- What is a "Home Inspection"?
- Why do I need a home inspection?
- What will it cost?
- Can't I do it myself?
- Can a house fail inspection?
- When do I call in the home inspector?
- Do I have to be there?
- What if the report reveals problems?
- What if I find problems after I move into my new home?
- If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
- Do I need a home inspection on a new house?
Answer: A home inspection is a professional examination and evaluation of the visible and accessible portions of the physical structure and mechanical systems of a home, from the foundation to the roof. CMC's Home Inspection Expert's reports include an assessment of the condition of the home's central or room air conditioning equipment, interior and exterior plumbing, electrical and heating systems, interior and exterior wals, ceilings and floors, windows, and doors; the roof, attic, and the quality and quantity of visible insulation; the foundation, basement, and structure as well as a complete Certified Termite and Other Wood Boring Insect Report.
Why
do I need a home inspection?
Answer:
The purchase of a home typically represents one of the largest investments
you will make; whether purchased as a primary dwelling, vacation or investment
property. Learning as much as you can about the condition of the property
as well as about the need for any major or minor repairs or upgrades before
you buy allows you to avoid or at least minimized unpleasant surprises
or difficulties. CMC's Home Inspection Experts also point out the positive
aspects of the property as well as recommending maintenance procedures
to follow to keep it in good condition.
For long time home owners, a home inspection can help to identify potential problems and recommend preventative measures to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Answer: A home inspection typically is based upon the size of the structure, number of families, number of utility connections, number of rooms, number of kitchens and baths, the presence of substantial outbuildings, docks or bulkheads, pools, and so forth.
Answer: Even experienced homeowners seldom have had the time and training necessary to acquire the scope of knowledge and experience of CMC's Home Inspection Experts who have inspected thousands of homes in their career. CMC's Home Inspection Experts are familiar with all the elements of home construction, their proper application, function, installation, and maintenance. CMC's Home Inspection Experts understand how and why a home's systems and components are intended to operate and function together, as well as how and why they may fail. Most importantly, AS A BUYER IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMAIN COMPLETELY OBJECTIVE AND UNEMOTIONAL ABOUT THE HOUSE YOU REALLY DESIRE and this may affect your judgment. An unbiased professional home inspection helps to keep the entire evaluation process in proper perspective.
Answer: Absolutely not, a house cannot fail inspection. A professional home inspection is an examination of hte current condition of the prospective property. It is neither an appraisal, which determines market value nor a municipal inspection, which is intended to verify local code compliance. CMC's Home Inspection Experts will not pass or fail a house, but rather they will describe and explain the condition of the home and its environs as they presently exist.
Answer: Whenever practicable, it is best to have a home inspection performed prior to signing a contract. This allows you to be aware of the condition of what you are intending to purchase and to respond appropriately. If you must sign a contract prior to having an inspection performed, it is recommended by professional real estate legal counselors that you consult with your private attorney regarding the insertion of an inspection clause in contract; one which makes the contract contingent upon you and your attorney's evaluation of the findings contained within the inspection report.
Answer: It is not mandated that you be present for the inspection, however, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ATTEND THE INSPECTION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. By being present and observing what the inspector does, you will learn a great deal about the construction and condition of your prospective home. CMC's Home Inspection Experts will answer any of your questions and concerns about the subject property. You will also find the written report easier to understand once you've viewed the property from the inspector's perspective and have had the advantage of receiving the inspector's descriptions and explanations while in the presence of the home's components being inspected.
Answer: Just because the inspector identifies items or systems that need to be addressed, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, simply that now you know in advance what to expect. The property owner may become flexible with the contract terms or purchase price should previously hidden or undisclosed problems be identified.
Answer: No matter how thoroughly performed, no home inspection can categorically guarantee that absolutely no problems whatsoever will develop afte ryou move into your new home. In the unlikely event that a problem is discovered that was not documented in the inspection report and that you feel was both visible and accessible at the time of the initial inspection, you should arrange to meet with the inspector to clarify the situation.
Answer: Yes you still needed the inspection because now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of your home and all its equipment and systems. Because of the inspection you are now equiped with the knowledge that there is nothing seriously wrong with the condition of your home.
Do
I need a home inspection on a new house?
Answer:
Building a new home is a tremendously complex. It involves many people,
usually split up into sub-contractor groups, each working on different
parts and systems of the house. Even for the best builders, it’s
nearly impossible to complete this process without missing something.
Maybe it’s a plumbing fixture that didn’t get tested for leaks,
maybe it’s an electrical box that isn’t working, or any one
of dozens of minor problems that can easily be overlooked in such a major
undertaking. Professionals will find such problems while it is still early
enough for you to bring them up with the builder and have them corrected
before you sign-off and start moving in. For the relatively small cost,
a professional inspection of your new dream home will leave you with a
peace of mind by getting any problems identified and corrected before
they can become an unpleasant surprise.
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