Home Inspection, what is it?
Home inspectors follow standards of practice set forth by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and local codes. In order to be a Certified Professional Inspector, one must pass an ASHI-administered exam, have several years’ experience as a home inspector and adhere to the code of ethics set forth by ASHI. The goal of the home inspection industry is not necessarily to prevent bad things from happening but rather to let consumers know what major problems there are so that they can make informed decisions about buying or selling homes. To facilitate this effort, a typical home inspection includes a limited amount of testing for structural hazards such as termites, water leaks, or rotting wood on the exterior; but most of the inspection is actually devoted to checking out systems inside the house such as heating, plumbing and electrical wiring.
Home inspectors do not generally perform construction or maintenance work. Inspectors are most often hired by builders, developers, mortgage lenders or appraisers. An inspector may be asked to provide a report that will become part of a real estate transaction or an appraisal; however, it is important to note that this type of information is not intended for use by all consumers but rather by parties involved in a financial transaction involving real property . Home inspection reports can usually include an estimate of repairs needed as well as recommendations regarding their priority. Most home buyers order inspections as a contingency when making offers on residential properties which results in significant litigation related to contractor liability insurance provisions.
A home inspection is an objective visual examination and comprehensive report of the condition of a home, including any structures or systems attached to the building. The inspection is designed to identify defects or deficiencies that may impact the value of the property or its utility for its intended use. Because these inspections are performed with a client’s interests in mind, they typically disclose everything about the inspected property except for those items specifically excluded by state law. More than 70 percent of real estate transactions employ some form of this pre-purchase examination because it helps assure that the buyer receives what was promised, if not more. While no two houses are quite alike, a good inspector will know enough about various construction methods and materials to recognize when things are out of the ordinary.
While it is not the inspector’s job to repair or replace anything, many of these experts will suggest ways a problem could be remedied. They may also make referrals to other contractors who have proven track records for quality work at reasonable prices. Some inspectors are very thorough and do everything from checking the basement’s dehumidifier to verifying that new appliances come with manufacturer warranties
Golden State Mold Inspections was established in 2010 to help serve the growing need of home and mold inspections in Southern California – give us a call today for a free quote!
Next Blog
