When you are hunting for a new home hiring a qualified home inspector can play a key role in your decision making process. A home inspection can provide important information for potential home buyers. However, it is important to understand what you should expect from your home inspector. When you review your home inspection report it is important to remember that perceived oversights may in fact just need further explanation.
What to expect from a Home Inspector and the Home Inspection Report.
The Current State of a Property
It is important to remember that when an inspector visits a home to complete an inspection, only the current condition of the property can be assessed. It is not possible to determine all of the repairs which may have been previously completed in a visual inspection or during a single visit. Additionally, even the most qualified home inspector cannot be expected to predict potential repairs that may become necessary in the future.
Code Determination
It is a common misconception that home inspectors will assess the code qualifications of a home. This can lead to confusion and frustration on the part of a property owner. If you have recently purchased a home after having it inspected, it is important that you are aware that determining whether a home meets code compliance is not part of a home inspector’s job. If you plan to use a contractor to make repairs or modifications, you may also want to have them examine the home before you purchase it.
What Should You Expect?
When you pay for a home inspection, what you receive is an objective visual assessment of the property. This means a basic overview of the home, from the foundation to the roof. All home inspections should be performed in accordance with industry Standards of Practice. These standards are commonly recognized by entities such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the California Real Estate Inspectors Association (CREIA). You should never hesitate to ask your inspector exactly what will be included in the inspection if you have any questions.
Northern California Home Inspections You Can Trust
HomeGuard is a leading resource for home inspections in Northern California. We also offer termite inspections and NHD reports. Call us today at 855-331-1900, or contact us online for a free quote.