Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions.
The standard home inspector's report will review 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, and visible structure.
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards, you should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for major repairs before you buy.
Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in goods shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the house you are about to purchase.
If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measure that might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of condition that may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and give your the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. It is a good idea to check local price on your own.
However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home 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 experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.
Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many 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 difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate inspection, it is best to obtain an impartial third party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
No. A professional home 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 major repair or replacement.
The best sources are friends, or perhaps business acquaintances, who have been satisfied with and can recommend home inspectors they have used. In addition, the names of local inspectors can be found in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service." Real estate agents and brokers are also familiar with the service,, and should be able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you will want to make sure that the home inspector is a Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) in order to be assured of his or her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics. A list of ASHI® membership in your area is available at http://www.ashi.com/, or by calling (800) 743-ASHI.
Lot of helpful information can be found at the HUD website. http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/insp/inspfaq.cfm
Also check out the Federal Citizen Information Center at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/inspection/home.htm
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) is the oldest and largest non-profit professional association for home inspectors. Since its formation in 1976, ASHI®'s "Standards of Practice" have served as the home inspector's performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities alike. Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI®, or your local ASHI® inspector.
ASHI® Members subscribe to a professional Code of Ethics that prohibits them from engaging in conflict of interest activities that might compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit repair work.
In order to assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI® sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its 8- plus Chapters. ASHI® also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
The Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI) is a statewide professional organization formed in 1977 with a current membership of over 470 inspectors and related professionals. TAREI promotes a professional code of ethics for its members; reviews and upgrades minimum standards; provides recommendations to the Texas Real Estate Commission; and conducts statewide continuing education programs for all inspectors.
The mission of the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors is to enhance consumer protection by providing quality education and training to our members. TAREI provides leadership in our industry and promotes excellence within our profession by establishing and maintaining the highest standards and ethics.
The mission of the Texas Real Estate Commission is to assist and protect consumers of real estate services, thereby fostering economic growth in Texas.
Through its programs of education, licensing and industry regulation, the Commission ensures the availability of capable and honest real estate service providers.
TREC is the state's regulatory agency for:
TREC exists to protect and serve the citizens of Texas. The Commission's programs of education, licensing and industry regulation ensure that real estate service providers are honest, trustworthy and competent.
TREC requires that all real estate brokers and salespersons meet and maintain specified levels of education to hold a license to act as a real estate agent. Agents are required to follow the provisions of The Real Estate License Act and the Rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission in all transactions and to deal with the public in a competent and honest manner. The Commission also licenses real estate inspectors, residential service companies, real estate schools and registers timeshare properties.
TREC has a statutory relationship with three state entities:
the Commission partners with the
The Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) provides technical, educational, and administrative support to governmental departments and agencies engaged in building codes administration and enforcement. SBCCI also provides similar support to others in the building design and construction industry.
What does the Texas Structural Pest Control Board do?
The Structural Pest Control Board is responsible for regulating the Pest Control Industry in the State of Texas. Our mission is to provide a vital function in the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Texas and the environment by licensing, regulating, and setting standards and criteria for Structural Pest Control. We act as an investigative arm of the Environmental Protection Agency.
We:
Appropriately license all individuals in commercial and noncommercial businesses entities;
A home inspector is typically contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
While it is not required for you to be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn 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.
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies 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 adjust the purchase price or make repairs if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, o if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written 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 should.
There are some real estate sales agents that would prefer that no defects were discovered prior to closing of escrow that may "Kill the deal". Unfortunately there are real estate inspectors in the industry that will cater to these types of sale agents. Most professional Realtors do not operate in this unprofessional manner, and want a true representative account the condition of the property by a professional inspector to protect the interests of their clients. As a buyer you need to know to true condition of a property prior to purchase so that you can make a educated decision if this house is the right one for your needs. There may be things found during an inspection that you did not what to hear, but it is better to hear them prior to ownership when someone else is responsible for the cost of repair. Our inspectors are trained to explain conditions in a non-alarming manner as to how the condition may be repair and the approximate associated costs.
A home inspection is not a guarantee that problems won't develop after you move in. However if you believe that a problem was already visible at the time of the inspection and should have been mentioned in the report, your first step should be to contact and meet with the inspector to clarify the situation. Misunderstandings are often resolved in this manner.
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Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Goodspeed Inspection Services, Inc.
Copyright © 2006
Goodspeed Inspection Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised:
03/06/2006.