extreme cases this may be a factor in whether you purchase the home or not.

When do I call the home inspector?

When purchasing your home, you will want to have the home inspected within a few days after the purchase agreement is signed. You want to make sure you have a clause in your purchase agreement that allows you to have an inspection and that you have the right to terminate the agreement if you find the home in an unsatisfactory condition. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

If any damage to the house is found, can the home inspector make the repairs?

No. The home inspector cannot make repairs. This would be a conflict of interest and if the home inspector says they can make repairs, you should go with another home inspector. The home inspector that you have could be telling you things are in need of repair that are not so he can gain more business. The inspector should direct you to get a licensed contractor to repair the problem.

If the report finds problems with the home what do I do?

Almost all homes will show problems. Even newly constructed homes will have problems noted on an inspection report. This is why we recommend an inspection for new construction. Your inspector will be able to identify major and minor problems that should be repaired before closing. Major problems may require negotiations between you and the seller as to how to fix the problems. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If the problems are costly, you will be able to make your decision about purchasing the home with the proper knowledge about the future costs of that home.

The above questions are based on suggestions from the American Home Inspector Directory.