1. CAN 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 or her career.
Qualified inspectors are
familiar with the many elements of home construction, proper
installation and maintenance. They understand how the home's
systems and components are intended to function together, as
well as how (and why) they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it
very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional
about the house they really want, and this may affect their
judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to
obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the home
inspection field.
TOP ^
2. CAN A HOUSE "FAIL"
INSPECTION?
No. A professional home
inspection is an examination of the current condition of your
prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines
market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local
code compliance. A home inspector will not "pass" or "fail" a
house, but will accurately describe its physical condition and
indicate needed repairs and/or replacement.
TOP ^
3. WHAT DOES AN INSPECTION
INCLUDE?
A complete inspection includes
a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The
inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure,
roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central
air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and
doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by
normal means are included in the report.
TOP ^
4. WHEN DO I REQUEST AN
INSPECTOR?
The best time to consult the
inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your new home.
The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to
inspect the building. Ask your professional agent to include
this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase
obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional
inspection.
TOP ^
5. IS AN INSPECTION A CODE
COMPLIANCE INSPECTION?
No. A professional inspection
is simply an examination of the building’s current condition. It
is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection.
TOP ^
6. WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS
PROBLEMS?
If the inspector finds problems
in a building, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy
the building; only that you will know in advance what type of
repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs
because of significant problems discovered by the inspector.
If your budget is tight, or if
you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you
may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is
yours.
TOP ^
7. IF THE REPORT IS FAVORABLE,
DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?
Definitely. With a favorable
report in hand, you can complete your purchase with real peace
of mind. You may have learned a few things about your property
from the inspection report, and will want to keep that
information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest
assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision
and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or
building the way you want.
TOP ^
8. WHY DO I NEED AN
INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home or
commercial building is one of the largest single investments you
will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect — both
indoors and out — in terms of needed and future repairs and
maintenance.
A fresh coat of paint could be
hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may
indicate a chronic roof leakage problem, or may be simply the
result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and
other clues, and then presents a professional opinion as to the
condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises
afterward.
Of course, an inspection will
also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as
the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After
the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of
the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your
decision confidently.
As a seller, if you have owned
your building for a period of time, an inspection can identify
potential problems in the sale of your building and can
recommend preventive measures that might avoid future expensive
repairs.
TOP ^
9. SHOULD I ATTEND THE
INSPECTION?
It is not necessary for you to
be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea. By
following the inspector through the inspection, observing and
asking questions, you will learn about the new building and get
some tips on general maintenance. This information will be of
great help to you after you move in.
TOP ^
10. HOW DO I FIND A
"QUALIFIED" INSPECTOR?
You may call us at our
toll-free number: 1-888-953-1320 or you can use our
online contact form to send us an
email.
Buyer Beware: Most inspection services promote
their business with brochures through local real estate offices.
Many claim that their reports meet or follow
ISHI
Standards of Practice. Do not be fooled; look for the
ISHI
emblem on these brochures. Only inspectors who meet
ISHI's rigorous
professional and educational requirements may qualify as
members.
TOP ^
11. WHAT IS A "PROFESSIONAL
HOME INSPECTOR" (PHI)?
The
Professional Home Inspector (PhI) designation is the highest
rating that can be obtained through
ISHI. This designation is
only given to those inspectors that carry what’s known as E&O
(Errors & Omissions) insurance coverage and that follow the
Professional Inspector Standards. This type coverage protects
consumers from inspectors making a major error on the inspection
or omitting something from the inspection report.
PhI members must obtain many
hours of additional training and have been tested for knowledge
above the already high standards set for the members of
ISHI.
Each report prepared by a PHI will bear the inspector’s seal
representing the best quality inspection for your investment.
To become an
ISHI, PhI Member,
an inspector must pass two written technical exams with over
1600 questions and name
ISHI as a certificate holder for his E&O
coverage.
ISHI Members are required to follow the Society's Code
of Ethics, and to obtain 8 continuing education credits and CHI
and PhI members 14hrs in order to keep current with the latest
in building technology, materials, and professional skills.
TOP ^
12. WHAT IS A "CERTIFIED HOME
INSPECTOR" (CHI)?
The Certified Home Inspector
(CHI) designation has bonding authority with selected home
warranty providers. The warranty company accepts the CHI
designated inspectors report without limit to covered items.
This designation is only given to those inspectors that have
obtained many hours of additional training and have been tested
for knowledge above the already high standards set for the
members of
ISHI.
Each report prepared by a CHI
will bear the inspector’s seal representing the best quality
inspection for your investment and will also be forwarded to the
home warranty company (if approved by the client) for optional
warranty consideration.
To achieve
ISHI
CHI certification, an inspector must pass two written technical
exams with over 1600 questions and are required to follow the
Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain 14 hours in order to
keep current with the latest in building technology, materials
and professional skills.
TOP ^
13. DO I HAVE TO REPAIR
EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THE HOUSE?
A listing inspection report is
not intended to be a "to-do" or repair list for the home.
Sellers are not obligated to repair conditions noted in the
report, nor are they required to produce a flawless house.
With a pre-listing home
inspection, potential repair items already known by both parties
are subject to any negotiations. A home seller can make repairs
as a matter of choice, not obligation; to foster good will or to
facilitate the sale. Sellers maintain the legal right to refuse
repair demands, except where requirements are set forth by state
law, local ordinance, or the real estate purchase contract.
TOP ^
