Appraisers are not home inspectors. We determine the current value of your home. We do recommend a home inspection to determine the conditions of the home you plan to buy. It is also helpful for a seller to see if issues with your home need to be fixed, before putting you house on the market.
The following are 5 things you need to know about home inspections.
1. You can choose your home inspector.
Your real estate professional can recommend one, or you can find one on your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc., must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions, not cosmetic flaws.
You should attend the inspection and follow the inspector throughout the inspection so you can see what's important and what's not. No house is perfect. An inspection on any house is bound to uncover something. A home inspector will point out items that need repair, and potential safety related issues. They do not do destructive testing.
3. Home inspection reports include only the basics.
A home inspector considered hundreds of items during an average inspection. The home inspection should include the home's exterior, steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roof, windows, and doors. Inside they will look at attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating and air conditioning, basement/crawl spaces and garages. They report on the working order of items, such as faucets to see if they leek or not, and garage doors to see if they close properly.
4. Home inspectors work for the party who is paying the fee.
The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics clearly state the members act as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction. A reputable home inspector will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is contingent on untruthful conclusions.
5. Home inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home.
Inspectors don't go behind walls or under flooring, so it's possible that a serious problem could be overlooked. Keep in mind that inspectors are not part of the real estate transaction. If you're buying a home where an expensive problem surfaces after the sale, you may not be entitled to any compensation beyond the cost of the inspection.
As a buyer, you need the home inspections to see if the home is a condition that you can tolerate. You can use the report to show the seller the need for certain repairs or to negotiate a better price.
As a seller, you can use the report to avoid surprises with the home inspection that your buyer will have. Doing some repairs in advance of listing your home can eliminate headaches later.