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The following information was obtained from the American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI). JFM's inspectors are full members in good standing with
ASHI and are fully licensed to do home inspections in the State of New Jersey,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure
and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection is the
equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms
of problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or
remedies. Click here for a description of
the purpose and scope of a home inspection (Section 2 ASHI Standards of
Practice) and determined by ASHI.
What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection summarizes findings from a visual inspection of the
condition of the subject home. The following are some of the major items
included in the home inspection as per guidelines established by
ASHI.
For
the full ASHI Standards of Practice document, click
here. For a listing of Section 13, ASHI Standards of Practice Limitations,
click here.
Why do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need
for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near
future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize
their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before
executing an agreement for sale or purchase.
A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an
inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and
needs of the property.
For homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making
and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home
on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be
discovered by the buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make
repairs that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers.
Can’t I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional home inspector. A professional home inspector has the experience,
depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the
condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home
construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector
understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function
together, as well as how and why they fail and knows what to look for and is
uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition of
the property.
Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional about the
house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most
accurate information about the condition of a home, always obtain an impartial
third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of
your home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal
inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home
inspector will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the
physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or
replacement.
When do I call in the home inspector?
Before you sign the contract or purchase agreement, make your 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. Contact a home inspector immediately after the contract or purchase
agreement has been signed. Home inspectors are aware of the time constraints
involved in purchase agreements and most are available to conduct the required
inspection within a few days.
Do I have to be there?
While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always recommended that
you make time to join the inspector for their visit. This allows you to observe
the inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how
its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property
with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not
indicate you should not buy the house. His findings serve to educate you in
advance of the purchase about the condition of the property. A seller may adjust
the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an
inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be involved in
future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an
inspection?
Yes. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the condition
of the property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will
have learned many things about your new home, and will want to keep that
information for future reference.
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