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By Dana Dratch • Bankrate.com
What is a home inspection
A home inspection is a mainly visual evaluation of a home’s condition. Home inspectors typically provide inspection services to determine the performance of the home. The inspection isn’t just about identifying problems with the house. A thorough inspector considers the appointment a master class in your new home. “We want to teach them how to maintain the property, because it’s the biggest investment they’ll ever make,” says Alden E. Gibson, ACI and RHI, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and president of Inspections by Gibson. Getting a home inspection? Here are the 5 mistakes to avoid.5 home inspection mistakes to avoid
- Not researching the inspector.
- Not attending the inspection.
- Not reading the inspection report.
- Not getting a presale inspection.
- Not prepping the home.
1. Not researching the inspector
Too many buyers and sellers take whatever name is recommended without doing research. The inspection is only as good as the inspector doing it, says Troy Bloxom, president of the National Association of Home Inspectors and owner of Home Inspections Plus, near Anchorage, Alaska. A few questions to ask:- How long have you been inspecting homes?
- How many inspections have you done?
- What are your qualifications, certifications and training?
- What was your job before you were a home inspector? (Ideally, your pro was in contracting or building.)
2. Not attending the inspection
Attendance may not be mandatory, but it’s a good idea. Just reading that inspection report isn’t enough for most homeowners to get the full picture, Gibson says. “If they don’t see it, they don’t understand it.” Gibson adds that he turns down 50 inspections a year “because people can’t be there or don’t want to be there.” Mitenbuler says, “Any home inspector who doesn’t let you follow him around? That’s weird. Ask me any question you want.” Set aside enough time for the whole thing, Gibson says. The inspection will take an entire morning or an afternoon. Some inspectors will sit with you after the inspection to explain things and answer questions, he says.Many localities don’t allow inspectors to offer advice on whether to buy the home, Mitenbuler says. But a good inspector can give you an estimate of how much money you’ll need to put into repairs and upgrades and talk about how well that fits your budget.