For Buyers

Home Inspections (and why you should get one)

You have the right to request an inspection of any property you are thinking of purchasing by a professional inspector of your choice. You should always exercise your option to have the physical condition of the property and its inclusions inspected. Many of the more severe and expensive problems such as mechanical, electrical, structural, and plumbing are not noticeable to the untrained eye. A professionally conducted home inspection followed by a written evaluation is becoming standard procedure in home buying because of increased buyer awareness and savvy.

What kind of inspector should I look for?

Since an increasing number of buyers are requesting property inspections, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people entering the inspection field. I highly suggest that you hire an insured, ASHI certified home inspector. I will gladly offer you recommendations.

What does an inspection entail?

A qualified inspector will follow Standards of Practice in conducting their inspection. The inspection consists of a physical inspection of the home with the purchaser present, followed by a written report detailing their findings. They report on the general condition of the home’s electrical, heating, and air systems, interior plumbing, built-in appliances, roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, and visible structure. The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home. No homeis perfect. It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair for the well being of the home and that might require significant expense. Other inspections you may want to consider depending on the home may include, radon, lead based paint, pest, asbestos, septic and zoning.

Education is necessary

The primary purpose of the inspection is to educate the buyer to make an informed purchasing decision. The inspector should allow and even encourage the buyer to attend the home inspection. Of course, we will also be there. A good home inspector knows how the home’s many systems and components work together and how to minimize the damaging effects of sun and water. The buyer’s attendance of the inspection provides them with an overall idea of possible future repair costs and maintenance routines. This is valuable information, which could increase the life span, and perhaps the future selling price of the home.

Time and fee guidelines for the inspection

The time necessary to properly inspect a home, as well as the fee charged by an inspector, varies according to location, the size and age of the home, and the individual inspection company. However, you can expect that it will take an average of two to three hours to competently inspect a typical one-family, three-bedroom home, with an average cost of $300 to $500.

May we recommend*

Frank Burns – Frank Homes Inspections 602-570-8147
Alta-Vista Inspection Services 480-816-8552
IQ Home Inspections 602-290-5904

*We are happy to assist you with the contact information for various contractors and service providers our clients have hired in the past, such as those listed to the right. If we give you the name of any service provider, contractor or entity for any purpose, it is your responsibility to investigate and evaluate their qualifications and licensing status. Any decision you make to enter into a contractual relationship with any of the referrals provided to you by us will be based solely upon your investigation and evaluation. We are providing these referrals to you as a convenience only. Please understand that it is impossible for us to guarantee that anyone we refer to you will not make a mistake. If you should have a problem with anyone we suggest, you should contact them directly and request that they fix the issue. If they do not, you have a right to file a complaint with the Registrar of Contractors and/or Better Business Bureau. If you have any questions or need additional information, please email us or give us a call.