Few of us would consider buying a used car without first having a mechanic look it
over, or at least taking it out for a test drive. Yet that is exactly what many buyers do
when buying a resale home. They often fail to have a professional home inspection
performed on the home they are interested in, even though it is probably the largest and
most important investment they will ever make. Fortunately, there is
a growing industry of home inspectors to fill this gap. Unless you are an expert, it is
highly unlikely that you will catch a home's minor, or sometimes even major, problems
during a typical house viewing. This is why it is important to obtain a professional
unbiased second opinion before making such an important decision.
Top 10 most common problems found by Home
Inspectors
A good home inspector will give you an unbiased assessment of the structural and
mechanical soundness of the home. He or she will identify any existing or potential
problem areas, and give an overview of the condition of the foundation, basement, roof,
windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, plumbing, electrical, heating & cooling
systems. The best inspectors will also make suggestions on how to solve any problems they
discover and give a general estimate of possible costs.
A Home Inspection is the best way to 'test drive' your new home. It allows you to make
your purchase with confidence. It avoids nasty surprises once the deal has closed, and it
offers the chance to rethink or renegotiate an offer if serious concerns do arise.
When hiring a home inspector, make sure of the following:
- That they are well established and have the required experience and credentials.
- That they are independent and unbiased - they have no affiliation with any firms that
might create a conflict of interest.
- That they will provide a thorough written report of their findings.
- That they stand behind their work. What warranties do they provide?
- That they are members of a professional association.
