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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a home inspection?
- Why do I need an inspection
- What is required to be a home inspector?
- What will an inspection cost?
- Can't I do it myself?
- Can a house fail inspection?
- When do I call in the home inspector?
- Do I have to be there?
- Can a Seller have their house inspected prior to listing the house for sale?
- If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
- Do I need an inspection on a brand new house?
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home
inspector's report will include an evaluation of the condition of the
home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting),
interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible
insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation,
basement, and visible structure.
Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector will identify them in the report and recommend repair or evaluation by the appropriate specialist or tradesperson.
Why do I need an inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will
ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of
the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that
you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.
Of course, an inspection will also point out positive aspects of a home,
as well as some maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good
shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding
of the property you are about to purchase, and will be able to make a
confident buying decision.
If you have owned your home for a long time, an inspection can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. In addition, home sellers may opt for having an inspection prior to placing the home on the market to gain a better understanding of conditions which the buyer's inspector may point out. This provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
What is required to be a home inspector?
All Arizona home inspectors must be certified by the Arizona Board of
Technical Registration, (BTR). The basic requirements include completing
80 hours of comprehensive classroom training, passing the National Home
Inspector Exam and completing 30 parallel inspections with a certified
home inspector. These are minimum qualifications and may be sufficient
for state licensing, but do not guarantee that the inspector has sufficient
experience and knowledge to inspect all types and ages of houses and systems.
Before you hire an inspector, it makes sense to find out their background,
experience, how many inspections they have completed & especially
what their customers have to say about the service. Click
Here to see what All-Pro Inspections clients have to say about the
quality services they have received.
What will an inspection cost?
The cost of an inspection varies based upon a number of factors, including
size, age, special services requested, etc. However, do not let cost be
a factor in deciding whether or not to have a inspection, or in the selection
of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well
worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain.
The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.
Rather, you should consider the inspection as an investment that will pay for itself many times over. You do not want the life-changing decision of buying a home to be something to regret.
Can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge, objectivity
and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected thousands
of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with all the elements
of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He or
she understands how the home's systems and components are intended to
function together, as well as how and why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate picture, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of inspection.
Can a house fail inspection?
No. A professional inspection is an examination of the current condition
of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market
value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance.
A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather
describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
When do I call in the home inspector?
A home inspector is typically called right after the contract or purchase
agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However,
before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract,
making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional
inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer
and seller are obligated.
Do I have to be there?
It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is
recommended you be there for the inspection wrap-up. By observing and
asking questions at the wrap-up, you will learn a great deal about the
condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You
will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen
the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.
What if the report reveals problems? No house is perfect. If the inspector finds problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.
Can a Seller have their house inspected prior to listing the
house for sale?
Absolutely! A pre-listing inspection can identify concerns with the house
and give the seller the opportunity to correct the problems prior to the
sale. In this way, there will be no ‘suprises’ that
come up during the buyer’s inspection. Concerns identified
by the buyer’s inspection are often blown out of proportion due
to the additional stress and time constraints involved with the real estate
transaction. The pre-listing inspection allows the seller to address
concerns in a rational and effective manner outside the real estate transaction
environment thus ensuring the successful sale of your home.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need
an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind
about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems.
You will also have learned a few things about your new home from the inspector's
report, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Above
all, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed purchase
decision, and that you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you
want to.
Do I need an inspection on a brand new house?
Although builders do offer a warranty on their home, it is up to the buyer
to identify problems to be corrected by the builder. Generally,
builders allow the buyer to complete a walk through inspection to identify
cosmetic concerns that are readily visible to the new homeowner.
A professional inspection identifies functional problems related to the
major systems that would not be identified during the walkthrough inspection.
For example, is there sufficient insulation in the attic, are the electrical
plugs wired properly and GFCI protected where required, roof issues, structural
problems, etc. The new home inspection allows you to correct problems
under the builder warranty, save you costly repairs and to provide you
with peace of mind after you move in and when you eventually sell the
house.
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Home Inspectors, serving the entire Phoenix metro area including:
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Inspections, Inc.
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