As the housing market heats up, prospective homebuyers are faced with more competition and higher prices. It’s even more important than ever to do your research and find a good deal on a home that fits your needs and budget. Getting a professional home inspection is one of the best investments you can make, because it helps you to understand the condition of a property before you buy it. A professional home inspector can point out issues that need to be addressed, which will help you to negotiate with the seller or walk away from the purchase.
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. The home inspector evaluates the safety of the dwelling and its components and recommends any required maintenance. The scope of a home inspection is limited by time and resources, but it should cover all accessible areas of the house and grounds. The following are some of the items that a qualified home inspector should look for:
Plumbing: The home inspector checks to see if water flows through pipes correctly, including whether they’re in working order and if there are any leaks. They’ll also test the temperature of the hot water and check if there’s enough pressure. They’ll examine the home’s drains and sewer lines as well as toilets and sinks to make sure they work properly. The home inspector will also look for things like rusty or stained pipes and exposed wiring.
If the home inspector finds anything that needs to be repaired, they will describe the problem and give an estimate of the cost. Then the home buyer can request repairs from the seller or ask for a credit to apply toward closing costs. A realtor can help you decide how to approach the issue of problems found during the inspection.
It’s generally a bad idea for people not involved in the home purchase to tag along on an inspection, regardless of who is paying the home inspector. It can create a stressful environment and it’s easy for uninvolved parties to get hurt or steal items. Also, it’s illegal in most states for an inspector to enter the home of a person without their permission.
A home inspector should be licensed by the state in which they operate, and should follow the guidelines set forth by that governing body. In Pennsylvania, PA Act 114 stipulates what inspectors can and cannot do. Several licensing bills have been introduced in the legislature over the years, but none have passed. In the meantime, state governing bodies have established documented guidelines that help protect buyers and inspectors alike. If you have a complaint about an inspector, contact the appropriate state agency. Often, the problem will be resolved through a simple misunderstanding or by the inspector providing additional explanation. Other times, the governing body will investigate and impose sanctions. For example, if an inspector is found guilty of “fraudulent practices or unprofessional conduct,” they could lose their license.