A Real Estate (HOME) Inspection: is a survey and basic operation of the systems and components of a building which can be reached, entered, or viewed without difficulty, moving obstructions, or requiring any action which may result in damage to the property or personal injury to the inspector. The purpose of the inspection is to provide the client with information regarding the general condition of the building(s). Cosmetic and aesthetic conditions are not considered.
Our inspection is performed in accordance with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (“InterNACHI”), Residential Standards of Practice (SOP), is not technically exhaustive, and includes the primary building and its associated primary parking structure.
What Gets Inspected: The real estate inspection includes the readily accessible systems and components or a representative number of multiple similar components as shown in the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (“InterNACHI”) Standards of Practice (SOP) and are subject to the limitations, exceptions, and exclusions as listed therein. So what gets inspected: Foundation, Basement, and Under-Floor Areas; Building Exterior; Roof Covering; Attic Areas & Roof Framing; Plumbing; Electrical; Heating & Cooling (HVAC); Fireplaces & Chimneys; and Building Interior. In addition, the buildings associated primary parking structure is included in the inspection.
The Written Report: The client receives a written real estate inspection report which is documentation of the material defects discovered in the inspected building’s systems and components which in the opinion of the inspector, are safety hazards, are not functioning properly, or appear to be at the ends of their useful lives. The report may include the inspector’s recommendations for correction or evaluation.
Your Options: Once you have the results of your home inspection, you have several options.
- If the problems are too significant or too expensive to fix, you can choose to walk away from the purchase, as long as the purchase contract has an inspection contingency.
- For problems large or small, you can ask the seller to fix them, reduce the purchase price, or to give you a cash credit at closing to fix the problems yourself – this is where a home inspection can pay for itself several times over.
- If these options aren’t viable in your situation (for example, if the property is bank-owned and being sold as-is), you can get estimates to fix the problems yourself and come up with a plan for repairs in order of their importance and affordability once you own the property.
The Bottom Line: A home inspection will cost you a little bit of time and money, but in the long run you’ll be glad you did it. The inspection can reveal problems that you may be able to get the current owners to fix before you move in, saving you time and money. If you are a first-time home buyer, an inspection can give you a crash course in home maintenance and a checklist of items that need attention to make your home as safe and sound as possible. Don’t skip this important step in the home-buying process – it’s worth every penny.
What Really Matters in a Home Inspection
DISCOVERY Real Estate Inspection Services 