Points for Purchasers

 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective, in-depth visual examination of a home’s structure and operating systems, and should result in a detailed report describing the condition of the home.

 

Why do I need a home inspection?

The main goal of a professional home inspection is to educate yourself about the home you intend to purchase, so that you can make a wise decision and help ensure that there will be fewer surprises later on.

 

Tell me more…

The true cost of a home is the purchase price plus whatever it takes to restore or maintain the home in serviceable condition.  Without a thorough, professional home inspection you may not be aware of the total cost of the home you are considering.  It is essential to have an idea of what to expect…which defects are major, which are minor and the approximate cost of repair, before you commit yourself.  Of course, a fair home inspection should also point out the positive aspects of a house, as well as whether or not the existing systems and structure are capable of providing for any changes or renovations you may have in mind.

 

In short, a home inspection provides you with the knowledge you need to make informed and confident decisions.

 

What should a home inspection include?

A professional home inspection should include a thorough examination of the home, inside and out, from top to bottom.  The resulting report should cover topics including the grounds, exterior, structure, interior, roof, plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical.  Insulation, ventilation, the lot grading and any potential for basement dampness should also be addressed…practically, everything that can be seen without emptying or dismantling the house.

 

Couldn’t I do it myself?

You may have extensive knowledge and may have been involved in repairs or renovations in the past; you might even be a building tradesperson…but most people do not have the kind of knowledge and experience required to effectively perform an inspection and analysis of a complete structure.

 

When do I call in the home inspector?

You may make your offer to purchase conditional upon the findings of a home inspection, and most inspections are booked immediately after acceptance of the conditional offer, although the inspection could be booked at any time.  I require as little as 24 hours notice, and my inspections can even be booked for the same day you call (561) 737-3173 or (561) 791-8511, but it’s better to call as soon as possible to be better assured of getting the appointment time you prefer.

 

Do I have to be there?

Attendance is not necessarily required, but I recommend that you do attend, especially for the first-time home buyer.  In fact, I encourage you to attend the inspection!  It represents an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the property’s technical features and the opportunity to ask questions and learn all kinds of things first hand, from me...your inspector.  In short, there’s nothing quite like being there!

 

Of course, due to some unavoidable circumstances I do frequently conduct my inspections without my clients being present.  In this case, I will call you at the end of the inspection and discuss the highlights of my findings to you.  I can email you your inspection report, or you can access your report on my website at www.nationwidehomeinspectionservices.com under Access Your Report.

 

Also, if there are any additional questions or items of interest related to your customized report that cannot be clarified over the telephone, after you move-in I would be more than happy to schedule a short visit to discuss those items with you personally.

 

What if the report reveals problems?

Almost every report reveals some minor repair and maintenance concerns, even if the property has been well maintained, but these flaws should not normally affect your purchase decision.  If, however, major defects are revealed, you may decide to re-negotiate your offer.  And it is possible that you may decide that the nature of the work required is beyond your means or ability and that the house is not for you.  The choice is yours.

 

However, if you can hold that any problems or defects are not necessarily something “terribly wrong” with the property and look at them simply from “how much will it cost to have it work properly”, then you will have a better, more objective understanding of the true nature of the situation.  Frequently, apparent shortcomings in homes are “part in parcel” with an area or item for which you would like to change or renovate, and unless an item is of immediate concern to your comfort or safely, correction is therefore a redundant consideration.

 

If the report is OK, did I really need an inspection?

Absolutely, and why not?  Aside from the obvious point that we didn’t know everything was OK until I did the inspection…the inspection has given you the opportunity to educate yourself about your new home and how to maintain it.

 

Invariably, I will note areas which are not of immediate concern at the time of the inspection, but could typically become of concern at some later date.  When I point out preventive measures to you, which you can implement and thereby save money in the future by eliminating or reducing failures, you will have acquired value from your inspection. 

 

Who is Nationwide Home Inspection Services?

Nationwide Home Inspection Service is a full-service inspection company specializing in pre-purchase, one year warranty, and pre-listing inspections.  I am a well-trained experienced professional who brings to you many years of combined education and background.

 

Why Nationwide Home Inspection Services?

The fact is, the best way to learn how to do inspections and write reports, is by doing them and writing them.  I provide a prompt, thorough and impartial home inspection at competitive rates.  You will have access to the owner of Nationwide Home Inspection Services for as long as you own your home.  If after you move in, you have questions about the house or your report, or questions about products, materials, methods…just pick up the phone and give me a call.  I’ll be glad to help in any way I can.

 

What else do you do?  Can we call you for estimates?

I can offer consultation and assistance in making decisions about repairs & renovations, but I cannot provide repair or renovation work.  However, if you need assistance in locating reputable resources to assist you, you can visit my website at www.nationwidehomeinspectionservices.com  and go to my Library to access these resources.

 

What will it cost?

Inspection fees vary by size and features of the property, location, and age of the home.  The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain.  Your inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration in your selection.  Please call us for a quote on your particular needs.

 

What kind of guarantee do I get?

An inspection in Florida is described as, “…an opinion of the present condition of the property, based on a visual inspection of the readily accessible features of the building.”

 

An inspection is not a guarantee, warranty or insurance policy.  Without dismantling a house or its systems, and not having built or assembled the house, there are limitations.

 

I can substantially reduce your risk, but I cannot eliminate it, nor do I assume it.