A successful real estate transaction is often dependent upon the home inspector’s level of competence, but many buyers assume that the inspector they’ve hired has all the skills and training necessary to conduct the inspection. If you’ve hired someone to inspect your potential home, or you’re selling and need to know if there are any unseen problems, consider these five things before you sign a contract.
Ensure that Your Inspector is Accredited
There are several organizations which help to set standards for Home Inspections Cincinnati and elsewhere. For instance, NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) members must meet strict guidelines for each membership level; they must also complete a training program, demonstrate competence and experience, take an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics. Continuing education is also important for home inspectors; one who has done a minimum of 250 inspections and has passed the exam can earn a Certified Real Estate Inspector designation.
The Inspection Report’s Basic Information
A typical home inspection covers almost one thousand items. The process is a bit different from one home to the next, but always includes the exterior, the deck, the foundation, walls, roofs, chimneys, doors and windows, attic, electrical wiring, heating/AC, plumbing, basement and garage. Inspections are Meant to Show Structural Flaws, not Cosmetic
No home is perfect, and any inspection will show a fault or two. An accredited home inspector will point out conditions that are questionable or dangerous, but will skip over cosmetic or minor issues. If there is a problem with the foundation, the seller may need to hire one of the area’s professional concrete contractors.
Inspectors Work in Favor of the Person Paying
The code of ethics states that the home inspector should remain an impartial third party, and will not prepare a report where their fee is contingent upon the verdict going a certain way. Disputes May be Decided via Conflict Resolution
If you hire an inspector and are dissatisfied, you can contact the NAHI for a resolution. Bear in mind that the inspector has nothing to do with the sale; if you find a costly problem after the sale is final, that person will not be liable.
When buying a home, you shouldn’t skip an inspection because the seller is pressuring you to move forward. Paying for a home inspection is a reasonable request, and you have the right by law to do so.
