Important questions to ask your home inspector.

When purchasing a home, home inspections often put the buyer's mind at ease and may allow for renegotiation. An inspection also gives buyers an opportunity to opt out of the sale if major problems are discovered. Here are some important questions that buyers should ask their home inspector.

• Are you a member in good standing of a professional inspectors organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)? (Some states require a license).Inspectors (NIBI)? (Some states require a license).
• What is your specialty? If the inspector only has training in one area and has no other expertise, the inspection may not be comprehensive. 
• Do you have references? 
• How long have you been in business and how many inspections have you performed? 
• What advanced technology do you use? (i.e.-infrared camera, ultrasound machine)What exactly does the inspection cover? (i.e.-plumbing, heat, electric, structure, alarms, sewer, foundation)
• Can we accompany you on the inspection?
• Do you carry all necessary insurance, including professional liability, general liability, and errors and omissions insurance?
• Does the report include estimates of repair costs
• Do you offer a written guarantee on the inspection?What type of report will I receive, and when will I receive it?

If there is a specific area of concern, hiring a professional who specializes in that area may beneficial. Also, be aware that there may be a conflict of interest if the home inspector also offers to perform repairs.

Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector

When purchasing a home, home inspections often put the buyer's mind at ease and may allow for renegotiation. An inspection also gives buyers an opportunity to opt out of the sale if major problems are discovered. Here are some important questions that buyers should ask their home inspector.

• Are you a member in good standing of a professional inspectors organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)? (Some states require a license)
• What is your specialty? If the inspector only has training in one area and has no other expertise, the inspection may not be comprehensive.
• What exactly does the inspection cover? (i.e.-plumbing, heat, electric, structure, alarms, sewer, foundation).
• Do you have references? How long have you been in business and how many inspections have you performed?
• What advanced technology do you use? (i.e.-infrared camera, ultrasound machine)
• Do you carry all necessary insurance, including professional liability, general liability, and errors and omissions insurance?
• Does the report include estimates of repair costs?
• Do you offer a written guarantee on the inspection?
• What type of report will I receive, and when will I receive it?

If there is a specific area of concern, hiring a professional who specializes in that area may beneficial. Also, be aware that there may be a conflict of interest if the home inspector also offers to perform repairs.

New Homes Need Inspections Too

As California recently announced, current incentives to spur sales of New Construction have prompted great interest in purchasing such properties.

So let's say you just signed a contract to purchase a brand new home from a reputable builder. But even though it comes with a homeowner’s warranty, has never been lived in, and will be inspected throughout the construction process by local government officials, experts suggest that you hire an independent home inspector to check it out.

Even new homes come with defects, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). And it takes a professional to spot them. Many items can't be inspected once a house is completed. That’s why ASHI recommends that buyers consider having a series of phased inspections conducted at key points in the construction process: prior to the foundation pour, prior to insulation and drywall installation, and prior to the final walkthrough. These types of phased inspections may be added to the contract during negotiations.

Catching problems early will save homebuyers time—and money—later on.

But why have your own inspections? Aren’t buyers protected by the inspections done by local government officials?

While it’s true that local governments have oversight over the homebuilding process, building officials can and do miss things. In addition, a newly constructed home could have a problem that doesn’t rise to the level of a code violation yet could have serious consequences for a new homeowner. Remember, the building code contains a set of minimum standards to which a builder is required to adhere.

To find a certified home inspector, use the “Find an Inspector” tool on the ASHI Web site, at www.ASHI.org. Or simply ask your real estate professional for a recommendation. He or she can provide you with the names of several licensed inspectors in your area.

To learn more about recent California New Construction incentives call our REALTORS at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes at 626.358.1858 / Monrovia and 626.963.7621 / Glendora or visit us on-line: www.c21ab.net