What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is performed
typically for the Purchaser of a property. Its purpose is to report the general
condition of the structural and mechanical components of the home, as well as to
check for the presence of termites and radon.
A
typical home inspection takes between two and three hours to complete. The
inspector will:
1. Enter all attics and crawl
spaces.
2. Operate appliances, furnace, air conditioner and
water heater.
3. Open all windows and doors.
4. Run
all plumbing.
5. Inspect all interior spaces.
6. Remove
electrical panel covers and check lights and receptacles.
7. Traverse
roof where possible.
The inspection will be
preformed by or above the guidelines set forth by the American Society of Home
Inspectors Standards of Practice. Purchasers are encouraged to attend the
inspection and are normally present. REALTORS are also present in many cases.
WHAT YOU (the seller) CAN DO
The following steps can help expedite the
inspection process and eliminate the communication gap that occasionally occurs
between Sellers and Inspectors.
PETS: If you
have a pet that should not be let out or should be kept in a particular part of
the house, leave a note on the front door. Knowing the pets name is also useful
to help put him or her at ease. If a dog is vicious or may bite, please have
them in a cage or in some other way confined.
ACCESS:
If possible, clear storage which may hinder access to attics, crawl spaces and
electrical panels. A parked car under attic access may mean a return trip which
is inconvenient for every one.
BULBS: If there
are any burned out light bulbs in the house, try to change them prior to
inspection.
RADON: If a radon test is being
performed, the following EPA guidelines should be observed prior to and during
the testing. You will be asked to sign a document regarding these guidelines.
1. Windows are to be closed 12 hours prior to and
during the test period or closed at the time of the inspection (with a longer
test period 96 plus hours).
2. Crawl space vents are to be
closed during the test period.
3. Fireplace dampers should be
kept closed (fireplace & woodburners should not be used).
4. Exhaust
fans (kitchen & baths) should be used only when absolutely necessary.
Jenn-iar grills should also be avoided during the test period.
5. Doors
should be kept closed, except for normal entry and exit.
6. The
CANISTERS must not be touched, moved or tampered with in any manner during the
testing period, under and circumstances.
THINGS
YOU (the seller) SHOULD NOT DO DURING INSPECTION
DO NOT make verbal representations about condition of home.
DO NOT negotiate inspection, if necessary, this will be done at a
later date.
DO NOT hide defects. This could
result in future liability.
DO NOT expect to
know results of inspection immediately. This inspection report is confidential
for the Purchaser. In most cases, a copy of the report will be made available to
you/your real estate agent.
AFTER THE
INSPECTION
Negotiating the inspection. If
defects are found during the inspection which are considered "Major"
you may be asked to repair those items. The following is the normal procedure
used through the inspection process. Specific deadlines are written in purchase
agreements or contract.
1. Inspection is
performed within specified frame.
2. Report is delivered to
Purchaser.
3. Purchaser (with REALTOR) decides which (if any)
defects he/she wishes the Seller to repair. This is put in writing and sent to
the Seller, through the REALTOR.
4. Seller responds in writing
to Purchaser regarding repairs requested.
5. Repairs are
performed. Bills would then be submitted to Purchaser and in many cases, a
re-inspection may be performed prior to closing.
CLARIFICATION
OF DEFECTS: If a particular defect is not understood by you or your contractor,
feel free to call the inspector. In many cases 2 or 3 minutes on the phone will
clarify the situation. Please note the inspector only what the report said and
not what the Purchaser has asked you to do. In most cases, there are multiple
ways to repair a particular defect. Make shure you are doing what has been
agreed upon.
CONFLICTING OPINIONS: In some cases, a
contractor hired to repair a defect will be unable to find the problem or will
disagree with the inspector. In these cases, it is important for the contractor
and inspector to discuss the situation. | |
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