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You have the right
to request an inspection of any property you are thinking of purchasing
by a professional inspector of your choice. You should always exercise
your option to have the physical condition of the property and its inclusions
inspected. Many of the more severe and expensive problems such as mechanical,
electrical, structural, and plumbing are not noticeable to the untrained
eye. If repairs are needed, the buyer may be able to negotiate to have
the work done by the seller, or lower the price of the home based on
the cost of the repairs. A professionally conducted home inspection
followed by a written evaluation is becoming standard procedure in home
buying because of increased buyer awareness and savvy.
Are
inspectors licensed?
Since
an increasing number of buyers are requesting property inspections, there
has been a rapid increase in the number of people entering the inspection
field, the State of Massachusetts does require testing and licensing
of inspectors.
What
does an inspection entail?
A qualified
inspector will follow Standards of Practice in conducting their inspection.
The inspection consists of a physical inspection of the home with the
purchaser present, followed by a written report detailing their findings.
They report on the general condition of the home's electrical, heating,
and air systems, interior plumbing, roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings,
floors, windows, doors, foundation, and visible structure. The inspection
is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect in the home.
No home is perfect. It is intended to report on major damage or serious
problems that require repair for the well being of the home and that might
require significant expense. It is the buyers' chance to get objective
information about the house that may become their home.
Buyer
education is necessary -
The
primary purpose of the inspection is to educate the buyer to make an informed
purchasing decision. The buyer should attend the home inspection.
A good home inspector knows how the home's many systems and components
work together and how to minimize the damaging effects of sun and water.
The buyer's attendance of the inspection provides them with an over all
idea of possible future repair costs and maintenance routines. This is
valuable information, which could increase the life span, and perhaps
the future selling price of the home.
Continuing
education is important for inspectors -
A competent
home inspector is familiar with the latest construction materials, home
building techniques, and professional equipment. Consumers should research
whether prospective home inspectors actively monitor the changes in construction
and real estate in order to keep their business practices current and
professional. Members of the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors
must meet annual continuing education requirements for this purpose.
Time
and fee guidelines for the inspection -
The
time necessary to properly inspect a home, as well as the fee charged
by an inspector, varies according to market location, the size and age
of the home, and the individual inspection company. However, you can expect
that it will take an average of two to three hours to competently inspect
a typical one-family, three-bedroom home, with an average cost of $100
to $300.
Inspection
extras -
Some
inspectors may be qualified to provide other types of services with their
inspection such as: lead paint, pests, wood destroying insects, including
termites, and air quality including radon gas. These tests are not part
of the basic home inspection and should be contracted through qualified
licensed professionals in those fields.
It is strongly recommended that these tests are performed for a
thorough and accurate home inspection.
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