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January 2005
Index of all
past
Affiliate Corner columns
What is a home inspection?
by Rob Knepshield, BK Property Inspections
Homebuyers who are now entering the marketplace view a home inspection as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime.
A home inspection is an objective examination of the condition of the visible and accessible components of a home. It buyers to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies before they buy, and it minimizes any unpleasant surprises or significant financial burdens later on.
Home inspectors do not point out every small problem or defect in a home. Minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent without the aid of a professional. The inspection also should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, or a guarantee of any kind.
The inspector's observations or recommendations may help to dispel homebuyer anxieties and provide useful home repair and maintenance suggestions. American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) members believe that better educated home buyers will be better educated home owners.
The home inspector's service is primarily to provide education to the buyer. The goal of the inspector is to offer homeowners a better understanding of the physical condition of their prospective home, giving them peace of mind and helping them make smart decisions.
Home inspections take about one hour per thousand square feet. The areas inspected are:
- Grounds
- Exterior
- Foundation
- Roof
- Plumbing
- Heating and air conditioning
- Electrical
- Interior
- Garage
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
The delivery of the report to the homeowner can vary. Some are given at the end of the inspection, some one to two days later. They can be a hand-written checklist, checklist narrative, and/or a computer generated report. It is important to see how and when the report is delivered because it could be given past the inspection deadline. Because there is no licensing of home inspectors currently in Colorado, the wide variety of inspections and inspection reports can be wide.
One last important factor to research about a home inspection company is whether or not it carries Errors and Omissions insurance. Unlike REALTORS®, who are required to have E&O insurance, only about 25 percent of practicing home inspectors carry this kind of insurance. It can protect you and your investment.
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