Finding an inspector | When problems are found
Doing it yourself
You've walked through a house half a dozen times. You've checked the faucets, toilets, electrical outlets, lawn sprinklers and garage door opener. You've been up on the roof and down in the basement and everything checks out.
Then you tell yourself: I don't need a professional home inspection.
Or do you? Did you check for radon contamination, which is said to kill thousands of homeowners each year? How about leaded paint, a cause of mental retardation when ingested by young children? Surely you measured carbon monoxide emissions from the furnace, a common cause of death. Did you watch for "red flags" that signal a need for further investigation? (These might include large cracks that have been plastered over and painted, barely visible leakage stains on ceilings, sagging floors and support beams or exposed electrical wiring.)
Buyers often rely on the formal appraisal for reassurance about the house's condition, but keep in mind that appraisers often overlook mechanical and structural defects that are not readily apparent. This is where an inspector comes in. Hire one, especially if the building is more than 10 years old. This home is probably the largest single expenditure of your life. It's worth a few hundred dollars to learn all you can about it.
Finding an
Inspector
Check the Yellow Pages under "Building Inspection," or check in our directory of
inspectors. Try to use a firm that's licensed and belongs to a nationally recognized
association such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Ask in advance about
the fee and exactly what the inspection will include; this is a competitive business. The
ASHI specifies minimum requirements one should expect from a professional inspector.
Finally, insist on tagging along during the inspection. You'll learn much about the maintenance and repair of what could be your new home.
When Problems Are Found
Inspectors commonly find problems in the homes they scrutinize, though they are most often
minor. The buyer and seller usually negotiate through these developments, aided by lawyers
and real estate agents, and the sale goes through. The seller might agree to fix the
problem before closing, or to pay the cost of any necessary repairs. At closing, the
escrow company holds back sufficient proceeds to guarantee payment. Often the players
agree on a lower sale price to avoid the red tape.
Most sale contracts are contingent upon attorney approval and inspection. If seller and buyer can't agree on a resolution to problems revealed by an inspection, the deal may fall through.
Doing it Yourself
The best professional home inspectors carry with them years of experience and an
assortment of specialized tools. Many buyers who choose the do-it-yourself route later
wish they hadn't. If you insist on being your own home inspector, you must turn a
skeptical eye upon some seemingly innocuous facets of the structure. Use a checklist
(available from real estate agents, libraries and real estate publications). If your
inspection is less than professional, try to secure some protection; ask the seller to
disclose known defects and to certify the condition of the premises. If in doubt, go with
a pro.