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"Do I Really Need a Home Inspector?" Reading, PA

By David Artigliere

Home Inspector with Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia

April 06, 2011 04:01 AM

"Do I Really Need a Home Inspector?" Reading, PA

happy family

Chances are - YES!

I met a guy named Ron last week who was telling me he opted out of getting a Home Inspector for the Reading, PA home he was buying back in 2005.

After just several months in the home, he noticed the walls on the top level of his split level had separated from the ceiling and left a big gap of about an inch or more in some places. What happened was the footer for the home was above the frost line so when it was cold enough, the foundation wall lifted up. When he was buying the home, he did not notice the signs and it ended up costing him thousands of dollars in repairs. Ron said he would never make that mistake again and stated, "I really needed a Home Inspector, but I didn't know this back then. I learned my lesson the hard, expensive way. It would have been worth the $310 to get that peace-of-mind."

A home inspector in Reading, PA (or whereever you live) is going to be familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance, and home safety. He knows how the home's systems and components are intended to function together and why they fail. Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector.

Who Needs a Home Inspector?

tall house

1) Home Buyers- Buying a home could be the largest single investment you'll ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspector can point out the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep your home in good shape for years to come. After the home inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

2) Home Owners- If you're already a homeowner, a home inspector can identify problems in the making and suggest preventative measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

3) Home Sellers- If you are planning to put your home on the market, a home inspector can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

To better answer this question and other questions such as:

1) When do I call a Home Inspector?

2) Do I have to be there?

3) What does a Home Inspection include?

Visit ARTI Home Inspections LLC or visit David Artigliere's other blogs on ActiveRain like Why Can't I Inspect that Phoenixville Home Myself?

Book your Home Inspection in Reading, PA or surrounding Berks County today!

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David Artigliere with ARTI Home Inspections LLC is a ASHI-certified Home Inspector in Reading & Surrounding Berks county offering property inspections 7 Days a Week.

Call us at 610-779-1163 for your next Home Inspection!!!

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Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

David - great post (I'm hitting Suggest!) I have had only 3 clients in my career who did not take my advice and have an inspection. All 3 had issues and one took me and my Seller to court.

The judge said, "where is your Home Inspector; why is he not here".

I asked the judge if I could answer that and the judge allowed me to say,

"He is sitting beside her; it was her Grandfather she chose to be her inspector instead of who I recommended."

I had my inspector there as my expert. When he was called to the stand, he said he would have advised further investigation before waiving conditions.

Case dismissed!

In all three cases I wrote in the contract that "the Buyer has completed due diligence and is proceeding against the advice of their Agent with regard to not having a Building Inspection"

Apr 06, 2011 04:27 AM

David Artigliere

Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA

ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Susan,

It's amazing the stories I hear of Buyers (who waived the home inspection contingency) taking Sellers to court like you mentioned. Honestly, the sellers don't always know the condition of their home or the lurking potential disasters. A good Buyer's Agent would recommend a professional home inspector to protect her clients. If the client wants to save money on a deal, this is not the way to do it!

Apr 06, 2011 05:58 AM

David - what angered me was that the Grandfather wouldn't 'man up' and admit he made a mistake. He ended up costing his 25 year old granddaughter a great deal of money in the home but also in court costs which she was liable for. Hers, mine, and the Sellers!

So unnecessary!

Apr 06, 2011 06:06 AM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

I love personal interest stories. They really bring things down to a personal level. Maybe that’s why they are called personal interest stories! JJJJ

By the way, stop by and see my Pay It Forward Google juice Part 9 post; you have a shout out!

Apr 06, 2011 04:14 PM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

If I have a buyer that says they don't want or need a home inspection, I will have them put that in writing. It is the BEST idea to know what you are getting into!

Apr 07, 2011 02:32 AM

Joan, you are wise to put that in writing. It really is up to the Buyer to decide on what contingencies they want and to have it in writing that you gave them the necessary information better protects everyone in the transaction.

Apr 07, 2011 05:40 AM

Thanks for the shout out, Russell!

Apr 07, 2011 05:44 AM

Gloria Todor

Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA

& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

David, Home inspections are so important. I always ask people if they were to buy a used car would they have someone look it over before they purchased it? That usually helps them understand.

Good post.

Gloria

Apr 07, 2011 02:12 PM

Really great point, Gloria! Thanks for reading.

Apr 08, 2011 03:07 AM

Anonymous

fort worth home inspector

The least expensive person is often the person with the least experience, ability and technical savvy.Remember Even when a new home has met code, it should have a home inspection.Always ask about licensing, professional affiliations and credentials.Follow up on the inspection report before closing on your house.

always do your homework to ask the home inspectors proper questions to www.realtyinspectionsdfw.com to help you avoid making your home purchase your most costly mistake.

Dec 05, 2012 11:59 AM

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"Do I Really Need a Home Inspector?" Reading, PA

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