FAQS
- 1. Can a house "fail" an inspection?
- 2. Is an inspection an insurance policy or warranty against future repair?
- 3. When do I call in the home inspector?
- 4. Do I have to be there?
- 5. What if the report reveals problems?
- 6. If the report is good, did I really need an inspection?
- 7. Can I do it myself?
1. Can a house "fail" an inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house but will simply describe the condition of the house, indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future repair or replacement, and make possible recommendations. return to top
2. Is an inspection an insurance policy or warranty against future repair?
No. The home inspector will never be able to predict every repair or maintenance items needed while owning a house. Purchasing a home brings some risk and an inspection cannot eliminate this risk. Nor does an inspection give you an insurance policy or warranty. A comprehensive home inspection gives you an evaluation of the present house condition. return to top
3. When do I call in the home inspector?
The best time to call the home inspector is after you have an "accepted offer" on a house but before you sign the contract. This is very important. If time does not permit an inspection prior to the contract, you can ask your lawyer to include an inspection clause in the contract making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. return to top
4. Do I have to be there?
It is highly recommended. By following the home inspector around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home and get some tips and recommendations that will be of great help to you after you've purchased the house. return to top
5. What if the report reveals problems?
If the inspector finds problems in a home, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the home, it only means that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to renegotiate the purchase price because of significant problems discovered during the inspection, or may be willing to rectify the problem himself prior to closing. If your budget is very tight or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours. return to top
6. If the report is good, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely, now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the house and all its equipment and systems. You may also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's report, both verbal and written. You will want to keep the report for future reference. Above all, you will feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision. return to top
7. 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 career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationship of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want. This may lead to a poor assessment and evaluation of the house. return to top