This document provides an overview of home inspections, describing what a home inspection is, the different types of inspections, additional services often provided, what is typically covered during an inspection, the timing and delivery of reports, when inspections are typically performed, information about the American Society of Home Inspectors certification, and examples of issues found during inspections that helped clients avoid costly repairs. Home inspections are recommended prior to purchasing a home to uncover any potential problems and make informed purchasing decisions.
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First Time Homebuyers
1. An Overview of Home InspectionsPresented ByRick MichalicekASHI Certified InspectorASHI #246060Moore Home Inspection Services, LLC(314) 727-6868
2. What is a Home Inspection?Wikipedia says: "A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares a written report, often using home inspection software, and delivers it to a client, typically the home buyer. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase "
3. There are many types of inspectionsPre-Purchase Inspections (most common)Pre-Listing InspectionsFollow Up InspectionsNew Construction InspectionsBank/Insurance Company InspectionsSingle Component Inspections (e.g. roof only)Disaster/FEMA InspectionsMunicipal (occupancy) Inspections
4. Additional Services Often Provided by Inspection CompaniesWood Destroying Pest Inspections (termite)Radon Gas TestingHome Energy AuditingLead, Mold and Asbestos Testing (by laboratory)Structural Engineering ServicesSeptic Tank InspectionsSewer Lateral Inspections (video)Water or Air Quality AssessmentsNeighborhood Environmental HistoryGeotechnical or Soil Evaluations
5. Whats Typically Covered During a Home Inspection?EXTERIOR ELEMENTS - Above grade walls, exposed foundation, trim, etc.GROUNDS - Landscaping, flatwork, site grading, stoops/decks/porches, etc.GARAGES/CARPORTS - Garage or carport structure, slabs, firewalls and doorsROOF - Roof coverings, chimneys, exposed flashings and guttering systemsKITCHEN - Counters, cabinets, sinks, ventilation and installed appliancesBATHROOMS - Sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers and ventilationINTERIOR ELEMENTS Walls, ceilings, doors, floors, windows, stairwells, etc.PLUMBING - Main services, supply lines, waste lines and water heatersHEATING/COOLING Fuel system, furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, etc.ELECTRICAL Main services, panels, branch wiring, switches, outlets, etc.STRUCTURAL Slab-on-grade, crawl spaces, foundations, basement floors, beams, columns, floor joists, attic structures, etc.
6. Timing & Delivery of ReportsHeres what you can expect for the timing and delivery of an inspection report- Inspections typically last between 2 and 3 hours - Some reports are delivered on-site, others are not *- In todays market, most reports are supplied through e-mail, web download or on a disc* Be cautious of checklist style reports and reports which are delivered too quickly (on-site). You may not be getting the most for your money!
7. When is a Home Inspection Typically Performed?For a traditional pre-purchase situation:- AFTER THE REAL ESTATE CONTRACT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED- DURING THE ALOTTED INSPECTON PERIOD (usually 10 days)- BEFORE CLOSING ON THE HOUSEDont wait too late to call an inspector! Schedules can fill up fast!
8. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)- Oldest and most respected professional home inspector organization in the U.S.- The most stringent standards and requirements in the industry- More real estate professionals ask for and promote ASHI Certified Home Inspectors than any other organizationGo to www.ashi.org for more details on ASHI.See a list of local ASHI inspectors at www.stlashi.org
9. Keep in mindPrice isnt everything!Your about to make perhaps the largest purchase decision in your life. It is highly recommended that you NOT choose your inspector based solely on pricing! $$$Check his referencesAsk for a sample report Check with the Better Business BureauCheck his qualifications and associations (like ASHI)Once this is completed, then choose the best value.
10. So, do home buyers really need a Home Inspection? Thats a fair question But lets consider the following real situations which we recently uncovered for our clients
11. Looks like a nice house with a fairly modern electric panel
12. Upon closer inspection, the panel has been scorched/melted and will need replacingA new electric panel can cost well over $1000.00!
13. This is a cute house with a nice rear addition on the back
14. But the crawl space below the addition will need extensive repairs to correct a major moisture problem!The repair bill was over $7000.00!
16. Too bad it was installed improperly and is already damagedDamage at front edgeRoof pitch too low for shinglesThis repair will likely exceed $1000.00!