What a home inspection is, and what to expect. A home inspection is one of the most important things that a
homeowner, seller, or buyer can order to be done to their home or potential home. It is an objective visual
examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The goal of a
home inspection is to give the client a much better understanding of the physical condition of the structure
and major components of the home than would otherwise be known. It is your best opportunity to get to know as
much about your new home as possible The home inspection is the most important part of any transaction of a
property and it is essential to protecting your financial investment.
The average time for a home inspection is generally 2 hours for a condo and 2-3 hours for a single family home.
The cost can range from $200 to $500 or more depending on the size and condition of the property. The cost of a
home inspection is a very small part of the expense of buying a home. The client should also plan on being
present when the home inspection is taking place. This will help them have a better understanding of the report
and the problems listed in it. You should also keep in mind that a home inspection is NOT a guarantee or warranty
of the property you had inspected nor is it a certification of compliance with building codes. Once the home
inspection is completed, the buyer has the choice of requesting repairs or voiding the contract with
earnest money refunded.
A professional home inspection is only as good as the inspector's knowledge, building experience and ability to
convey information to you. Because of the importance of a home inspection, you should choose your home inspector
wisely. Selecting a qualified home inspector can be a difficult task. Your realtor should be able to give you a
list of 3 or 4 home inspectors that you can choose from. A good rule of thumb is to look for inspectors with five
or more years of on-the-job experience in the home inspection field. You should also ask for referrences of past
clients. A good inspector should be willing to give out references of past clients, who can talk about their home
inspection experience. You should also verify that they carry E&O (errors and emissions) insurance. This will
protect you in the event that the inspector misses something that ends up being a costly repair after you move in.
Home inspectors in Illinois are required to be licensed, but in many states there is no licensing requirement.
A little research on your own will go a long way in helping you select the right inspector for the job.
It is obvious from the above that home inspection is serious business. While not required by law, a home inspection
is always a good idea. A through home inspection will give you peace of mind in knowing you are making a sound investment.
Steve
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