Home Inspector

The purchase of a home or condo is the largest expenditure most people will make during their lifetime. What begins as a joyous occasion can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if unexpected and costly repairs are needed after you move into your new home. It is imperative that you gain as much knowledge about the home or condo you are considering before you buy by contracting the services of a professional home inspector.

Buyers of newly constructed homes should also consider hiring a home inspector service. Mistakes and shortcuts made during construction may be expensive to fix. A home inspector will alert the buyer to any potential structural problems in a newly built home.

In addition to buyers, home inspector services are being used more and more by those who are selling property. A pre-listing home inspection will inform the seller about problems that may hinder or prevent the sale of the home. The seller may then decide to make repairs before listing or adjust the selling price accordingly. A detailed report showing no major problems is also a strong selling point.

A home inspector is a professional qualified to examine all aspects of a home including the roof, electrical systems, foundation, basement, plumbing, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and overall condition. A home inspector is trained to look for problems such as termite damage and mold infestations. A house inspector may also offer environmental testing for carbon monoxide, lead paint, asbestos, and other hazards.

Most home inspectors have a background in the engineering or housing construction industry. Many states require that a professional house inspector be licensed in order to lawfully operate. A home inspector should be certified by the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and/or The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Both NAHI and ASHI require members to subscribe to a code of ethics and agree to use a Standard Form of Practice, thus ensuring that the home inspector possesses the skills to perform a thorough and professional inspection.

The actual inspection will take approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the property. It is recommended that the prospective buyer be present during the inspection if possible, so the home inspector can point out specific areas of concern and answer questions. The home inspection report you receive will be a detailed analysis of the condition of the property in question. It will include whether there are any cracks or problems with the foundation, the age, longevity and current condition of the roof, whether there is any evidence of water damage and if there are any major defects in the home or condo. Armed with this report, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether to continue with the purchase or not.

What is the best way to find professional home inspector services? Condo Inspectors, www.CondoInspectors.com, is a nationwide service designed to match those looking for home inspector services with qualified, professional inspectors in their area. Easy to use, the Instant Quote Tool will provide a customized inspection quote at a guaranteed rate. The rate you receive is a Free Inspection Quote and not binding. Once submitted, home inspection providers will contact you to discuss their services. CondoInspectors.com is dedicated to providing a high level of customer satisfaction to its users.

Before hiring a home inspector, ask questions. Find out how long the house inspector has been doing inspections. Is the inspector certified? If so, with which organizations? If required, does the home inspector have a state license? Are the home inspector services a sideline? If so, what is the inspector's main line of business? Be aware of potential conflicts of interest. Find out exactly what the inspection will cover. Ask about the report you receive – how detailed will it be? Does the house inspector have insurance in case something is missed during the inspection? Ask how much the inspection will cost. Speak with several contractors before making your decision about whom to hire.

Whether you are buying your first home or third, a professional home inspector will give you the information you need to make the best financial decision possible. If you are thinking about selling your home, a pre-listing home inspection will assist you in determining problems that may prevent you from selling or getting a good price for your home. A qualified, professional home inspector will give both buyers and sellers peace of mind. To find licensed, certified home inspection services in your area, visit Condo Inspectors at www.CondoInspectors.com.